Pharm.D. (Online or On-Campus)

The pre-pharmacy education will require a minimum of 61 semester hours. Required pre-pharmacy courses should be completed before the term of desired enrollment.

Course Requirements:

• General Chemistry I and II with labs (8)
• Organic Chemistry I and II with labs (8)
• Microbiology with lab (4)
• Biology I and II with labs (8)
• College Algebra (3)
• Statistics (3)
• English Comp I and II (6)
• Speech/Communications (3)
• Electives - Humanities/Social Science (12)
• Additional Electives (6)

Achievement of a grade of "C" or higher for each required pre-pharmacy course is mandatory.

Substitutions may be offered for specific prerequisites outside of the math and science core curriculum to those having bachelor’s degrees through an appeal process.

You may submit an application while prerequisites are in progress and begin preparing for an interview. 

Note: We no longer have a minimum GPA requirement. However, a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher is preferred to ensure curricular preparedness.

Step One: Evaluate Yourself

Do you have all the courses?

• Compare with our pre-pharmacy prerequisite course listing
• The pre-pharmacy education requires a minimum of 61 semester hours. Required pre-pharmacy courses should be completed by the end of the semester prior to desired enrollment; however, coursework may be in progress or planned at the time of application without negatively impacting the application. If an applicant has not completed all required pre-pharmacy coursework prior to submitting the application, a proposed plan for completion is required as part of the application process.
• CLEP/Advanced Placement Credit - Advanced Placement (AP) and CLEP credit (credit by examination) may be used to satisfy prerequisite coursework provided that the credit is accepted by the applicant's institution and is posted on the applicant's official academic transcript. Acceptance of credit is at the discretion of Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy based upon course equivalency standards.

Do your grades meet the requirement?

• Achievement of a grade of "C" or higher for each required pre-pharmacy course is mandatory.

What about the PCAT?

• The PCAT is NOT required for admission at Lipscomb. If you would like to include PCAT scores optionally, remember to include your CID Number on your PharmCAS Application so your scores may be matched to your application. After the test date you may request additional scores by visiting www.pcatweb.info.

Step Two: Submit Application Through PharmCAS

• Applications are available through PharmCAS. Applications must be completed and submitted electronically via their website. Please read the instructions very carefully to be sure the application is submitted properly. The deadline to begin an application is June 1. All materials must be submitted to PharmCAS by June 30.
• Click here to review information on our PharmCAS school page

Step Three: Prepare For An Admissions Interview

• An interview is required for admission to Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy. Interviews are conducted by invitation only. Each complete application will be evaluated for competitiveness. Interviews are encouraged to allow you to experience the uniqueness of Lipscomb first-hand to see for yourself the Lipscomb difference as you interact with faculty, staff, and most importantly, fellow student pharmacists.
• Review the Technical Standards necessary for the completion of our program.

Interviews are conducted on an invitation-only basis to students who have met all of Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy’s Admissions Criteria. 

Interviews are typically offered in-person on Lipscomb’s campus, but limited virtual interview dates are available each year. We highly encourage students to attend the in-person interviews if possible, we would love to get to know you in person and show you around campus!

You will be interviewed by two members of Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy’s Admissions Committee composed of faculty, current pharmacy students, alumni, and members of the local Nashville pharmacy community. 

In addition to the interview, the day will be filled with opportunities for candidates to interact with faculty, staff, current pharmacy students, and each other. Lunch and an in-depth tour of the College of Pharmacy classroom facilities, our sterile compounding lab, the Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center and the student pharmacist lounge and study areas.

Student pharmacists requesting a transfer to Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy from another Doctor of Pharmacy program must follow College guidelines.

• 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 needed to fulfill all required coursework.
• Student pharmacists must have an official transcript of their work from each school they have attended mailed to the Graduate Enrollment Office.
• Transfer candidates will be evaluated for transfer eligibility based on previous academic performance, personal behavior, interview and, when applicable, recommendations from faculty from the previous college/school of pharmacy.
• At least 50% 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.
• Credit must have been received from an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) approved college of pharmacy before it will be awarded. Additionally, the prospective transfer student pharmacist must complete an interview process arranged by the Director of Admissions and Student Affairs.
• 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 determination will be made on the score received to ascertain if the transfer should move forward and what academic level within the College.

