Quincy Byrdsong, Vice Provost for Health Affairs
Tom Campbell, Dean, College of Pharmacy
Jeff Lee, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Pharmacy
Greg Young, Associate Dean for Experiential Education, College of Pharmacy
Beth Breeden, Director, Graduate Studies in Health Care Informatics
Brent Thompson, Director, Dual Degree Pharm.D./Master of Management in Health Care
Scott Akers, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Elizabeth Breeden, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Abbie Tucker Burka, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Tom Campbell, Dean, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Kevin Clauson, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Sarah Collier, Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Zachary Cox, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Rachel Crouch, Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
R. Nathan Daniels, Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Kevin Eidson, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Chad Gentry, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Ben Gross, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Susan Hamblin, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Randy Jerkins, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Justin Kirby, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Jeff Lee, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Angie McGraw, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Susan Mercer, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Lindsey Miller, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Kam Nola, Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Robin Parker, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Steve Phipps, Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Jonathon Pouliot, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Allison Provine, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Brent Thompson, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
James Torr, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Sarah Uroza, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Matt Vergne, Associate Research Scientist of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Jessica Wallace, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Greg Young, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy is an extraordinary college steeped in the traditions of public service, focused on health care delivery to the public, and committed to the principles of Christian service. The College of Pharmacy at Lipscomb University embraces an environment that emphasizes a commitment to academic excellence and a life of Christian faith.
Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy has been granted full accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. The college has demonstrated to the satisfaction of ACPE that the program complies with accreditation standards, including the appropriateness of the program’s mission and goals, the adequacy of resources and organization to meet the mission and goals, outcomes which indicate that the mission and goals are being met, and the reasonable assurance of the continued compliance with standards.
Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy has fulfilled the accreditation requirements set forth by ACPE for the Professional Degree Program in Pharmacy and is granted Accreditation Status through June 30, 2026.
Building a college to educate health care professionals for a life of service.
Welcome to the Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy. Our mission is to provide our student pharmacists with a personalized educational experience characterized by Christian faith and mentorship within an innovative and collaborative learning environment. In other words, student pharmacists will be trained in a holistic manner where faculty will consider the mind, body, and spirit as our student pharmacists develop into competent and compassionate pharmacy practitioners ready to serve patients locally and globally. The College of Pharmacy has a rich history of preparing student pharmacists to be leaders in all areas of pharmacy practice and, most importantly, a strong legacy of preparing our graduates for a life of service. The location in Nashville, Tennessee is an incredible asset for our student pharmacists as Nashville is the nation’s health care industry capital, growing with new opportunities every day.
The pharmacy profession is growing and is in the midst of a revolution in health care delivery and the improvement of the quality of life for millions of individuals. At the center of this revolution are the discovery and appropriate use of medications. Pharmacists in a variety of practice settings will bear accountability for achieving optimal outcomes for patients. Pharmacy is a service profession built on compassion and commitment to those who have health care needs. It is critical that pharmacists, as essential members of the health care team, apply Christian principles such as compassion, understanding, and caring into their practices.
The dual degree in pharmacy and health care informatics (HCI) is designed to develop health care leaders ready to meet the current and future challenges of the health care industry is offered through the College of Pharmacy, which is growing in its use of technology on a daily basis.
Health care informatics (HCI) is a growing and emerging discipline which evaluates the application of biomedical informatics methods and techniques utilized in the provision of health care services. Also included is the vital role HCI plays in enhancing the quality of care, reducing health care costs and addressing health issues. The dual degree in pharmacy and health care informatics is designed to develop health care leaders ready to meet the current and future challenges of the health care industry which is growing in its use of technology on a daily basis.
The College of Pharmacy also partners with the College of Business to offer a dual Doctor of Pharmacy degree and a Master of Management in Health Care degree, in management of health care administration. This unique degree option provides student pharmacists with vital leadership skills and business acumen to meet the needs of the rapidly changing and complex health care landscape. This training in business combined with the Doctor of Pharmacy degree will position graduates to be highly sought after due to a solid foundation in management principles, strategic thinking, and innovation.
The College of Pharmacy at Lipscomb University embraces an environment that emphasizes a commitment to a life of Christian mission and ideals. It is an exciting time to be in the pharmacy profession, and Lipscomb University is an exciting place to begin that journey.
If you would like more information regarding the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, email us at pharmacy@lipscomb.edu or call 888.333.4358, ext. 7160. We also encourage you to personally visit our campus at any opportunity.
- Thomas M. Campbell, Pharm.D., dean and associate professor
Advance health through leadership in pharmacy education, service and innovation.
The mission of the Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy is to cultivate a personalized educational experience characterized by Christian faith and mentorship within an innovative and collaborative learning environment. The College prepares versatile pharmacy professionals who provide compassionate care and leadership while serving locally and globally.
Student pharmacists requesting a transfer to Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy from another Doctor of Pharmacy program must follow College guidelines.
Students are required to provide satisfactory documentation of personal identification for off-site learning experiences required in many programs of graduate study at Lipscomb University. Failure to provide proper credentials will result in failure to complete the desired course of study. For complete policy, see section entitled Required Documentation for Off-Site Learning Experiences in the opening section of this catalog.
