Future pharmacists received their white coats on Thursday

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Future pharmacists received their white coats on Thursday, Oct. 5. 

The first-year students celebrated finishing their first semester of pharmacy class. 

The Medical College of Wisconsin and UWM are partnering up to offer accelerated paths to pharmacy careers, turning what is usually eight years of schooling into six. 

School leaders say it's creating a cheaper option for students. 

"Being the largest population center in the state of Wisconsin, here in southeastern Wisconsin, it affords individuals the opportunity to remain in southeastern Wisconsin, and more than likely live at home, and save those costs associated with having to travel elsewhere for their undergraduate education and their doctor of pharmacy education," said Dr. George MacKinnon, Founding Dean and Professor of the Medical College of Wisconsin. 

Dr.MacKinnon says the pandemic made a lot of pharmacists burn out, leading to a shortage of pharmacists. The program aims to help get students to pharmacy careers faster.