Program Overview

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Introduction to the Doctor of Pharmacy Program

The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program at Lipscomb University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical sciences, and healthcare. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and is offered in both on-campus and online formats.

Program Overview

The Pharm.D. program is a four-year program that consists of 147 credit hours of coursework, including introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experiences. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in pharmacy practice, research, and education. Students can choose from a variety of elective courses and dual degree programs, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science in Health Care Informatics (MSHCI).

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Pharm.D. program, applicants must have a minimum of 61 semester hours of prerequisite coursework, including courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Applicants must also have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and must submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Curriculum

The Pharm.D. curriculum consists of a combination of didactic and experiential coursework, including:

• Professional Year 1: Foundations in pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical sciences, and healthcare systems
• Professional Year 2: Clinical concepts of disease, pharmacotherapy, and pharmacy practice
• Professional Year 3: Advanced pharmacy practice experiences, including rotations in community, hospital, and clinical settings
• Professional Year 4: Elective courses and advanced pharmacy practice experiences, including a capstone project

Dual Degree Programs

Lipscomb University offers several dual degree programs, including:

• Pharm.D./MBA: A dual degree program that combines the Pharm.D. with an MBA
• Pharm.D./MSHCI: A dual degree program that combines the Pharm.D. with an MSHCI
• Pharm.D./MS: A dual degree program that combines the Pharm.D. with an MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Research Opportunities

The College of Pharmacy at Lipscomb University offers a variety of research opportunities for students, including:

• Faculty-led research projects: Students can work with faculty members on research projects in areas such as pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy practice, and healthcare outcomes
• Summer research programs: Students can participate in summer research programs, including the Summer Research Program and the Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Program

Tuition and Fees

The tuition and fees for the Pharm.D. program at Lipscomb University are as follows:

• First-year tuition and fees: $44,550
• Online pathway estimated expenses: $925 - $1,600 per semester

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Lipscomb University offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help students fund their education, including:

• Merit-based scholarships: Scholarships based on academic achievement and other criteria
• Need-based financial aid: Financial aid based on demonstrated financial need
• Federal Direct Loans: Loans available to students who file the FAFSA

Career Paths

Graduates of the Pharm.D. program at Lipscomb University can pursue a variety of career paths, including:

• Community practice pharmacist: A pharmacist who works in a community pharmacy setting
• Hospital pharmacist: A pharmacist who works in a hospital setting
• Research and development: A pharmacist who works in research and development, discovering and developing new medications and therapies
• Managed care: A pharmacist who works in managed care, ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate medication therapy

Faculty

The College of Pharmacy at Lipscomb University has a faculty of experienced pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists who are dedicated to teaching and research. The faculty includes:

• Tom Campbell: Dean, College of Pharmacy
• Scott Akers: Executive Director, PSR & Associate Dean of Research
• Beth Breeden: Professor and Chair of Graduate Studies in Health Care Informatics
• Abbie Burka: Associate Professor and Director of Interprofessional Education

Student Organizations

The College of Pharmacy at Lipscomb University has a variety of student organizations, including:

• American Pharmacists Association - Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP): A student organization that promotes the profession of pharmacy and provides opportunities for students to get involved in community service and leadership development
• National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA): A student organization that promotes the interests of community pharmacists and provides opportunities for students to get involved in community service and leadership development
• Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS): A national pharmacy leadership society that recognizes and rewards outstanding leadership and service in the profession of pharmacy.