Tuition (per year) | $37,938 |
Fees | |
First professional year (P1) | $3,140 |
Second professional year (P2) | $3,510 |
Third professional year (P3) | $3,440 |
Fourth professional year (P4) | $2,430 |
Room and board charges per semester are available in the undergraduate catalog.
Acceptance of a position in a class of the College of Pharmacy is viewed as a long-term commitment and different from registering for classes in an undergraduate program. The curriculum of the College of Pharmacy is offered in fulfillment of a professional degree where the focus of education is more narrow and the intensity of effort is more profound. Since classes are admitted only one time a year for a defined number of students, the opportunity to replace student pharmacists who choose to voluntarily withdraw is extremely limited. It is the operational policy of the Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy that no potential student pharmacist will be asked to join any class after the official fifth day of classes, unless there is agreement between the dean and the provost that it will be in the best interests of the student pharmacist and the college to permit a later start.
Therefore, the college’s policy on voluntary withdrawal and refund of tuition and fees for the College of Pharmacy is as follows.
From official registration completion to one week before the first official day of orientation | 100% |
From one week before the first official day of orientation through the official fifth day of class | 50% |
After the official fifth day of class | None |
For the second or any subsequent semester of the program | None |
3.1. All work in the Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy is graded by letters. Each letter is in turn assigned a quality-point value according to the following chart:
No Quality Points
3.2. The College has adopted a numerical scoring system where a 70% score is the minimum passing score. The following is the grading scale:
5.1. During the P1, P2, and P3 years, the Academic Progression Committee will monitor student pharmacists’ academic performance each semester. As a step to identify early academic difficulty, the Academic Progression Committee will monitor progress throughout the semester and then perform a formal review at the end of each semester to determine if progression is warranted. The first step of the monitoring process is that faculty mentors will be notified of academic progress of their mentees after the first assessments of the semester are complete, or earlier if a problem is noted by faculty. Mentors will provide academic counsel to those student pharmacists with early academic struggles. After the midpoint of the semester assessments are completed, this same review will take place and student pharmacists with continued struggles will be sent to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for additional academic counseling. The Academic Progression Committee will use a delegate, normally the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, to convey their recommendations to the student pharmacist. At the conclusion of the semester, academic performance is once again reviewed by the faculty mentors and the Academic Progression Committee.
5.2. During the P4 year, student pharmacists’ academic performance will continue to be monitored by the Academic Progression Committee. Additionally, the Associate Dean for Experiential Education and the Experiential Education Committee will also evaluate student pharmacist/preceptor performance and this evaluation will take place at the end of each practice experience cycle.
5.3. Anyone identified as having less than “C” performance in any required course will receive written communication indicating the need for improvement and the need to meet with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to discuss academic progression.
6.1. Academic Warning: A P1 student pharmacist with a GPA for the first semester below 2.3 will be placed on Academic Warning. This is a one-time warning applicable only to P1 student pharmacists finishing the first semester. Student pharmacists on Academic Warning who do not raise their GPA to 2.3 by the end of their next semester in school will be placed on academic probation. P1 student pharmacists on Academic Warning will be required to participate in Pharmacy Turning Point, a program designed to assist student pharmacists attempting to recover from difficult academic situations (Pharmacy Turning Point is an adaptation of a successful University counseling program).
6.1.1. Pharmacy Turning Point is a program designed to assist student pharmacists who are attempting to recover from difficult academic situations. This program is coordinated by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and the Director of Admissions and Student Affairs and will involve faculty, staff, and outside educational resources. Participants will be expected to fulfill all program requirements, such as supervisory office visits with the coordinating staff (or faculty mentor), participation in tutoring labs and academic skills workshops, and monitoring of class attendance and academic performance.
6.2. Academic Probation: All student pharmacists must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.3, including incomplete grades. Student pharmacists with a cumulative GPA below 2.3 will be placed on academic probation for the following semester. Student pharmacists on academic probation must contact the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for a meeting before semester enrollment and complete a Probation Contract. The contract will be the result of an evaluation of the student pharmacist to determine the possible reasons for academic difficulty and development of a plan to address the areas contributing to academic difficulty. The Probation Contract is a useful way to address the academic problems the student pharmacist has encountered. Failure to sign a contract, by student pharmacist choice, results in academic dismissal from the College.
6.2.1. Student pharmacists on academic probation who earn a term GPA of 2.3 or higher but fail to raise their cumulative GPA to 2.3 or higher may be considered for a one-semester extension of their probation.
6.2.2. Student pharmacists on academic probation because of incomplete work can be removed from probation at any time the work is made up and a satisfactory GPA is recorded on the permanent record.
6.3. Failing Grades: A student pharmacist who receives a failing grade (F or U) in any professional course work must successfully complete an Academic Recovery Contract (i.e., remediation) developed by the course coordinator with input from the Department Chair / Vice Chair and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and approved by the Academic Progression Committee. The Academic Recovery Contract is similar to the Probation Contract; however, it deals more specifically with the coursework in which a failing grade was received. The Academic Recovery Contract discusses remediation and the need for demonstration of proficiency in the coursework in which a failing grade was received.
6.3.1 Student pharmacists will be required to remediate any class in which a failing grade (F or U) was received. The process for remediation will range from retaking the class the next academic year to “after-hours” coursework and assessment. After hours class work will consist of reviewing of video lectures, one-on-one discussion with faculty, and assessment(s). Remediation plans will be developed collaboratively by the course coordinator, department chairs/vice chairs, and the Academic Progression Committee (APC). In the context of this setting, “after-hours” is primarily considered to be the time periods between semesters. The decision for remediation will be made by the APC in consultation with the Dean.
