For many students, the path to a doctoral degree in pharmacy is assumed to begin at a four-year university. At Keck Graduate Institute (KGI), a growing number of students are showing there is another, more direct route.
Through its Community College to PharmD pathway, KGI enables students to complete prerequisite coursework at a community college and transition directly into its Doctor of Pharmacy program. The pathway is designed to reduce financial and structural barriers while preserving the academic rigor required for professional practice.
Over the past year, KGI has expanded the pathway through formal partnerships with several Southern California community colleges, including Santiago Canyon College, Pasadena City College, and Mt. San Antonio College, with additional agreements underway. These partnerships build on previously established ones with Cerritos College, El Camino College, Los Angeles Mission College, and San Bernardino Valley College.
According to KGI School of Pharmacy Dean Oscar Garza, the initiative reflects both institutional values and the realities facing today’s students.
“This is about expanding access to a population that has often been overlooked, especially in the health professions, and to ensure the profession reflects the diversity of the people it serves,” Garza said.
He emphasized that removing the requirement of a four-year degree does not diminish the educational experience.
“Students still engage with the same foundational concepts they would encounter at a four-year institution, including social determinants of health and the history of medicine,” Garza said. “Those topics shape civic engagement, advocacy, and an understanding of health policy. They’re essential to graduating informed citizens, not just health professionals.”
Adjusting to the Demands of Pharmacy School
For Chioma Obi ’29, who attended Chaffey College before coming to KGI, the transition to a doctoral program required adjustment. She credits the structure of KGI’s curriculum with helping her manage the shift.
“The schedule makes a big difference,” she said. “We’re not overloaded with classes every day, and we usually finish before 5 p.m., which gives me time to rest and study.”
Obi also points to the benefits of smaller class sizes.
“I get to know everyone, and the professors have the opportunity to attend to every student's needs,” she said.
Making Pharmacy School Financially Possible
For many students, affordability is a deciding factor in choosing their college. Cambryn Castillo ’27 completed her prerequisite coursework at San Bernardino Valley College before transferring to KGI.
“Community college was the most feasible option for me,” Castillo said. “I was able to finish my prerequisites without accumulating debt, which made pharmacy school feel possible.”
She acknowledged that the PharmD program is demanding, particularly in the later years.
“There’s a lot of work, and imposter syndrome can definitely creep in,” she said. “But having a strong support system makes a big difference.”
Despite the challenges, Castillo does not feel her academic background has put her at a disadvantage.
“Once you’re in pharmacy school, everyone is learning new material,” she said.
She highlighted professors Stephanie Kourtakis and Quintin Broussard for helping her navigate complex concepts through clear delivery and engaging instruction.
Reframing the Community College Experience
Like Castillo, Jaki Haddad ’27 views community college as a strength rather than a limitation.
“Community college is not a setback,” Haddad said. “It gives you the resources you need. What matters is that you put in the work.”
Haddad credits KGI with providing an accessible and affordable pathway into a profession he is passionate about.
“It gave me the opportunity to pursue my goals without following the traditional four-year path,” Haddad said. “I took all required classes and had mentors guide me through it. Taking this route taught me independence and showed me that the path to a doctorate degree is built through determination and willingness.”
Returning to School Through an Alternative Route
For Edgar Gallardo ’29, the community college to PharmD pathway made it possible to return to school after years in the workforce. Before enrolling at KGI, Gallardo worked as a truck driver and completed coursework at Victor Valley Community College while balancing family responsibilities.
“Community college was the door for me,” he said. “It allowed me to transition from something I thought would be permanent into a new career.”
Gallardo learned about the pathway through a personal connection and found KGI’s small class sizes and approachable faculty eased his transition. He has also connected his coursework to community outreach through student leadership.
As vice president of KGI’s chapter of the National Hispanic Pharmacists Association, Gallardo helped organize a STEM event for elementary school students that introduced pharmacy concepts through hands-on activities.
“We combined slime-making with lessons on compounding pharmacy,” he said. “It made the science fun and accessible.”
Connecting Coursework to Public Health
Tina Georges ’28 was already planning a career in healthcare but was unaware that a community college pathway to pharmacy school existed.
“I had applied to several UCs and was accepted to UC Irvine,” she said. “Then my manager at CVS told me, ‘You know you don’t need your bachelor’s, right?’”
When she learned about KGI, the more intimate learning environment immediately appealed to her. She also highlighted faculty engagement as a defining part of her experience.
Georges pointed to professors Kourtakis, Kanika Bhandari, and Derick Han as influential mentors who bring real-world experience into the classroom.
Beyond coursework, Georges has connected her training to public health advocacy. She recently attended a conference in Washington, D.C., with fellow students and Professor Talia Puzantian through the Truth Initiative, which focuses on smoking and vaping cessation.
“We learned about the history of smoking, tobacco industry tactics, and strategies for promoting smoke-free campuses,” she said.
She encourages students completing prerequisites to stay flexible.
“Don’t be afraid of dual enrollment if you need it,” Georges said. “It can help you stay on track.”
Preparing Students for the Leap
To support students earlier in their academic journeys, KGI has reintroduced its PharmD Ambassador Program. The initiative pairs current PharmD students with faculty mentors and community college partners to help prospective students prepare for the transition to pharmacy school.
“This helps students develop study skills, time management, and a realistic understanding of what pharmacy school requires,” Garza said.
Garza also emphasized the importance of broadening perceptions of pharmacy careers.
“There’s still a narrow view of what pharmacists do,” he said. “We want students to see opportunities beyond traditional retail settings, including industry, research, public health, and clinical practice.”
Serving Communities Through Access
For many students in the community college to PharmD pathway, earning a degree is closely tied to giving back.
“These are students who want to return to their communities,” Garza said. “They’re motivated to improve health outcomes for their families and neighbors.”
As KGI continues to expand the community to PharmD pathway, the program reflects the Institute’s broader mission: widening access, supporting nontraditional routes, and preparing providers who are deeply connected to the communities they serve.