• Additionally, all applicants to Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy must possess a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale on all previous college work. Grades from all undergraduate coursework attempted are included in the calculation of the overall undergraduate GPA, which is the primary GPA used in the admissions process. All previous academic work will be evaluated. A grade of "C" or better must have been earned for each course for transfer. If accepted, a detailed, individualized academic plan will be created to ensure a successful transition.

  If you are interested in transferring and meet these criteria, request the application through the Office of Admission and Student Affairs - pharmacy [at] lipscomb.edu (subject: Pharmacy%20School%20Transfer%20Application%20Request) (pharmacy[at]lipscomb[dot]edu).

The following items are required prior to submitting an application.

1. Prospective applicants must have been enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university for a minimum of two years prior to the planned enrollment date.
2. Prospective applicants must complete all designated pre-pharmacy prerequisite requirements. Prerequisite courses taken at an institution outside of the United States must be evaluated and approved prior to submitting an application. To have international courses evaluated, the prospective applicant must submit the following:
   • All academic records from colleges and universities located outside the United States.
     • Official transcript(s) must be in the original language and a translation in English.
     • A course-by-course report from the transcript evaluation service World Education Services (WES) must accompany the transcript. Contact information for WES can be found at the website www.wes.org. Evaluations from other services are not accepted. The outside assessments by WES are subject to review and approval by the Office of Student Affairs. This includes, but is not limited to, decisions regarding acceptable credit, prerequisite fulfillment, GPA calculations, degree equivalencies, minimum passing grade levels, etc. The college is not obligated to accept the conclusion of any outside evaluation service.
   • All academic records from U.S. colleges and universities
     • Official transcripts should be submitted directly to Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy.
3. English courses taken outside of the United States will not be accepted toward meeting the English requirements unless English is the official language of the university or college attended and all instruction (except for foreign language courses) is conducted in English.
4. International students are required to be proficient in written and oral English before submitting an application. Applicants whose native language is not English must present the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), prior to applying for admission to the college. For more information, visit www.toefl.org. Minimum TOEFL scores are 213 for the computer exam and 550 for the paper exam. The equivalent TOEFL iBT score is 80. Lipscomb’s TOEFL code is 1161. In addition to an acceptable score on the TOEFL, other evidence of proficiency in English may include letters from employers or instructors, credit earned in English language courses and a personal interview.

After all of the required documents are received, the Office of Student Affairs will evaluate whether the coursework can be applied to the prerequisite requirements for admission. If all prerequisite requirements will be met by the spring semester prior to the anticipated enrollment and all other documentation has been submitted and approved, then a formal application may then be submitted to the College.

The following items are required at the time of the application submission:

1. Applicants must provide copies of current status with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) at the time of application., i.e. VISA, I-94 and I-20 documents.
2. Applicants must provide financial statements requested from their U.S. banking institution that shows adequate funds needed for all expenses for at least one year related to enrollment in the Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy.

An applicant who is not a United States citizen or permanent resident must follow the same admissions procedures as applicants who are U.S. citizens in addition to other specific requirements. Click the button below to visit our Graduate Admissions site for more information.

International Student Admissions Information

Do you accept online courses?

• Yes, we accept coursework from any accredited institution.

When do my courses need to be completed? 

• All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to the first day of classes at Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy. Be mindful of the course end date and the start date of the College’s semester to ensure your courses are completed on time.

Do I need to have all the prerequisites completed before submitting my application?

• No! If you are only lacking a few more prerequisites, submit your application. This will be more beneficial for you as an applicant so you may gain a seat in the cohort before it fills up. If our admissions committee invites you for an interview and offers you a letter of acceptance into the program, that acceptance will be conditional pending the final grades of your remaining prerequisites. On your application, designate any incomplete courses as “Planned” or “In Progress” so our admissions team will know that you will complete all necessary courses before school starts.