6.3.2. Student pharmacists requiring course remediation must remediate any material for which they received a failing examination grade. Including additional remediation material is at the discretion of the faculty member coordinating remediation. If additional material that the student pharmacist previously earned a passing score is included, the score of the repeat attempt will be used to calculate the average remediation grade.
6.3.3. Student pharmacists must attend all meetings scheduled in the remediation contract unless the faculty member coordinating the remediation excuses them. An unexcused absence will result in termination of the remediation contract and remediation failure.
6.3.4. Successful remediation is defined as receiving a passing grade equal to or greater than 70% for the average of all assessments assigned under the remediation contract.
6.3.5. Remediated coursework performed in a successful manner will result in a grade change form being submitted to the University Registrar. The University’s academic record system will keep on file that the record contains a grade change due to remediation. The College also maintains records on all grades earned in the College and this record will be utilized for all honors, scholarships, and faculty recommendations from the College. The highest replacement grade that may be achieved secondary to remediation is a “70%” for a course grade.
6.3.6. The process for remediation of introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experiences will be coordinated through the Office of Experiential Education and the APC.
6.3.7. Remediation Contract and Content: the remediation course coordinator and any faculty members responsible for remediation content should agree on the plan set forth in the remediation contract presented to the student pharmacist and approved by the APC. This plan should include the time set aside for meetings between the faculty member and student pharmacist that may include informal assessment, answering questions regarding content, or other discussion. Remediation should be comparable in academic rigor to the original course. The remediation contract should include the following at a minimum:
6.3.7.1. Dates of assessments and expected completion date of the remediation.
6.3.7.2. Coordinator’s expectations for time allotted for individual study;
6.3.7.3. Course content to be remediated.
6.3.7.4. Expectations for the planned meetings between faculty and the student pharmacist;
6.3.7.5. General remediation principles outlined in Articles 6.3.1 through 6.3.5;
6.3.7.6. Statement of agreement of financial obligation for remediation fee;
6.3.7.7. Student pharmacist signature, course coordinator signature, and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs signature prior to the initiation of remediation.
6.3.8. A $1,500 fee will be paid by the student pharmacist for each remediation course. Remediation is both offered and designed to best prepare student pharmacists for professional practice and they are responsible for paying for this privilege. This fee will be paid to the College of Pharmacy for the support of academic and professional activities. Payment of this fee is required by the end of the semester following remediation or prior to graduation, whichever comes first. There will be no change in the grade on the transcript until this fee is paid in full.
6.3.9. If a student pharmacist does not successfully complete remediation as noted in 6.3.4, the student pharmacist will be academically suspended. Remediation a second time for the same course is not an option.
6.3.10. A failing grade during the P4 year will require re-taking the APPE experience. If possible, an attempt will be made to have the APPE during the student pharmacist’s open month if approved by the preceptor, the Associate Dean for Experiential Education, the Academic Progression Committee, and the Dean. If the failing grade takes place after the student’s open month has occurred, the student pharmacist’s graduation may be delayed pending successful remediation of the APPE experience.
6.3.11. If a student pharmacist receives two (2) or more failing grades (F or U) in any professional course work the student pharmacist will be dismissed from the program for scholastic deficiency.
6.3.12. Any student pharmacist, who receives a grade of “I” (incomplete) at the end of an academic semester, must develop an academic plan with the course coordinators and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. The plan must be approved by the Academic Progression Committee. The plan must be in place at the start of the next semester with dates specified for the completion of the incomplete work which will be no later than the end of the next academic year. It is expected that incomplete coursework will be completed in a manner and timeframe as stated in the academic plan.
6.3.12.1. Failure to complete the academic plan will result in the course coordinator assigning a grade consistent with the academic work completed.
6.3.12.2. Any student pharmacist with a grade of “I” may not proceed to the APPE portion of the curriculum until the grade is recorded or the course is satisfactorily completed.
6.4. Academic Suspension: A student pharmacist on academic probation who fails to earn a GPA of at least 2.3 in any term that he or she is on academic probation will be academically suspended. Additionally, if the student pharmacist is on academic probation and professional/disciplinary probation at the same time, the student pharmacist will be suspended. Student pharmacists that are not successful in course remediation will be academically suspended. Readmission to the College will be available the next professional year pending approval by the Academic Progression Committee (APC) and the Dean. Both the suspension and readmission will be recorded on the student pharmacist’s permanent academic record. Student pharmacists who fail to earn a GPA of at least 3.0 during the fourth professional year will be academically suspended. The APC and the Dean in coordination with the Office of Experiential Education will approve readmission to the College.
6.4.1. A student pharmacist who returns from academic suspension will automatically be placed on academic probation. No academic coursework earned elsewhere during the suspension will be used either in the calculation of the student pharmacist’s academic status, nor transferred as credit toward a degree.
6.5. Academic Dismissal: If a student pharmacist is on probation as a result of having returned from an academic suspension, and fails to meet the 2.3 GPA retention standards for any semester (or 3.0 GPA in the fourth professional year), then he or she will be academically dismissed from the program. No student pharmacist shall be academically dismissed unless he or she has first been academically suspended, except in the case of the student pharmacist receiving two failing grades.
