About the College of Pharmacy
You have many choices in pharmacy education. But not all of them offer the same opportunities. Make sure your final choice is one that will prepare you to be the pharmacist you truly want to be.
Welcome to the Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy! Nestled in the beautiful Green Hills area of Nashville, Tennessee, Lipscomb is conveniently located in an area with over 300 health care corporations earning Nashville the title of the health care capital of America. Lipscomb proudly serves as a leader in pharmacy education and partners with these numerous health care corporations to assure ensure that the patients we serve receive the best care possible.
Your journey as a student pharmacist at Lipscomb will start with exposure to a world-class faculty that will lead you in learning and developing your competencies that will to make a difference in the health outcomes of patients. Our faculty are recognized as leaders in pharmacy education, research, and service. They are here to not only lead you in learning in the classroom and the patient’s bedside, but they also will serve side by side with you in both domestic and global mission fields. You will quickly see the caring and compassionate nature of our faculty when you engage them in discussion and see how they live the Christian values that guide their lives.
Early in your first semester you will have the opportunity to begin introductory pharmacy practice experiences (IPPEs), which will allow you to work with some of the nation’s best practitioners in all areas of pharmacy practice, such as hospitals, community pharmacies, and specialty pharmacies such as long-term care and nuclear pharmacies. You will be exposed to the practice of pharmacy outside the classroom which will give you a better appreciation of the content you will be learning inside the classroom.
As you continue to progress in your education, your faculty mentor will help you identify specific areas of pharmacy that interest you as a future career path. You will have an option to enter into a dual-degree master’s program in health care informatics or management in health care administration or you may elect to apply for a summer research internship to enhance your research skills in drug development or clinical practice.
Our College will be here to support your professional journey in every phase of your career. After you graduate with your Pharm.D. degree, you will be inducted into our alumni group where you will continue to network and engage with Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy alumni spanning the globe from Nashville to New Zealand. We are proud of our strong and influential alumni who have quickly emerged as leaders in the profession of pharmacy. Our alumni, as well as our faculty, will actively support and guide you through all stages of your career.
We hope that you will start your pharmacy journey with the Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy! Together as pharmacists we can help patients live healthier, better lives.
Our Vision & Mission
Vision
Anchored in Christ, we will advance healthcare through excellence and innovation in education, service, and research.
Mission Statement
Through a Christian worldview, the College inspires and develops learners to provide compassionate care and leadership through education, service, and innovation.
Pharmacy Accreditation
Pharmacy Accreditation
Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). 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.
The official ACPE statement is as follows: “Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences’ Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 135 South LaSalle Street, Suite 4100, Chicago, IL 60503, 312/664-3575; FAX 312/664-4652. Web site www.acpe-accredit.org.”
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.
Board of Visitors
Board of Visitors
Samuel W. Bartholomew, III
President and Chief Executive Officer, Pharm MD
As President, CEO and a founder of Pharm MD, Mr. Bartholomew has led the development of Pharm MD's services and products with a team of clinical and IT experts from around the country. Prior to helping form Pharm MD, Mr. Bartholomew served as Vice President of Business Development for Integration Management, Inc. He also served as managing partner of Integration Ventures, LLC, a joint venture partner of Integration Management that worked to leverage healthcare data expertise and technology to improve employer healthcare costs and managed care company profitability. Mr. Bartholomew has also served as Associate Administrator for Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, as well as Stone Crest Medical Center in Smyrna, Tennessee.
Janet S. Calhoun
Senior Vice President, Medco & Healthways New Product Development Collaborative
Ms. Calhoun serves as Senior Vice President for Healthways and is the Executive Director for the Healthways/Medco New Product Development Collaborative. In her role, Ms. Calhoun is leading the strategic planning efforts around a variety of next generation solutions that will leverage and integrate pharmacy therapy management, health, wellness, and condition management services. Under her leadership, the joint Healthways/Medco offering is focusing on addressing a number of critical pharmacy therapy issues, such as adherence and patient education. Ms. Calhoun is also leading the development of solutions and programs that will enhance a clinician's ability to incorporate information from a variety of sources (medical, pharmacy, lab, etc.) to facilitate accelerated, informed, and comprehensive engagement with an individual.