Who can my letters of recommendation come from?

• One letter of recommendation is required from your pre-health committee. If your school does not have a committee, two academic letters from course instructors (ideally those who teach math or science) will be accepted as a substitution. All applicants will also need to submit one letter from a supervisor in a work or volunteer setting and one letter that serves as a character reference. So, who can you ask to write a letter of recommendation?
  • Clergy? Yes
  • Coworker? Yes
  • Employer? Yes
  • Faculty Advisor? Yes
  • Family Member? No
  • Friend? Conditionally Accepted
  • Health Care Professional? Yes
  • Pharmacist? Yes
  • Politician: Conditionally Accepted
  • Pre-Health Advisor? Yes
  • Professor? Yes
  • Supervisor? Yes
  • Teaching Assistant? Yes

What is a Personal Statement?

• Your personal statement should reflect who you are and why you are striving to become a pharmacist. Some applicants may choose to share a personal story describing an event that changed their perspective on health care, or their plans to help people once they earn their Pharm.D. 

I’ve been out of school for a while, will that impact the strength of my application?

• Please note that our admissions requirements state that all math and sciences prerequisite courses must be completed within 10 years of submitting an application. At Lipscomb, we have a wide age range of students in our program. Some are in their early 20s and just completed the 61 prerequisite hours to gain acceptance. Others have been in a different career for several years and discovered their aspirations to become a pharmacist later on in life. Each type of student is equally valued in our program, as they all have different life experiences that they can share with their peers to help everyone become better health care providers.

What is the GPA requirement? 

• We no longer have a minimum GPA requirement, but a 2.5 or higher overall GPA is preferred. Highly competitive applicants typically have a 3.3 GPA or higher, and will be eligible for more scholarships and earlier admission.

How do I confirm that I plan to attend Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy?

• After the successful completion of an interview and you have been notified of your acceptance, you will receive instructions on how to reserve your seat in the cohort. This will include a “Confirmation of Attendance” form and steps to pay your $500 deposit to reserve your seat. You will be given several weeks to inform us of your decision. 

1) How are you setting students up for success with online courses?
Our program is intentionally designed with multiple support systems, including:

• Faculty mentors to provide individualized support and be with you through all four years of the program.
• Comprehensive orientation to familiarize students with university resources and learning/study tools.
• Engaging course design with a mix of live synchronous sessions, asynchronous multimedia self-study, and purposeful immersion content.
• Academic resources such as virtual tutoring, library services, and 24/7 tech support.
• Community-building opportunities to help students connect with peers and faculty.

2) What are the anticipated struggles for online students?
All students may experience initial struggles when starting a new program, but we are very mindful of the unique experience students face in a distance learning pathway.  Here are some that we foresee, but have plans in place to support students through these challenges:

• Time management: Balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities.
• Isolation: Missing the social and academic connection of in-person learning.
• Technology navigation: Learning to use digital tools and platforms effectively.
• Self-motivation: Staying engaged and on schedule in an asynchronous or hybrid environment.
• Learning adaptation: Adjusting to various online formats like video lectures and interactive modules.

3) Can you do rotations where you currently live?
Yes! Our experiential education team works closely with students to place them in rotations near their home or place of employment. We maintain a national network of preceptors to ensure students can complete rotations locally while meeting all ACPE standards. If there aren’t local rotation options, students can complete their experiences in the Nashville area with support from our trusted network of preceptors. Students, regardless of pathway, cannot complete rotations where they are currently being paid.  There are some exceptions to this if the scope of work being completed for a rotation is different from job responsibilities.

4) How will labs work?
Lab components will include a combination of:

• On-campus immersive experiences are scheduled once per semester.
• Virtual simulations may include interactive case studies, and virtual patient encounters, to build clinical reasoning skills in a safe and controlled environment.
• Online pre-lab modules to prepare students for hands-on skill-based activities.

