Meet MBA & PharmD Graduate Vita Rymaruk
A 2015 South University, Savannah Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and MBA graduate, Vita Rymaruk is proud of her work and accomplishments in the pharmacy field. Vita is a lead clinical analyst and senior clinical pharmacist at CarelonRx, a pharmacy benefit management (PBM) company. PBM companies work with health insurance plans, drug manufacturers, and pharmacies to improve prescription affordability and coverage for patients.
“My pharmacy education, combined with an MBA, has significantly impacted my life by opening a wide array of career opportunities. It has enabled me to apply my expertise in both traditional and non-traditional roles effectively,” she says. “As treatments for chronic conditions advance, the value of pharmacy education continues to expand, enhancing my potential to make a significant impact in the field.”
Studying Pharmacy at South University
Before attending the South University School of Pharmacy (SUSOP), Vita worked as a pharmacy technician during her undergraduate studies. “My longstanding interest in medicine made this path feel natural,” she explains. “I selected South University for its accelerated 3-year pharmacy program, which aligns with my career goals. The unique opportunity to earn an MBA concurrently with a PharmD was also a significant factor in my decision. This combination positions me well for future leadership roles in pharmacy.”
Entering pharmacy school, Vita was particularly drawn to pharmacoeconomics. This field analyzes the costs and outcomes of various drugs and therapies to understand which provide the most value. With her MBA and PharmD programs, Vita learned a strong mix of relevant knowledge and skills for this field, which she still uses today.
“The faculty's passion for the pharmacy field at SUSOP significantly influenced my learning experience, making complex concepts easier to grasp. I fondly remember exceptional faculty members who exemplified true dedication to both the field and their students,” she says. “Their commitment has left a lasting impact on my educational journey.”
Vita also appreciated that the accelerated pace of the 3-year PharmD helped her learn to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently. “This experience taught me to focus on activities that drive meaningful progress, preparing me well for the demands of my career,” she says. “The rigorous curriculum and its emphasis on practical application have laid a strong foundation for my professional journey.”
Advice for Pharmacy Students
Looking back on her PharmD program, Vita sees her rotations and professional experiences as incredibly valuable. “It’s important to explore a variety of pharmacy career paths beyond the traditional community and hospital settings,” she says. “I encourage students to pursue a diverse range of rotations and internships to better understand their career aspirations and gain a broad spectrum of experiences.”
The connections Vita made with faculty, students, and professionals during her program have also been useful throughout her career. “Remember that the healthcare field is closely knit, making networking and relationship-building crucial,” she advises.
Post-Graduation Pharmacy Career Success
Today, Vita is a licensed pharmacist in four states, a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and a board-certified Medication Therapy Management Specialist. She has credentials in Leading Healthcare Quality & Patient Safety Initiatives and in Prescription Drug Regulation, Cost, and Access. Her company recently recognized Vita with an Elevation Award for her work on a biosimilar implementation project.
Vita began her career as a prior authorization pharmacist, where she gained insight into the complexities of patient care. The job offered hands-on experience with supporting policy execution and operations, improving efficiency, and analyzing clinical and business data.
Eventually, Vita transitioned into her current role as a lead clinical analyst. She oversees a team of specialized pharmacists and supports operational objectives and clinical programs. The position aligns well with her passion for finding trends, solving problems, and optimizing workflows. “I contribute to intra- and interprofessional team projects focused on improving patient care,” she shares. “Collaborating with professionals from various fields in patient care is both rewarding and essential.”
Vita also helps lead an employee engagement committee dedicated to creating a workplace where employees feel passionate, energetic, and fulfilled. Outside of the company, Vita has spoken at domestic and international healthcare events, addressing medical staff, educators, and students. She recently contributed to a medical refugee aid initiative, developing transition plans for foreign oncology and autoimmune patients to align with clinical guidelines across France, Canada, and the US.
South University is proud to list Vita among our PharmD alumni success stories, and we can’t wait to see what else her future holds!
Enjoyed this alumni story?
Find out if the South University School of Pharmacy is right for you. Explore the PharmD program at South University, Savannah, or request information today.
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Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
Clinical/Medical programs have a required in-person clinical, practicum, or externship requirement. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.
Testimonials have been provided by students/alumni in their own words and without coercion. This spotlight is based on information shared in 2025.