Dick Cowart
Attorney at Law, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell, & Berkowitz
Mr. Cowart is the Chairman of the Health Law Department and Public Policy Department of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, and is the past President of the American Healthy Lawyers Association. Mr. Cowart is a recognized authority in advising clients on the legal, regulatory and business issues related to health care services. He works primarily as board counsel to health service organizations (both for profit and not-for-profit) and counsels providers on business, policy and governance issues, with an emphasis on business transactions. Mr. Cowart is a nationally known speaker and writer on health care issues. He was the national columnist for Medical News, Inc. for 16 years and is the health business columnist for The Tennessean.
J. William Hix, Board of Visitor Emeritus
Mr. Hix is responsible for all sales and marketing efforts at Cumberland Pharmaceuticals. He joined the company in 2004 to form and manage the national sales force promoting the acute care product line to hospitals, poison control centers and physicians. He was also instrumental in the design and implementation of Cumberland's field sales force which is responsible for promoting Cumberland products in the gastroenterology market. Mr. Hix brings significant industry experience to Cumberland, having spent thirty years at Novartis/CIBA-GEIGY Pharmaceutical Corporation. There his responsibilities ranged from sales operations, planning and promotion to marketing support and regulatory compliance.
Joey A. Jacobs
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Psychiatric Solutions, Inc.
Mr. Jacobs co-founded Psychiatric Solutions, Inc and has served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer since April 1997. Prior to founding PSI, Mr. Jacobs served for 21 years in various capacities with Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), most recently as President of the Tennessee Division. Mr. Jacobs' background at HCA also includes serving as President of HCA's Central Group, Vice President of the Western Group, Assistant Vice President of the Central Group and Assistant Vice President of the Salt Lake City Division.
Paul Keckley, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Deloitte Center for Health Solutions
Dr. Keckley is the executive director of the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, a part of Deloitte & Touche USA, LLP. He provides strategic guidance on the development of Center research and thought leadership. Dr. Keckley has had 30 years of experience in academic medicine and the private sector. Prior to joining Deloitte, Dr. Keckley served in several key roles at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. These roles include being the Executive Director of the Vanderbilt Center for Evidence-based Medicine, Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, and as an Associate Professor of Health Management at the Owen Graduate School of Business. He is well regarded for his knowledge of healthcare economics, health policy, and trend analysis.
Don Nickelson, CPA
Chief Executive Officer and President, Comphrehensive Pharmacy Services, Inc.
At Comprehensive Pharmacy Services, Mr. Nickelson's responsibilities include establishing strategic direction and corporate leadership as well as serving on the Board of Directors for CPS. He has over 25 years of organizational leadership experience. Mr. Nickelson was a former Regional President for US Office Products and has held key positions with Mills Morris Arrow, Inc. Mr. Nickelson is a member of the American Institute of Certifies Public Accountants, as well as the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Jonathan B. Perlin, MD, Ph.D., MSHA, FACP
Chief Medical Officer and President, Clinical Services, Hospital Corporation of America (HCA)
Dr. Perlin is President, Clinical Services and Chief Medical Officer of Nashville, Tennessee- based Hospital Corporation of America. He provides leadership for clinical services and improving performance at HCA's 163 hospitals and 112 outpatient centers. His current activities include implementing electronic health records throughout HCA, improving clinical "core measures" to benchmark levels, and leading patient safety programs to eliminate preventable, drug resistant, healthcare-associated infections. Before joining HCA in 2006, Dr. Perlin was Under Secretary for Health in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Perlin has served on numerous Boards and Commissions including the National Quality Forum, the Joint Commission, Meharry Medical College and the American Health Information Community. Dr. Perlin is also broadly published in healthcare quality and transformation. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Medical Informatics.
Dee Anna Smith, CPA
Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI)
Ms. Smith is the Chief Executive Officer of Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), one of the nation's largest clinical research programs. With over a decade of experience in clinical research, Ms. Smith is responsible for carrying out the overall strategic mission and vision for SCRI. She has also had the role of Chief Information Officer and President of SCRI. Prior to her work with Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Ms. Smith served as Chief Executive Officer of Summit Research Solutions, a multi-specialty site management organization that she co-founded. She has also served as the Chief Executive Officer of SiteWorks Solutions, another company she founded, providing customized, web-based site management systems for the clinical trials industry.
Papatya Tankut, R.Ph.