5) When will we see the schedule?
The academic calendar and full course schedule will be shared as soon as it is finalized, typically by early summer. This will include dates for orientation, synchronous live sessions, immersion experiences on campus, and key deadlines.

6) Are there any surprises for travel?
No surprises here! Any required travel—for orientation, immersions, or experiential—will be communicated clearly and well in advance. While we minimize travel wherever possible, some limited in-person activities are necessary to meet accreditation and clinical competency standards. This is to ensure students have a well-rounded and full educational experience at Lipscomb!

7) Can online pathway students still complete a dual degree?

Absolutely!  Many of our dual degree programs are online already, making it easy for students to participate in them on campus or remotely.  The Master's in Healthcare Informatics and the Master's of Business Administration are two that are online and therefore easy to complete remotely.  The Master's in Pharmaceutical Research does have hands-on components so those would need to be done on campus as required.

Lipscomb pre-pharamcy program offers you multiple pathways to begin the Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The Pharmacy Early Assurance program even guarantees you admission to the Pharm.D. program based on your undergraduate application as long as you complete all your prerequisites and keep your grades up.

Learn More

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 health care 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.

During the 3rd year of pharmacy school, students have the opportunity to choose two elective courses each semester to fill their class schedule. Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy offers a generalist PharmD degree with content delivered from highly trained faculty members who represent a range of specialties. This allows our graduates to explore a broad range of career opportunities with focused training in emerging pharmacy practice areas as well as research in practice and lab settings. Electives, along with Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences, allow students to tailor their education to enhance their skills and differentiate themselves in areas that they are interested in exploring in more depth. Elective courses include the following:

• PHAD 3302: Project Management
• PHAD 3542: Change Management
• PHPR 3702: Clinical Problems in Endocrinology
• PHPR 3712: Drug-Induced Disease
• PHPR 3722: Advanced Perspectives in Psychiatry
• PHPR 3742: Pharmacy Management of Vulnerable and Underserved Populations
• PHPR 3752: Women's Health
• PHPR 3782: Drugs of Abuse and Addiction
• PHPR 3792: Toxicology
• PHPR 3812: Molecule to Market
• PHPR 3822: Formulary Decision Making and Assessment
• PHPR 3832: Ambulatory Care
• PHPR 3842: Consumer Health Informatics
• PHPR 3852: Critical Care
• PHPR 3922: Research in Pharmacy Practice
• PHSC 3922: Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences Research

Being in the Health Care Capital of America works to our students’ advantage when it comes to rotations. Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy students will have the opportunity to complete their introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experiences at a wide variety of community, institutional, and specialty rotations.

Previous topics and guest speakers have included:

• Maximizing Dignity at the End of Life: Insights from the ICU - Wes Ely, MD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• A Vision for Finding Common Ground in a Polarized World - Ming Wang, MD, PhD
• Developing Effective Coping Skills - Douglas Ribeiro, PhD, LPC
• Worldview and Values Panel - Ben Frush, MD and Jason Booton, MD
• Vaccine Hesitancy Panel - Quincy Byrdsong, EdD and Kevin Eidson, Pharm.D.
• Religious and Cultural Perspectives in Healthcare:
  • Father Daniel Ibrahim - St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church
  • Minister Michael Bridgman - Nashville Hospital Liaison Committee for Jehovah’s Witnesses
  • Representatives from the Islamic Center of Nashville
  • Jim Henderson, MD - Siloam Health Center
• End of Life and Suicide Panel Discussion - Lindsey Miller, Pharm.D. and Susan Mercer. PhD
• Compassionate Care Panel Discussion - Lipscomb Pharmacy Faculty

What is VIPHEC?

VIPHEC puts a twist on the normal clinical experience by bringing together students from five different disciplines to form interprofessional teams. Each team consists of a future doctor, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, and counselor or social worker.

During this longitudinal P3 course, the team meets monthly, with intentionally designed exercises to explore practice roles, address professional identity formation, conflict resolution, communication strategies, and health care problem-solving.