6.6. Student Pharmacist Involvement in College Activities during Academic Jeopardy: Student pharmacists that have been placed on academic warning, probation, suspension, or have received failing grades are restricted from involvement in student and/or professional organizations. This includes involvement in student pharmacist organizations, mission trips, health service projects, and attendance at professional meetings. Student pharmacists may still serve as members in professional organizations. Activities developed by professional organizations or extracurricular activities (e.g., intramurals) should be avoided due to time requirements and the subsequent loss of time that could be used for academic studies. Should a student pharmacist desire to participate in an activity of a professional organization or an extracurricular activity of the University, they shall request written permission of the Director of Admissions and Student Affairs.
6.6.1. Student pharmacists who failed one course are not eligible for holding a leadership position or attending professional meetings or events that coincide with class time until they successfully remediate and subsequently have a semester without a failing grade. The remediation period includes the time from when the student fails a course until the remediation is successfully completed.
6.6.2. Student pharmacists on academic probation may not be appointed to any College committee or elected to any office in any College or pharmacy professional organization during the period of probation. Likewise, student pharmacists are not eligible to attend professional meetings or events that coincide with class time until they are removed from academic probation.
6.6.3. Student pharmacists reinstated after an academic suspension will be placed on academic probation and therefore subject to the stipulations outlined in Article 6.6.2.
6.6.4. Student pharmacists in academic jeopardy who are currently serving in an organizational or College leadership role must relinquish their responsibilities. The Academic Progression Committee will provide notification of academic jeopardy to the Office of Student Affairs and the organization’s faculty sponsor. If/when the student pharmacist’s eligibility is regained, he/she may at that time, in consultation with the organizational sponsor, the Office of Student Affairs, and the Academic Progression Committee, be considered for a leadership position. However, the student pharmacist may not be automatically reinstated in the position vacated.
6.6.5. Student pharmacists who have made financial commitments prior to becoming ineligible through the stipulations noted above or those who have two failing grades in ongoing coursework at the semester midpoint forfeit the right to attend professional meeting and events regardless of their monetary loss. Professional meetings or events that occur outside of class or remediation are exempt from this policy. However, no college financial support will be given for attendance.
7.1. Student pharmacists are not allowed to drop any classes within the College’s professional curriculum.
7.2. All failing grades (F or U) are subject to the remediation processes outlined in Article 6.3.
7.3. A course in which the student pharmacist receives a grade of “A”, “B”, or “C” may not be repeated unless required by the Academic Progression Committee as a stipulation for continued enrollment.
8.1. A formal appeal must be initiated within 30 calendar days following the date that grades are posted. The appeal should be completed within 60 calendar days following the initiation of the process.
8.2. The student pharmacist must initiate the process by presenting the appeal in writing to the faculty member who serves as course coordinator of the course. The faculty member will render a decision in writing.
8.3. If the appeal is denied by the faculty member, the student pharmacist may present it in writing to the appropriate department chairperson. The department chairperson will render a decision in writing.
8.4. If the appeal to the department chairperson is not resolved to the student pharmacist’s satisfaction, the student pharmacist may present the appeal in writing to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. This must be done within 10 days of the decision of the department chairperson. The appeal must specify the grounds, as well as supporting facts and arguments. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will consult with the Dean of the College of Pharmacy and will review supporting documents as well as any new information that may not have been available to the department chairperson or course coordinator at the time of his/her determination. Discovery of any new information brought forward by the student pharmacist will be provided to the department chairperson and the involved faculty member for review and feedback. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will render a final decision in writing after consultation with the Dean. This step ends the appeal process.
10.1. As part of demonstrating this professionalism, student pharmacists are required to attend class. Student pharmacists can miss no more class hours within an individual course than twice the number of course credit hours without penalty (i.e., four class hours of absences for a two semester credit hour course).
10.1.1. Course coordinators and instructors have the authority to routinely or randomly monitor and document class attendance by any verbal, written, or electronic method utilized at the beginning, during, or end of the scheduled class period.
10.1.2. There are no excused or unexcused absences; student pharmacists suffering illnesses or if there is another valid reason for the absence can utilize the aforementioned days (i.e., no more than twice the number of course credit hours) for these absences.
10.1.3. The College strongly discourages missing class haphazardly and it is deemed to be a breach of professionalism. If the student pharmacist reaches the limit of allowed absences and then, due to illness, needs to miss an additional day, a penalty will be enforced.
10.1.4. Makeup of missed assignments will be allowed if the student pharmacist is within the allowed number of absences. Some graded assignments are not conducive to makeup (i.e., group projects, presentations) and in those cases the course coordinator will exercise judgment whether course content makeup can be performed. In some cases, a modified version of the missed assignment will be assigned for makeup and this is at faculty discretion. Makeup of missed coursework should not disrupt the overall course schedule.
10.2. Extended absences (over one week) must be validated and cleared through the Office of Academic Affairs. The student pharmacist should notify the course coordinator prior to the absence, if known, or promptly thereafter to inform the coordinator of the circumstances. It is likely that the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will require documentation of illness from your health care provider if illness is the reason for the extended absence. The course coordinator will help the student pharmacist develop a plan to makeup any missed class work or assignments. In cases where the absence is more extensive, the Academic Progression Committee will work collaboratively with the course coordinators to schedule the makeup process.
