Dickinson, N.D., Oct. 29, 2025 — In a landmark agreement bridging North Dakota’s eastern and western borders, North Dakota State University and Dickinson State University today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create two new academic pathways into NDSU’s Doctor of Pharmacy program. The signing ceremony, held at the North Dakota Pharmacists Association Concept Pharmacy in NDSU’s Aldevron Tower, featured remarks from both university presidents and the chair of NDSU’s pharmacy program.
The agreement establishes a three-year traditional pre-pharmacy pathway and a two-year Early Admission Pathway for DSU students, offering a streamlined route to pharmacy education while allowing students to remain in western North Dakota. Select courses will be delivered in HyFlex or online formats, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for DSU students.
“This is a border-to-border partnership that reflects our shared commitment to serving students and communities across North Dakota,” said NDSU President David Cook. “As the state’s only pharmacy program, we’re proud to work with DSU to keep talented students here and prepare them to meet critical workforce needs.”
DSU President Scott Molander echoed the significance of the agreement, saying “This collaboration opens doors for our students and strengthens the healthcare infrastructure in western North Dakota. It’s a major step forward for both institutions and for the state.”
The initiative is already generating excitement among pharmacists across North Dakota, who see it as a vital step toward addressing workforce shortages in rural and underserved areas. There are currently about 30 active job postings for pharmacists across the state, with more than half of them located in western North Dakota, underscoring the need for locally trained professionals.
“North Dakota has a growing need for qualified pharmacists, especially in rural communities,” said Brandi Ollerman, pharmacist at Medicine Shoppe of Dickinson. “This partnership between DSU and NDSU is exactly what our state needs. It creates a clear path for students to enter the profession while staying in their home communities and ensures we have the next generation of pharmacists ready to serve.”
Under the agreement, DSU students who meet academic requirements will be eligible to apply to NDSU’s Doctor of Pharmacy program after completing the designated coursework. High-achieving students may qualify for early admission through the EAP, with NDSU providing select pharmacy courses in formats accessible from DSU’s campus.
The program officially launches in the spring semester and is expected to attract students interested in a flexible, community-focused pharmacy education.
For more information, prospective students can contact the admissions offices at Dickinson State University or North Dakota State University.
DSU NDSU
Contact: Kierra Mathern Contact: Brynn Rawlings
Phone: 701-483-2486 Phone: 701-936-1202
Email: kierra.mathern@dickinsonstate.edu Email: brynn.rawlings@ndsu.edu