January 2001

Nuclear Pharmacy Goes Online

The UAMS College of Pharmacy and College of Health Related Professions have teamed with the University of New Mexico (UNM) and established a new educational program to meet the needs for specialists in the field of nuclear pharmacy. The Nuclear Education Online Program, <www.nuclearonline.org>, will use Web-based learning technology with local preceptors to increase the availability and accessibility of education for students and pharmacists interested in this specialty.

Nuclear pharmacy is a branch of pharmacy that develops and studies diagnostic and therapeutic radioactive compounds. The discipline concerns the preparation, dispensing and monitoring of radioactive drugs that are designed to detect and treat certain diseases in people.

CHRP has already successfully presented Web-based course material by distance learning technology to university students in several other states. Internet technology will enable the faculty members of UAMS and UNM to offer classes to students across the country and even around the world. The new educational program will be available in March to pharmacy students and pharmacists seeking additional specialty training for nuclear pharmacy practice.

The program involves 200 hours of education and 500 hours of experimental training. Upon completing the program, students will be eligible for certification by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The program is directed by William Hadley, Ph.D., dean, UNM College of Pharmacy; Larry D. Milne, Ph.D, dean, UAMS College of Pharmacy; and Ronald H. Winters, Ph.D., dean, UAMS College of Health Related Professions.

08/28/01