10.3. The policy for managing attendance issues for individual student pharmacists is as follows:
10.3.1. Student pharmacists who miss class more than two times the number of credit hours for an individual course will be required to meet with the Director for Student Affairs and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs before being readmitted to class and have their final letter grade for the course reduced by one letter grade and no makeup of missed graded assignments will be allowed. If course remediation is required, the plan will be developed by the course coordinator and approved by the Academic Progression Committee.
10.3.2. Student pharmacists who miss class more than three times the number of credit hours for an individual course will be required to meet with the Director for Student Affairs and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs before being readmitted to class and have their final letter grade for the course reduced by two letter grades and no makeup of missed graded assignments will be allowed. If course remediation is required, the plan will be developed by the course coordinator and approved by the Academic Progression Committee.
10.3.3. Student pharmacists who miss class more than four times the number of credit hours for an individual course will be required to meet with the Director for Student Affairs and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs before being readmitted to class and have their final letter grade for the course reduced by three letter grades. This will require remediation of the course content per the College’s Academic Policies. The plans for remediation will be developed by the course coordinator and approved by the Academic Progression Committee.
10.4. When attendance for the entire class falls below 80% in classes for more than two times the number of credit hours for an individual course, the course coordinator has the authority to discontinue the electronic availability of lectures on the audio/video lecture capture system for the remaining portion of the semester.
10.5. Student pharmacists are expected to be in class, on time, and to be prepared for discussing lecture content/material. Tardiness is disruptive to fellow student pharmacists and to the instructor. Punctuality and preparedness are characteristics of a professional and will be expected of course participants.
10.6. Student pharmacists should not leave during the class period. Student pharmacists who must leave class during a lecture or presentation will not be permitted to re-enter the classroom until the next scheduled hour unless prior arrangements have been made with the course instructor.
10.7. Professional standards include appropriate dress and proper attention to personal hygiene. In general, student pharmacists should dress so that their most conservative classmate, instructor, employer, client or patient would not be offended. Extremes in outfits, hairstyles, and cosmetics should be avoided. Additional information regarding professional behavior, conduct, and attire is provided in the College’s document on Professional Behavior Guidelines.
11.1. Student pharmacists must report for examinations as scheduled. Additionally, student pharmacists arriving for the exam after peer student pharmacists have completed the exam will not be allowed to take the exam. A score of “0” will be recorded for the student pharmacist and the student pharmacist should be referred to the Office of Academic Affairs. Extenuating circumstances leading to tardiness to an exam should be communicated to the Course Coordinator as soon as possible so that an alternate exam time and location can be scheduled. The Course Coordinator in consultation with the Office of Academic Affairs will make a final decision of the validity of the circumstances involved leading to exam tardiness.
11.2. It is the responsibility of the course coordinator to describe in the syllabus the course policy for making up exams that are canceled due to class disruption.
11.3. Tests and examinations are to be prepared by faculty and staff members only. Student pharmacists are not allowed to assist in the preparation of tests and examinations. This means student workers cannot help in any aspect of the preparation, copying, handling, or distribution of assessments. Privacy laws, courtesy, and good judgment dictate that student pharmacists should not have access to the grades of their peers.
11.4. All regular classes should have more than two graded tests or other assessment points during a semester. As a general rule, it is recommended that a class should have at least one test or other major graded assignment during the semester for each hour of credit offered for the class.
12.1. The College will implement the Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) as offered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) as a mechanism to analyze and evaluate performance in the curriculum and identify individual student pharmacists’ strengths, weaknesses, and progress from year to year. The College will also be able to evaluate overall curricular strength as compared to national benchmarks comprised of other participating colleges/schools of pharmacy. Benchmark data will be able to be broken down into four major content areas and thirty-five subtopic areas. The PCOA will serve as a low stakes assessment and will be administered annually in the spring semester. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will schedule this assessment and publish the date in the class calendars.
12.2. Prior to the completion of the first academic year, student pharmacists will be required to successfully pass a calculation capstone assessment. This assessment will be considered high stakes as student pharmacists will not be allowed to graduate from the College until successful completion occurs. Student pharmacists who fail to meet the 70% passing score will be required to remediate a calculations module during breaks between semesters and will continue this remediation until a successful score is achieved.
13.1. Co-curricular activities are experiences that provide student pharmacists an opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge in a setting that cannot be readily provided in a formal classroom setting.
13.2. Student pharmacists are required to complete a prescribed number of hours/events each semester.
13.3. Faculty mentors guide student pharmacists in the selection of co-curricular activities that will enhance career goals.
13.4. Student pharmacists are required to document their experiences and reflect on how these experiences impacted their learning.
13.5. Failure to successfully meet the requirements of the co-curricular plan will require remediation.
13.6. Failure to successfully remediate co-curricular activities will be forwarded to the Academic Progression Committee for next action, which could include academic suspension or dismissal.
13.7. All co-curricular activities fall under the purview of the College’s Academic Integrity policy.
14.1 Completion of the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum with a passing grade in each course, a passing score in the calculations capstone, and with a 2.3 cumulative grade point average in a maximum of six academic years, unless enrolled in a dual degree program.
