The Pharmacy Department was established in 2021 under the College of Applied Natural Science (former School of Applied Natural Science) with the primary objective of addressing the growing national demand for highly skilled pharmacy professionals. The program was launched with the need to fill the gap on the evolving pharmaceutical sector and the increasing healthcare needs of the population. The department officially enrolled its first batch of 28 students in the 2020/21 academic year, marking a significant milestone in ASTU’s commitment to contributing to the health sector through scientific and professional training. Since then, it has grown into a key academic unit within the College of Applied Natural Science, playing a vital role in teaching, research and community service.

The overall mission of the pharmacy department is to train highly qualified, in-demand and community-oriented pharmacists equipped with intellectual, moral and social values of a high standard who can serve in various areas, including community and hospital pharmacy, pharmaceutical industries, regulatory affairs, research, and academia. The curriculum is designed to integrate basic sciences with applied pharmaceutical sciences; ensuring students are well-prepared to meet national and international standards. Alongside theoretical instruction, the program emphasizes practical exposure through laboratory sessions, industry internships, clinical attachments/clerkships, and community service activities. By doing so, the department strives to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also socially accountable, innovative, and capable of addressing national and international pressing healthcare challenges.

Over the years, the pharmacy department has expanded its academic staff, laboratory facilities, and partnerships with health institutions, pharmaceutical industries and regulatory bodies. This growth has enabled it to steadily increase student intake and research capacity, while maintaining a strong focus on quality education and professional development. Today, the department stands as a hub for pharmacy education in central Ethiopia, contributing significantly to the supply of qualified pharmacists who can serve in both urban and rural settings. Looking forward, the department continues to strengthen its vision of becoming a pioneer in pharmacy education, research and community service center in the country, famous in Africa and respected in the world supporting the broader mission of ASTU in advancing applied science and technology for national development.