Medan, August 28, 2026 — The Pharmacist Professional Education Study Program (PSPPA), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), continues to strengthen its professional education process through the implementation of the Midterm Examination (UTS) and Final Examination (UAS) for Cohort 42 Pharmacist students. The academic activities were attended by 114 students as part of the learning-outcome assessment process before they proceed to the Pharmacist Professional Practice (PKPA) stage.

The implementation of the Midterm and Final Examinations is an important stage in pharmacist professional education. Through these assessments, students are evaluated in terms of their mastery of knowledge and understanding of the learning materials provided throughout the educational process.

This series of academic assessments also serves as an opportunity for students to prepare for the next stage of their education. After completing the Midterm and Final Examinations, Cohort 42 Pharmacist students will undertake various preparations to participate in PKPA, an integral component of pharmacist professional education.

PKPA provides students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the learning process in actual practice settings. At this stage, students will gain professional experience while developing a deeper understanding of pharmaceutical services, pharmaceutical preparation management, the implementation of service standards, communication with healthcare professionals and patients, as well as professional ethics and responsibilities.

This stage is expected to develop prospective pharmacists who possess not only academic competencies but also professional skills, communication abilities, integrity, and a strong commitment to patient safety and improving the quality of healthcare services.

The Faculty of Pharmacy USU, through PSPPA, is committed to ensuring that every stage of professional education is implemented in a structured manner and oriented toward achieving graduate competencies. The integration of academic learning and practical experience is an essential part of preparing students to meet the demands of the pharmacist profession and the evolving needs of healthcare services.

The implementation of the Midterm and Final Examinations, followed by preparations for PKPA, also reflects the contribution of the Faculty of Pharmacy USU to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. Quality pharmacist professional education is one of the foundations for producing healthcare professionals capable of providing pharmaceutical services that are safe, effective, high-quality, and oriented toward patient safety.

The activity is also closely related to SDG 4: Quality Education. Academic assessments and practice-based education are efforts to ensure that students receive high-quality and relevant professional education that supports the continuous development of their competencies.

In addition, strengthening students’ competencies through education and practical experience contributes to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, particularly by enhancing skills, professional readiness, and the capacity of human resources in the healthcare sector.

With the completion of the Midterm and Final Examinations, the 114 Cohort 42 Pharmacist students are now preparing to enter the PKPA stage. This stage represents an important part of their journey toward becoming pharmacists and provides an opportunity to apply the competencies they have acquired throughout their education to professional practice.

Through this educational process, the Faculty of Pharmacy USU continues to strive to produce pharmacist graduates who are excellent, competent, professional, and ethical, and who are able to make meaningful contributions to improving the quality of pharmaceutical services and public health.