Vice President, Professional Pharmacy Services, CVS/Caremark
Ms. Tankut currently serves as the Vice President of Professional Pharmacy Services for CVS/Caremark. In this role, her major responsibilities include developing the company's Pharmacist recruitment strategies and initiatives, overseeing the regulatory compliance, quality assurance, clinical services and patient care programs departments. Ms. Tankut has held various positions with CVS including Manager of Professional and College Relations, Director of Pharmacy Recruiting and Professional Relations, and Community Pharmacist.
Program Quality Indicators
Program Quality Indicators
Accreditation Status
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education -Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences’ Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 135 South LaSalle Street, Suite 4100, Chicago, IL 60503, 312/664-3575; FAX 312/664-4652. Web site www.acpe-accredit.org.” 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.
On-Time Graduation Rates
Class of 2015
- 77 student pharmacists were admitted in 2011 as the Class of 2015
- 77 student pharmacists graduated on-time (100%)
- 0 student pharmacists were delayed in graduating
- 100% of student pharmacists admitted in 2011 graduated
Class of 2016
- 75 student pharmacists were admitted in 2012 as the Class of 2016
- 67 student pharmacists graduated on-time (89.33%)
- 5 student pharmacists were academically dismissed
- 3 student pharmacists were delayed 1 year in graduating
- 93.33% of student pharmacists admitted in 2012 graduated
Class of 2017
- 74 student pharmacists were admitted in 2013 as the Class of 2017
- 67 student pharmacists graduated on-time (90.54%)
- 2 student pharmacists were academically dismissed
- 1 student pharmacist withdrew
- 4 student pharmacists were delayed 1 year in graduating
Class of 2018
- 72 student pharmacists were admitted in 2014 as the Class of 2018
- 62 student pharmacists graduated on-time (86.1%)
- 4 student pharmacists were academically dismissed
- 1 student pharmacist withdrew
- 5 student pharmacists were delayed 1 year in graduating
Class of 2019
- 70 student pharmacists were admitted in 2015 as the Class of 2019
- 53 student pharmacists graduated on-time (75.7%)
- 6 student pharmacists were academically dismissed
- 2 student pharmacists withdrew
- 9 student pharmacists were delayed 1 year in graduating
Class of 2020
- 81 student pharmacists were admitted in 2016 as the Class of 2020
- 65 students graduated on time (80.2%)
- 7 students were academically dismissed
- 4 student pharmacists withdrew
- 4 students were delayed one year in graduating
- MPJE: 52 1st time / 78.85% pass rate
- 1 student dismissed for non-academic reasons
Class of 2021
- 67 student pharmacists were admitted in 2017 as the Class of 2021
- 44 students graduated on time (65.6%)
- 6 students were academically dismissed
- 5 student pharmacists withdrew
- 8 students were delayed one year in graduating
- 1 student dismissed for non-academic reasons
Class of 2022
- 68 student pharmacists were admitted in 2018 as the Class of 2022
- 54 students graduated on time (79.4%)
- 7 students were academically dismissed
- 2 student pharmacists withdrew
- 4 students were delayed one year in graduating
- 1 student transferred
Class of 2023
- 73 student pharmacists were admitted in 2019 as the Class of 2023
- 61 students graduated on time (83.6%)
- 6 students were academically dismissed
- 1 student pharmacist withdrew
- 5 students were delayed one year in graduating
- 0 students transferred
NAPLEX Passing Rates for First Attempts
Class Year First Time Candidates Pass Rate
2015 77 96.15%
2016 68 95.59%
2017 73 95.89%
2018 71 91.04%
2019 60 98.33%
2020 77 84.00%
2021 45 80.00%
2022 57 72.00%
2023 63 74.06%
MPJE Passing Rates for First Attempts
Class Year First Time Candidates Pass Rate
2015 52 100%
2016 51 80.39%
2017 58 79.3%
2018 56 89.36%
2019 33 93.94%
2020 52 78.85%
2021 32 84.00%
2022 37 65.00%
2023 45 53.30%
Class Year Residency Placement Rate
2015
- 27 student pharmacists applied for residencies
- 19 student pharmacists were placed in residencies
- PGY1 Residency Placement Rate - 19/27 (70.3%)
2016
- 25 student pharmacists applied for residencies
- 21 student pharmacists were placed in residencies
- PGY1 Residency Placement Rate - 21/25 (80.7%)
2017
- 26 student pharmacists applied for residencies
- 19 student pharmacists were placed in residencies
- PGY1 Residency Placement Rate - 19/26 (73.0%)
2018
- 33 student pharmacists applied for residencies
- 26 student pharmacists were placed in residencies
- PGY1 Residency Placement Rate - 26/33 (78.7%)
- PGY2 Residency Placement Rate - 100%
2019
- 19 student pharmacists applied for residencies
- 14 student pharmacists were placed in residencies
- PGY1 Residency Placement Rate - 14/19 (73.6%)
- PGY2 Residency Placement Rate - 90.9%
2020
- 36 applied for residencies
- 22 students were placed in residencies
- PGY1 Residency Placement Rate - 61%
- PGY2 Residency Placement Rate - 100%