14.2. Completion of all required co-curricular activities as outlined in the student pharmacist’s individual plan.
14.3. Forty-six months residence in an accredited school of pharmacy, the final 24 months of which must be completed at Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy.
14.4. Recommendation by the faculty of the College through the Academic Progression Committee.
14.5. Payment of all financial obligations to the College.
14.6 Compulsory attendance at graduation exercises, unless granted an exception by the Office of the Dean.
15.1. The traditional cap and gown, with or without an academic hood, is considered formal academic attire for ceremonial events, and the addition of any ornamentation is quite limited by customary etiquette. At commencement, the College will provide cords and ribbons for graduates to wear acknowledging membership in nationally recognized academic honor societies.
15.2. A purple and white cord shows membership in Rho Chi.
15.3. A green cord signifies membership in Alpha Chi.
15.4 Traditional hoods of academic regalia are bestowed upon the graduates at commencement. The hood is lined with the Lipscomb University colors of purple and gold and is trimmed in olive green, denoting pharmacy.
15.5. Candidates for Graduation of the College should also attend a private recognition ceremony held in conjunction with the graduation ceremonies for Lipscomb University. All awards for graduates will be awarded at this ceremony.
17.1. Each case will be individually assessed on its merit and potential transfer students are to be informed that it is likely that an additional semester or more is likely to fulfill all required coursework.
17.2. Student pharmacists must have an official transcript of their work from each school they have attended mailed to the College of Pharmacy’s Director of Admission and Recruitment office.
17.3. A recommendation to accept courses will be made by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs after consultation with the University Registrar, Department Chairs, and the Director of Admissions and Student Affairs. Final decision to accept or deny will reside with the Dean. Each course will be reviewed by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to establish whether or not the course work fulfills existing requirements within the College’s curriculum. If components of a particular course that are deemed critical elements by the Department Chairs were not covered by the previous academic institution in their respective curriculum (for a similarly described course), then the transfer student pharmacist will be asked to repeat that particular course upon admission to the College. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will provide the transfer student pharmacist a full listing of his/her curricular requirements prior to enrollment thereby providing opportunity to accept the conditions for transfer.
17.4. Transfer candidates will be evaluated for transfer eligibility based on previous academic performance, professional behavior, on-campus interview, and, when applicable, recommendations from faculty from the previous college/school of pharmacy.
17.5. A grade of “C” or better must have been earned for each course for transfer.
17.6. At least fifty-percent of the credit hours required for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree must be earned in coursework at Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy; therefore, only transfer candidates in the earliest semesters of their respective pharmacy programs are eligible for transfer.
17.7. Credit must have been received from an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) approved college/school of pharmacy before it will be awarded. Additionally, the prospective transfer student pharmacist must complete an onsite interview process arranged by the Director of Admissions and Student Affairs.
17.8. Transfer student pharmacists may also be asked to complete an assessment consistent with the level of coursework the student pharmacist should have completed prior to transfer. An assessment will be made on the score received to ascertain if the transfer should move forward and at what academic level within the College.
17.9. Additionally, all applicants, including transfers, to Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy must possess a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale on all previous college work. All previous academic work will be evaluated.
18.1. Curricular Assessment: As a part of the ongoing assessment, evaluation, and review of the College’s curriculum, student pharmacist and faculty information are used for evaluation and feedback to improve the program and to document student pharmacist and faculty progress. The EAC will use course evaluations, faculty evaluations, student progress assessment and feedback, faculty progress, surveys, recorded encounters, and group work in this ongoing process. For student pharmacist assessment, data are primarily reported in the aggregate, and individual identification will be protected. There will be some instances when videotape review will be used to teach interviewing skills and group dynamics. All persons being recorded will give their consent prior to any use of the recorded material. When data are used for documenting and publishing about the curriculum and student pharmacist outcomes, appropriate institutional review will occur and aggregate data used. If the use of identifying information is needed, appropriate student pharmacist consent will be obtained.
18.2. Programmatic Outcomes: The College annually updates a Scorecard that tracks the College’s performance in admissions, graduation rates, licensure pass rates, retention, faculty scholarship, alumni employment, and satisfaction of faculty and staff.
Student pharmacists will be required to document that they possess these minimal skills during orientation of the first professional year. Student pharmacists requesting supplemental training will be accommodated. All student pharmacists will be required to have a computer with wireless networking capability and software in class that meets a minimum set of specifications established by the College. Additionally, student pharmacists are required to have access to a smartphone (e.g., iPhone, Droid) or tablet (e.g., iPad), for in-class polling and audience response purposes. Student pharmacists will be required to routinely access Blackboard to document attendance, access course content, receive course announcements and notifications, successfully download lecture slides and handouts, download and upload homework assignments, and complete in-class assessments and quizzes. Therefore, a computer meeting minimum specifications must be brought to class daily. Computer specifications are located on the College’s website and distributed during early orientation.
Pharmacy prerequisites include a minimum 64 undergraduate hours including:
Course | Minimum Semester Credit Hours |
General Chemistry with laboratories | 8 |
Organic Chemistry with laboratories | 8 |
Biology with laboratories | 8 |
Microbiology with laboratories | 4 |
Calculus | 3 |
Statistics | 3 |
English Composition I and II | 6 |
Speech communication | 3 |
Micro or macro economics | 3 |
Electives-Humanities/Social Science | 12 |
Additional electives | 6 |
TOTAL hours (minimum) | 64 |
The following courses of study are designed to prepare a student for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy.
