The fourth-year pharmacy student at CSU Orange accepted the role of President of the National Australian Pharmacy Students' Association on July 13.

Ms Cooper will take the helm of the national body which represents the interests of pharmacy students at 18 universities.

The organisation is run by students to provide education, networking, and social events to students.

It also promotes pharmacy and health awareness, and raises money for charities.

As president, Ms Cooper will act as the student groups' spokesperson and oversee all its internal and external affairs.

The Orange High School graduate said she's a confident speaker and hopes to use this skill to convey the opinions of students to those working in the industry.

For the last three years Ms Cooper has worked at Peter Smith TerryWhite Chemmart Orange as a pharmacy assistant.

She said she became interested in a career pharmacy in year 10, because it tied in with her love of the sciences and desire to help people.

"I really like chemistry and I always knew I wanted to do something in the health profession," she said.

"I like the idea of being the first line of health care, if people can't get into their doctor, a pharmacist is usually the person they'll see."

Ms Cooper is one of around 160 students studying pharmacy at CSU Orange, with about 40 students in each of the four years.

The course was originally offered at both CSU Wagga and Orange campuses but is now just offered at Orange.

CSU Associate Professor Maree Donna Simpson said the university is very proud of its pharmacy course, the work the graduates do, and the strong connections the university has to pharmacy.

"Erin's election, and the work she will do in her role as president of NAPSA, will further strengthen Charles Sturt's positive reputation and commitment to pharmacy," she said.

"This is a tremendous leadership opportunity for Erin and a testament to her hard work and passion for pharmacy".

Ms Cooper will accept the role as president following 12 months managing the association's publicity.

She said she hopes to increase memberships, involvement, and communication with students.