2021
- 30 applied for residencies
- 27 students were placed in residencies
- PGY1 Residency Placement Rate - 90%
- PGY2 Residency Placement Rate - 100%
2022
- 31 applied for residencies
- 27 students were placed in residencies
- 2 students were placed in fellowships
- PGY1 Residency & Fellowship Placement Rate - 87.8%
- PGY2 Residency & Fellowship Placement Rate - 92.8%
2023
- 39 applied for residencies
- 36 students were placed in residencies
- 4 students were placed in fellowships
- PGY1 Residency & Fellowship Placement Rate - 93%
- PGY2 Residency & Fellowship Placement Rate - 100%
2024
- 22 applied for residencies
- 20 students were placed in residencies
- 3 students were placed in fellowships
- PGY1 Residency & Fellowship Placement Rate - 92%
- PGY2 Residency & Fellowship Placement Rate - 100%
Technical Standards
The primary mission of the Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy is to provide an educational environment characterized by academic excellence and Christian faith, where student pharmacists are prepared to optimize patient medication outcomes in an ethical and compassionate practice.
The professional program leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree and eligibility for licensure requires a certain level of cognitive , behavioral and technical skill and ability inherent in a professional education. These principles and standards hold for admission, progression and completion of the program.
The primary role of the pharmacist is to provide safe and effective healthcare to the patients served. Patient safety must be considered in the selection and education of student pharmacists. As well, the College of Pharmacy has a responsibility to maintain as safe an environment as possible for its student pharmacists and the practice settings in which they receive education. Student pharmacists must reasonably contribute to a safe environment through their personal, physical and mental health or social behavior.
All student pharmacists are expected to successfully fulfill the same core educational requirements. Reasonable education-related accommodations will be provided, where possible and within Lipscomb University guidelines. Student pharmacists need to possess the skills and abilities with or without accommodations that will allow successful fulfillment of the requirements necessary to complete the program. Student pharmacists who graduate from the program are eligible to become pharmacists without restriction on their practice; therefore, the curriculum requires student pharmacists to successfully complete all core components of the program and does not allow student pharmacists to take part in a limited set of required activities.
Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy will consider for admission any candidate who demonstrates the ability to perform or learn to perform the skills listed in this document. Candidates are not required to disclose the nature of their disabilities, if any, to the Admissions Committee. Any candidate who has questions about the ability to satisfy these technical standards is strongly encouraged to discuss the issue with the College of Pharmacy's Director of Admissions and Student Affairs prior to the application or interview process in order to determine whether or not reasonable accommodations can be made.
Certain chronic or recurrent illnesses and problems that interfere with patient care, safety or required class attendance may be incompatible with pharmacy training or practice. Other conditions that may lead to a high likelihood of student illness should be carefully considered. Candidates must, at all times, demonstrate the emotional stability to be able to exercise sound judgment, and carry out prompt completion of all of the responsibilities attendant to the care of their patients in a sensitive and effective manner. Deficiencies in knowledge base, judgment, integrity, character or professional attitude or demeanor, which may jeopardize patient care, may be grounds for course/rotation failure and possible dismissal. Therefore reassessment of individual's ability to meet the technical standards will be an ongoing process through the duration of the program.
Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy adheres to technical standards by which it assesses all students, with or without accommodation. A candidate must meet all criteria noted regarding the five following areas: 1) observation; 2) sensory and motor coordination; 3) communication; 4) cognitive ability and 5) behavioral and social attributes. Failure to meet all components in each of the five areas may result in a student's dismissal. Each case will be reviewed on an individual basis by the appropriate College personnel.
The following technical standards describe the essential functions students must possess and demonstrate in order to fulfill the requirements of a general pharmacy education, and thus, are prerequisites for entrance, continuation and graduation.
