Richland County (SC) high school students recently visited the School of Pharmacy to learn about the pharmacy profession and education. The one-day camp was part of the GEARUP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) program, which promotes academic achievement and college awareness.

“The GEARUP camp was a great chance for the pharmacy school to guide students who have an interest in healthcare,” said Gwen Byrd, Director of Admissions at the School of Pharmacy.

Pharmacy school professors and second- and third-year students taught the Richland County students about preparing for the pharmacy profession and some common pharmacist workday tasks.

The students worked with simulated patients in the laboratory, reading vital monitors, evaluating patients, and prescribing and administering medication. Students also learned how to compound a lotion and syrup in the wet lab, learned about blood pressure, nutrition, and patient health, and more.

Dr. Laura Fox, Assistant Dean for Professional & Student Affairs, discussed pharmacists’ many career options and what students would need to do during high school and college to make themselves competitive for pharmacy school.