by Alex Boesch, Student Public Relations Writer
A recent U.S. News & World Report article published in the Journal of Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy ranked Cedarville University’s School of Pharmacy as the second-best pharmacy school in Ohio, second to the Ohio State University College of Pharmacy. 
U.S. News & World Report publishes rankings of graduate health programs, based on educational and faculty research quality indicators. In the latest rankings, Cedarville University's School of Pharmacy was second in Ohio and number 39 overall in the United States. Other Ohio Pharmacy schools in the top five include The University of Cincinnati (3/42), Northeast Ohio Medical College of Pharmacy (4/49), and the University of Findlay (5/69).
Rankings are determined by a 50/50 balance between educational and research elements. According to these rankings, Cedarville University stood out as the 13th-best school in the country for pharmacy education. This was based on some of the most important quality indicators that shape schools’ educational merit, such as student-faculty ratio, North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) pass rate for first-time test takers and the number of graduates accepted into an accredited residency program — all areas in which Cedarville students find success.
“It’s a nice external affirmation that we are producing quality students,” said Dr. Aleda Chen, associate dean of pharmacy. “We’ve put a lot of time and effort into preparing the best students we can. As Christians, our mission is to be excellent in what we do because we reflect Christ. Our students certainly do that.”
The central focus of Cedarville’s school of pharmacy is students and world transformation. Prospective students interested in pursuing a degree in pharmacy at Cedarville University can still apply.
“We really believe in transforming each student during their time here,” said Chen. “We view our students as missional in that they can live out the call of Christ. As pharmacists, we have a unique opportunity to share Christ’s love by providing excellent patient care. They graduate ready to be on mission.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,082 undergraduate, graduate, and dual-enrolled high school students in more than 175 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, including the Doctor of Pharmacy program, high graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and the #4 national ranking by the Wall Street Journal for student engagement. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.