Observation: The ability to critically observe demonstrations, experiments and patients using visual, auditory and somatic senses
- Observe lectures, demonstrations, experiments and practice-based activities
- Observe physiologic and pharmacological demonstrations, evaluations of microbiological cultures, and microscopic studies of organisms and tissues and in normal pathological states
- Observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand
- Independently read information on a computer screen at an appropriate rate to complete duties and assignments as required
- Remain fully alert and attentive at all times in clinical settings
- Visually evaluate patient signs and symptoms for the purposes of monitoring drug therapy
Sensory and Motor Coordination: Use of the body associated with mental activity
- Visually evaluate microscopic slides, pharmaceutical preparations and instrumentation data
- Prepare and administer patient immunizations
- Perform CPR, use a stethoscope and take a pulse
- Demonstrate safe and aseptic handling of sterile preparations
- Prepare drug products (compound drug products, prepare IVs, and make capsules)
- Safely and effectively operate equipment (e.g., microscopes, computer keyboard, glucose monitors, peak flow meters)
Communication: Imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs
- Communicate effectively and proficiently in the English language
- Document activities as required by the rotation site or College of Pharmacy
- Speak, listen, and read in order to elicit information
- Effectively communicate with instructors, peers, and patients
- Communicate professionally with other health care providers and patients
- Teach patients how to use health care related devices (inhalers, glucometers, etc.)
- Provide patients with clear, concise, accurate, and audience-appropriate information
- Organize ideas and develop thoughts into coherent, appropriately written, and referenced essays and research papers
- Interpret non-verbal communication (body language) from peers, patients, instructors, and members of a health care team
- Utilize appropriate resources for communication with non-English speakers
Cognitive Ability: Mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning
- Accurately fill prescriptions
- Solve problems involving measurement, calculations, reasoning, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation
- Perform rapid algebraic calculations for a variety of patient care situations
- Gather and evaluate information from multiple sources to develop patient treatment and monitoring plans in a timely manner
- Demonstrate evidence-based decision-making
- Synthesize knowledge and integrate relevant information
Behavioral and Social Attributes -- Characteristics of experience, behavior, and interaction with people in didactic and experienced settings
- Demonstrate maturity, emotional stability and capability to adapt to changing environments
- Demonstrate persistence and flexibility in all situations
- Engage in help seeking behavior when appropriate
- Utilize constructive coping strategies to manage stress
- Seek personal, professional or academic support to address personal limitations
- Display positive self-esteem and confidence when working with others (e.g. patients and other clinicians)
- Perform competently under physical, mental and emotional stress
- Accept appropriate suggestions and criticism and respond, if necessary
- Exhibit a respect for diversity and justice
- Act in a manner that respects all individuals
- Individualize care with considerations for cultural norms for the patient
- Provide care without judgment
- Seek justice in the distribution of health care resources
- Demonstrate ethical behaviors as described in the Code of Ethics for Pharmacists, Oath of a Pharmacist, and Pledge of Professionalism
- Maintain professional competence through lifelong learning
- Act with honesty and integrity in professional relationships
- Respect the dignity, confidentiality, and autonomy of each patient
- Serve individual, community, and societal needs
The College of Pharmacy is committed to student diversity and individual rights, with a strong commitment to full compliance with state and federal laws and regulations including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Candidates with disabilities are reviewed individually, with complete and careful consideration of all the skills, attitudes, and attributes to determine whether there are any reasonable accommodations or available options that would permit the candidate to satisfy the standards. An accommodation is not reasonable if it poses a direct threat to the health or safety of self and/or others, if making it requires a fundamental altercation to the nature of the program, if it lowers academic standards, or poses an undue administrative or financial burden. Except in rare circumstance, the use by the candidate of a third party (e.g., an intermediary) to perform any of the functions described in the Technical Standards set forth above would constitute an unacceptable substantial modification.
Student pharmacists who desire disability services or accommodations should make their request known through the College of Pharmacy's Office of Student Affairs. An appointment will be scheduled to discuss the needed services. The student pharmacist will be required to present appropriate documentation for the disability and information regarding any past accommodations provided that have been successful. Questions regarding the technical standards, the process for requesting accommodations or eligibility requirements may be directed to the College of Pharmacy's Director of Admissions and Student Affairs at any point prior to admission, during the admission process or after enrollment in the program. The appropriate college administrators will evaluate each request to determine eligibility for services.