PHAD - Health Sciences Administration
PHAE - Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences
PHIE - Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences
PHPR - Pharmacy Practice
PHSC - Pharmaceutical Sciences
Fall - Semester 1
PHAD 1111 Applied Christian Values I (1)
PHIE 1511 Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences I (1)
PHPR 1002 Foundations in Pharmacy Practice (2)
PHPR 1622 Pharmacy Calculations (2)
PHSC 1113 Physiological Basis of Therapeutics I (3)
PHSC 1213 Biomolecular Chemistry (3)
PHSC 1313 Microbiology and Immunology (3)
PHSC 1413 Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry (3)
PHSC 1512 Integrated Biomedical Sciences Lab I (2)
Semester Credit Hours: 20
Spring - Semester 2
PHAD 1303 Pharmacy Leadership and Management (3)
PHAD 1202 Biomedical Literature Analysis and Drug Information (2)
PHIE 1521 Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences II (1)
PHPR 1613 Pharmacy Compounding and Dispensing (3)
PHSC 1123 Physiological Basis of Therapeutics II (3)
PHSC 1522 Integrated Biomedical Sciences Lab II (2)
PHSC 1613 Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics I (3)
Semester Credit Hours: 20
Fall - Semester 3
PHAD 2111 Applied Christian Values II (1)
PHAD 2432 Communication Skills (2)
PHAD 2423 Concepts in Pharmacy Practice Administration (3)
PHIE 2511 Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences III (1)
PHPR 2312 Natural Medicine (2)
PHPR 2422 Introduction to Health Informatics (2)
PHPR 2903 Clinical Concepts of Disease I (3)
PHSC 2433 Advanced Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics (3)
PHSC 2623 Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics II (3)
Semester Credit Hours: 20
Spring - Semester 4
PHAD 2222 Principles of Health Care Delivery (2)
PHIE 2521 Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences IV (1)
PHPR 2703 Non-prescription Medications and Devices (3)
PHPR 2813 Pharmacotherapy I (3)
PHPR 2823 Pharmacotherapy II (3)
PHPR 2913 Clinical Concepts of Disease II (3)
PHSC 2633 Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics III (3)
Semester Credit Hours: 18
Fall - Semester 5
PHAD 3111 Applied Christian Values III (1)
PHAD 3232 Pharmacoeconomics & Health Outcomes (2)
PHIE 3511 Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences V (1)
PHPR 3121 Practice Seminar I (1)
PHPR 3502 Medication Therapy Management (2)
PHPR 3512 Applied Pharmacotherapy I (2)
PHPR 3813 Pharmacotherapy III (3)
PHPR 3823 Pharmacotherapy IV (3)
or PHPR 3nnV , or PHSC 3nnV Elective I (2)
Semester Credit Hours: 19
Spring - Semester 6
PHAD 3443 Pharmacy Law and Ethics (3)
PHIE 3522 Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences VI (2)
PHPR 3131 Practice Seminar II (1)
PHPR 3522 Applied Pharmacotherapy II (2)
PHPR 3833 Pharmacotherapy V (3)
PHPR 3843 Pharmacotherapy VI (3)
Semester Credit Hours: 18
Summer / Fall - Semester 7
PHAE 4nn4 Advanced Practice Experience I (4)
PHAE 4nn4 Advanced Practice Experience II (4)
PHAE 4nn4 Advanced Practice Experience III (4)
PHAE 4nn4 Advanced Practice Experience IV (4)
PHAE 4nn4 Advanced Practice Experience V (4)
PHAE 4nn4 Advanced Practice Experience VI (4)
Semester Credit Hours: 24
Spring - Semester 8
PHAE 4nn4 Advanced Practice Experience VII (4)
PHAE 4nn4 Advanced Practice Experience VIII (4)
PHAE 4nn4 Advanced Practice Experience IX (4)
PHAE 4nn4 Advanced Practice Experience X (4)
PHPR 4900 Pharmacy Practice Review (0)
Semester Credit Hours: 16
Because of the future demands of the health care industry, pharmacy professionals are needed to lead and manage people and situations. The Doctor of Pharmacy /Master of Management in Health Care dual degree provides student pharmacists with practical business skills in addition to their clinical knowledge. The program will prepare student pharmacists for highly competitive management positions in pharmacy, health care or business, as well as help improve skills in problem-solving, leadership, and communication.
Interested students will earn both the Doctor of Pharmacy and the Master of Management in Health Care degrees at the completion of required course work. The two programs will run concurrently.
Note: College of Pharmacy students participating in a dual degree program must adhere to the admissions and academic policies of each graduate program that are consistent with policies for dual degree programs. For additional information see the Dual Degree Programs sections in this catalog.
Tuition | |
Tuition per credit hour | $950 |
Tuition to audit | 50% of tuition |
Fees | |
Application fee | $50 |
Returned payment fee | $30 |
TouchNet payment plan enrollment fee (per semester) | $60 |
*Effective May 1, 2021
Courses from the College of Pharmacy Curriculum (155 hours):
See courses listed under the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum.
Up to 21 hours of the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum apply toward the dual degree. Of the required 21 hours, the costs are covered by the College of Pharmacy tuition.