VIPHEC students don’t just learn from their professors and preceptors; they learn from each other. Each member of the team brings unique insight and experience to the whole group. How would a physician, nurse practitioner or pharmacist approach this situation? What details is a doctor paying attention to here? What unique insight might a counselor or social worker offer about a particular patient?

Why VIPHEC?

• You’ll learn advanced teamwork and communication skills as you collaborate with other medical professionals
• You’ll get hands-on experience in your field in your 3rd year of pharmacy school.

How do I become a part of VIPHEC?

• All in-person pharmacy students are involved in VIPHEC

Who else is involved in VIPHEC?

• Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy is the exclusive pharmacy partner for VIPHEC
• Counseling students from Vanderbilt University and Lipscomb University
• Medical students from Vanderbilt University
• Nursing students from Vanderbilt University
• Social Work students from The University of Tennessee

Newly accepted student pharmacists are considered for scholarships on the basis of the holistic PharmCAS application review and are awarded on a competitive basis. Students who meet and/or exceed the preferences of the admissions criteria will be considered for scholarship awards first. No additional application is required.

Scholarships for returning students in the P2, P3 and P4 years are awarded through a separate application provided during the spring semester each year and made through a committee review process. Students desiring scholarship consideration are encouraged to apply early in the application cycle.

State Funds: Tennessee Educational Lottery Scholarship (HOPE)

• Either $3,500 or $4,000 per year (can be up to $5,500)

• Available to Tennessee residents only

• GPA requirements: 3.0 after 72, 96 and 120 hours

• HOPE recipients must maintain continuous enrollment

• Eligible to receive for five years from the original date of receiving the award as a freshman, so if you were awarded the HOPE as an undergraduate, you may no longer be eligible. 

Federal Direct Loan

• Maximum of $33,000 in Unsubsidized Direct Loans per academic year as a Pharm.D. student

• Having a Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan means that interest accrues while you are in school

• 6.08% interest rate

• Payments begin six months after graduation or leaving school

• Eligibility is determined by FAFSA

• 1.062% origination fee at time of disbursement

Grad Plus Loan

• 7.08% interest rate

• 4.248% fee at time of disbursement

• Can be deferred while in school

• FAFSA is required

• Non-need based loan, based on credit. Can use a co-signer.

• Must use all of Direct before Grad Plus is applied to account

For financial aid purposes, you are considered a professional student once you are accepted into the College of Pharmacy. This means that you will file as an independent student on your FAFSA, even if you are claimed as a dependent on your parent’s income taxes. You will not use any of your parents’ information when you file your FAFSA.

Complete the FAFSA. We recommend that the FAFSA be filed electronically by April 1. Be sure to have your tax information from the most recent tax year and your driver’s license. If you do not have your tax return completed by then, go ahead and file the FAFSA. You can always amend your FAFSA once your return is complete.

If you have filed a FAFSA before, you will need your FSA ID. If you have not filed a FAFSA before, request an FSA ID.

Please be sure to answer the following questions on the FAFSA as shown.

How to answer FAFSA Question 28: When you begin the school year, what will be your grade level?

• 1st year graduate/professional (for P1)
• Continuing graduate/professional or beyond (for P2, P3 & P4)

How to answer FAFSA question 29: When you begin the school year, what degree or certificate will you be working on?

• Graduate/ professional

How to answer FAFSA question 48: At the beginning of the school year, will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program? Yes

Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy is proud to announce that effective January 1, 2021 we are a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program. If you have questions regarding your eligibility for Yellow Ribbon or want to learn more about services offered to our military & veteran students, contact the Veterans Services Office.

R. Samuel Lynn, Director of Veterans Services
sam.lynn [at] lipscomb.edu 

Jimmie L. Handley, Veterans Programs Coordinator
jimmie.handley [at] lipscomb.edu 

Billie Scroggins, Veterans Certifying Official
billie.scroggins [at] lipscomb.edu (billie[dot]scroggins[at]lipscomb[dot]edu)