On the morning of June 18, 2025, Nam Can Tho University (DNC) had the honor of hosting a working session with a delegation from DialogEDU, an international educational organization representing the Appalachian College of Pharmacy (ACP) and the Presbyterian College of Pharmacy (PCP). The event took place both online and in person at Yersin Conference Room, DNC Institute of Health Sciences, marking an important milestone in strengthening international educational cooperation and creating more opportunities for DNC students to access high-quality overseas training programs.

Dr. Nguyen Van Quang, Secretary of the Party Committee, Rector of DNC, delivered the opening remarks. (Photo: DNC Studio)

Attending the meeting, from DialogEDU, was Ms. Deborah Kann Schwarzberg – Founder and Executive Chair – joining online along with experienced specialists. Representing DNC were Dr. Nguyen Van Quang – Secretary of the Party Committee, Rector; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phillip Tran – Director of DNC Institute of Health Sciences, Dean of the Faculty of International Medicine, and Head of Office of International Affairs, along with faculty members from the Office of International Affairs, Faculty of Nursing and Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, and others.

Collaborative Programs

During the meeting, the two sides discussed specific international training programs that DNC will have access to in the near future. These programs are designed to meet labor market demands and aim to develop high-quality healthcare professionals. Specifically:

• Accelerated PharmD Program at ACP: Designed for 5th-year students or DNC alumni, the program lasts 3 years (or 2 years for those admitted under the Advanced Standing track), with 70 slots available starting in January 2026. It focuses on internships in areas with a high demand for pharmacists, offering valuable real-world experience.
• PharmD Program at PCP: Trains clinical pharmacists according to international standards, preparing students with the knowledge and skills needed to enter the U.S. and global labor markets with confidence.
• STEM-Based Master’s in Pharmacy Program: With a duration of 12 to 18 months, graduates may remain in the U.S. for an additional 3 years under OPT (Optional Practical Training) to gain further work experience.
• 1+3 Nursing Program: DNC students complete their first year in Vietnam and, upon meeting the requirements, transfer to international universities to complete the remaining 3 years. Students will prepare for the NCLEX, the mandatory licensure exam for nurses in the U.S., and have the opportunity to work in the U.S. after graduation.

Appalachian College of Pharmacy (ACP) is recognized as one of the leading pharmacy schools in the United States, especially known for its strength in clinical pharmacy training. DialogEDU serves as a bridge, connecting international educational institutions to implement quality academic programs, enhance student and faculty exchange, and support the development of the healthcare workforce.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online discussions about potential training programs to be introduced at DNC (Photo: DNC Studio)

Discussion on MOU and MOA

To formalize the partnership, both sides also discussed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) — a foundational document for upcoming collaborative activities. The contents of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) were also thoroughly reviewed, including referral fee structures, DialogEDU’s responsibilities, and policies, as well as timelines and guidance related to the training programs.

Together, the two parties discussed and exchanged ideas about international training programs, sharing the goal of helping DNC students access advanced knowledge, skills, and career opportunities in the U.S. and worldwide.

Leaders from both sides shared their visions for future collaboration (Photo: DNC Studio)

The working session between DNC and DialogEDU concluded with positive outcomes, opening a promising new chapter in international educational cooperation. DNC’s access to programs from ACP, PCP, and other partners will play an essential role in developing high-quality healthcare human resources, thereby affirming Vietnam’s educational position on the global stage.

The collaboration between DNC and DialogEDU will open valuable opportunities for students and faculty to access high-quality academic programs and move toward international integration. (Photo: DNC Studio)