Courses from the Master of Management in Health Care (15 hours):
See the Master of Management in Health Care (MMHC) course descriptions under the College of Business. College of Business tuition rates apply.
Specific Master of Management in Health Care Courses Required:
BU 6533 Leadership and Organizational Behavior (3)
BU 6523 Managing Human Resources (3)
ICM 5053 Conflict Management in Health Care Setting (3)
HA 6173 Process Improvement in Health Care (3)
PHAD 3nn6 Directed Work Experience - Pharmacy Business Management
Three Hours from the following Master of Management in Health Care Courses:
BU 6323 U.S. Health Care System
BU 6303 Health Services Management
BU 6333 Health Care Financial Management
HA 6123 Health Care Analytics & Analysis
HA 6143 Health Care Innovation & Entrepreneurship
HA 6133 Strategic Use of Health Care Information Systems
HA 6153 Leadership & Ethics in Health Care
Health Care Informatics (HCI) is a growing and emerging discipline which evaluates the application of biomedical informatics methods and techniques utilized in the provision of health care services. Also included is the vital role HCI plays in enhancing the quality of care, reducing health care costs and addressing health issues.
Professionals who understand the relationship between people, health, information technology the health care system are in great demand.
For this reason, Lipscomb University is offering two innovative and exciting programs in HCI. We offer the dual degree program Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Science in Health Care Informatics. Also offered is the Doctor of Pharmacy and Certificate in Health Care Informatics.
Career options are unlimited for pharmacists with this expertise and include such areas as health system pharmacy, hospital corporations, academia, community, managed care, regulatory and government, vendor, legal, consulting, entrepreneurial, clinical research, and the pharmaceutical industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment in this sector is predicted to grow by 18% from 2018-2028.
Students will earn both the Doctor of Pharmacy and the Master of Science in Health Care Informatics degree or Certificate of Health Care Informatics at the completion of required course work. The two programs will run concurrently, with students completing coursework in the HCI program during summers of the P1-P3 years and during the summer and fall of the P4 year.
Application and admission process: Student pharmacists apply for the dual program during the spring semester before coursework begins in the following summer semester. The application process includes submission of an updated resume or CV, a 1-2 page goals statement describing goals for the dual program, and completion of an interview with the program director and faculty members.
Note: College of Pharmacy students participating in a dual degree program must adhere to the admissions and academic policies of each graduate program that are consistent with policies for dual degree programs. For additional information see the Dual Degree Programs sections in this catalog.
Tuition | |
Tuition per credit hour | $1,030 |
Tuition to audit | 50% of tuition |
Fees | |
Application fee | $50 |
Returned payment fee | $30 |
TouchNet payment plan enrollment fee (per semester) | $60 |
*Effective May 1, 2021
Courses from the College of Pharmacy Curriculum (155 hours):
See courses listed under the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum.
Seven hours of the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum are required courses, which apply toward the dual Pharm.D./MHCI degrees. Since these are required courses the costs are covered by the College of Pharmacy tuition.
These required courses are:
PHPR 2422 Introduction to Health Informatics
HCI 5153 Consumer Health Informatics
HCI 5033 Project Management (PHPR 3nnV)
Courses from the Master of Science in Health Care Informatics (27 hours).
Students will select nine courses from the Health Care Informatics list below (must include HCI 5903 Capstone Project):
HCI 5003 Decision Support Systems (3)
HCI 5013 Information Systems Management (3)
HCI 5123 Ethical and Legal Issues in Health Care Informatics (3)
HCI 5133 Health Care IT Vendor Management (3)
HCI 5203 Leadership and Organizational Behavior (3)
HCI 5213 Operations in Health Care Organizations (3)
HCI 5253 Contemporary Issues in Health Care (3)
HCI 5903 Capstone Project (3)
ISEC 5113 Introduction to Information Security (3)
MITM 5023 Data and Knowledge Management (3)
MITM 5213 Predictive Analytics and Data Mining (3)
NOTE: MITM 5213 has prerequisites, which include a course in Statistics and also MITM 5023 - Data and Knowledge Management.
Interested students will earn both the Doctor of Pharmacy and the Certificate in Health Care Informatics at the completion of required course work. The two programs will run concurrently.
Courses from the College of Pharmacy curriculum (155 hours):
Seven hours of the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum are required courses, which apply toward the dual Pharm.D./Certificate in Health Care Informatics dual program. Since these are required courses the costs are covered by the College of Pharmacy tuition.
These required courses are:
PHPR 2422 Introduction to Health Informatics
HCI 5153 Consumer Health Informatics
HCI 5033 Project Management (PHPR 3nnV)
Courses from the Master of Science in Health Care Informatics (6 hours):
Select two courses from the list below:
HCI 5003 Decision Support Systems (3)
HCI 5013 Information Systems Management (3)
HCI 5123 Ethical and Legal Issues in Health Care Informatics (3)
HCI 5133 Health Care IT Vendor Management (3)
HCI 5203 Leadership and Organizational Behavior (3)
HCI 5213 Operations in Health Care Organizations (3)
HCI 5253 Contemporary Issues in Health Care (3)
HCI 5903 Capstone Project (3)
ISEC 5113 Introduction to Information Security (3)
MITM 5023 Data and Knowledge Management (3)
MITM 5213 Predictive Analytics and Data Mining (3)