An Introduction to Daiichi University of Pharmacy
Fukuoka, Japan
Founded in 1958
Daiichi University of Pharmacy (the University) is located in Fukuoka City on the southern island of Kyushu. Established on a rich history of culture and traditions, the city boasts of local festivals, professional sports, and competitive education. Considered the Gateway to Asia, Fukuoka can be accessed by sea, air, and land, providing opportunities for international exchanges and development.
The University is one of 31 schools that form educational organization Tsuzuki Gakuen. Tsuzuki Gakuen has three pharmacy schools in Fukuoka, Yokohama, and Saitama. The University presently has 1100 students in attendance from around Kyushu and neighboring prefectures, with 150 graduates this year studying for the licensing exam. The students are trained to work as pharmacists in hospitals, community pharmacies, drug companies, and schools, and have the option of continuing their studies in graduate school. The University opened its graduate school in April 2021. (https://www.daiichi-cps.ac.jp/department_subject/graduate/)
The University aims to train competent clinical pharmacists through specialized education with a focus on patient care and communication skill development. The two six-year pharmacy programs of the Department of Pharmacy and the Department of Kampo Pharmacy (traditional Japanese medicine) provide students with the clinical skills and science-based knowledge to provide competent pharmaceutical care in hospitals and community pharmacies. The six years of study follow a rigorous curriculum of pharmaceutical science courses, liberal art language and humanities options, a year of pre-clerkship practical study, two 11-week clerkships in a hospital and community pharmacy, and concludes with research study and national licensing exam preparation. Collaboration between local hospitals and pharmacies allows students to practice their learning with patients and observe professionals in realistic pharmacy settings. The advanced curriculum that follows the clerkship program encourages students to focus on specialized areas of research and practice before graduation to give a competitive edge in the job market. Continuing education programs are offered after graduation for alumni. (https://www.daiichi-cps.ac.jp/)
The Department of Nursing at the University offers a unique program that utilizes the tradition and achievements of pharmacy education, training nurses who will be knowledgeable about pharmacology. The four-year curriculum covers a variety of courses, from basic nursing practice to traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo) and clinical leadership. The students choose to take the general program to become a registered nurse (RN), or one of the two specialized programs to become a public health nurse (PHN) or a nurse-midwife (NMW). On-the-job training takes place over 23 weeks in the third and fourth years of study at hospitals, medical facilities for the elderly, and community health facilities. This practical training is followed by an extra specialized training at a local health center, a health and wellness center, or an obstetrics and gynecology clinic. In addition, the program prepares the students for natural disaster response and increases their understanding of international nursing. (https://www.daiichi-cps.ac.jp/department_subject/nurse/)
The students develop balanced lifestyles and interact with their peers through extra-curricular clubs, such as team sports, arts, and cultural disciplines. Once a year, there is a school festival where students work together as a school body to create an enjoyable day for the people in the local community and stage their talents. Many students volunteer in community pharmacy programs to promote drug abuse awareness and to assist in local cleanup from recent earthquake and flood disasters. The University has partnered with Fukuoka City and the city's pharmacists' association to operate a Mobile Pharmacy vehicle to assist in natural disasters. (https://www.daiichi-cps.ac.jp/news/5681/)
The University aims to increase international partnerships to provide the students with exposure to global pharmacy practice. These partnerships give the students opportunities to travel and observe pharmacy practice in other countries. Presently, there are active partnerships with pharmacy schools in the United States, Italy, Taiwan, and China. The University also wishes to increase scientific and clinical research partnerships through faculty exchange programs. (https://www.daiichi-cps.ac.jp/link/)
For further information, check our website at www.daiichi-cps.ac.jp/English.
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