A beaker, mortar and pestle sit on a lab bench while two students conduct an experiment in the background

Pre-Pharmacy

Program Overview
Pathways for Pharmacy Admission
Courses
Early Assurance

If you’re looking for versatility in the healthcare field, look no further. As a pharmacist, you’ll help others live healthier lives. You can research complex drugs that could one day change the world. So put yourself on the path to a career that gives back.

We can successfully transition you into the Doctor of Pharmacy program of your choice, so that you’ll be a sought-after professional in the field. Luckily for you, we provide several ways to get there. Our Health Professions Advisory Committee are well-respected professionals and educators on hand to assist you with every step of planning. Even if you're not sure which pharmacy school you want to attend, our committee is available to help you tailor a journey with a major that best reflects your interests and goals.

If you’re intending to attend Lipscomb’s College of Pharmacy, you may opt to pursue a bachelor’s degree track, a 3+1 bachelor’s degree track, or take 61 course hours of required prerequisite courses. With any of these paths, you’ll build the foundation necessary to prepare you for Lipscomb’s Doctor of Pharmacy program.

You’ll gain access to our seasoned faculty and student pharmacists who have already begun their journey through membership in the Pre-Pharmacy Society. You will get personal, step-by-step guidance about the application process and pharmacy career pathways. You'll develop advanced critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills. You will be highly equipped to continue your education in the multifaceted field of pharmacy.

Program Foundations

Successful pharmacy students have a well-rounded education with particular emphasis in specific math and science core content. Our pre-pharmacy prerequisite courses were chosen specifically to prepare you for the foundation necessary to be successful in the pharmacy curriculum. Through the pharmacy curriculum students will develop advanced critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills which are vital in today’s health care environment.

Why Pharmacy?

Get Involved

While it is not required, we highly recommend students interested in pursuing their PharmD get pharmacy experience before entering the program. This experience can come in many forms whether it be obtaining a part time position as a pharmacy technician, or shadowing a few pharmacists in your community. If you are interested in shadowing pharmacists in the Nashville area, please reach out to Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy’s Office of Admissions & Student Affairs so we can connect you with our faculty, alumni and preceptors who practice in the area. For more information about shadowing opportunities, click here.

Pharmacy 4 Me Events

Health Professions Advisory Committee

Director: Matt Hearn
Administrative Assistant: Janet Hudson

Advisory Services for Lipscomb Students Interested in Preparing for the Health Professions

The Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) exists to help interested students prepare for careers in health care. Unlike academic advisors assigned to all undergraduate students based upon major, this advisory group is supplemental and only available to those who seek their services. However, because professional schools usually expect applicants to include a letter from such advisory bodies, (when available at their universities), it is in the best interest of pre-health students to become well-acquainted with the HPAC and all that it has to offer. Students seeking a letter of evaluation must first request an HPAC interview; and those sessions are only scheduled after the interviewee has completed an information packet available in our office.

Pre-health studies encompass much more than medicine. The HPAC serves those interested in pursuing a career in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physician assistant, physical therapy, optometry or some other health care field. To receive regular pertinent announcements and to be eligible for scholarships and other services, students are invited to register with the HPAC each fall by visiting the Health Professions Advisory Office located in Ward Hall, Room 327/330.

Pre-health students should utilize the office of the HPAC for the following services and functions:

1. Updated information about requirements for entering professional programs, including prerequisite courses, admissions tests, other requirements (e.g. exposure to the health care field, service activities, leadership activities) & the application process.

2. Advice about choosing a health care profession and alternative health care career options when appropriate.

3. Workshops or other venues for preparation of the personal essay/goals statement for the professional school application

4. A credit course on “preparing to apply” (e.g., interviewing, MCAT/DAT, etc.).

5. Books and other resources in the conference room/study area (Ward 327) to help students prepare for admission to professional programs.

6. Assist student groups, such as the Pre-pharmacy Society and MED Club in their search for informative speakers and make them aware of visiting professional school recruiters.

7. Provide information to students about opportunities for clinical exposure; summer programs for professional school preparation; and opportunities for service activities.

8. Provide online information, updated annually, about health care careers and application requirements.

9. Interview those planning to apply to professional programs and write their committee letters of evaluation for the schools requesting them.

10. Work with Financial Aid to award all HPAC/Ward scholarships & fellowships.

To learn more about preparing for any of the pre-health care professions, contact the HPAC office in Ward 327-330, or at 615-966- 7147 or 5701

Pathways for Pharmacy Admission

Select a Track	Hours Needed	Time to complete	Major	Advising
Fast Track	61 sem. hours	2 years	None (pre-pharm)	Chemistry or Health Sciences
3+1 Track	Varies by degree	3 years undergraduate + 1 year Pharm.D.	Health Science, Biology, or Chemistry with Pre-Pharm Emphasis	Health Science, Biology, Chemistry depts. depending on major
4+4 Track	126 sem. hours	4 years	Any major	Department of major

Things to consider

Fast Track

2 Years of Undergrad + 4 Years of PharmD = 6 Years Total

Apply for Pharm.D. enrollment during the fall of your sophomore year. This is a rigorous, fast-paced track best suited for mature high achievers who are coming in with credit hours, willing to sacrifice some aspects of the typical undergraduate experience and driven to start their careers early. Students accepted with the minimum number of hours typically demonstrate excellent GPAs exceeding the 3.2 average for enrolled students. Students participating in the fast track will typically only complete the following courses:

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)

3+1 Tracks

3 Years of Undergrad + 4 Years of PharmD = 7 Years Total

Lipscomb University offers 4 different 3+1 Pathways that many Pre-Pharmacy students choose to enroll in.

What is a 3+1 Program?

Students who participate in 3+1 programs will complete 3 years of and the first year of the PharmD program works like dual enrollment. This allows you to earn a bachelor’s degree at the end of your P1 pharmacy year. This is an ideal track for those who want a fuller undergraduate experience, more flexibility in course scheduling and time for some pharmacy experience. Students in this track typically have a GPA that matches or exceeds our enrolled student average of 3.2 or better.

3+1 Programs Offered at Lipscomb

4+4 Track

4 Years of Undergrad + 4 Years of PharmD = 8 Years Total

Earn a bachelor’s degree before entering the Pharm.D. program. This is an ideal track for students who want the complete undergraduate experience, flexibility in major selection and work experience, and the most upper division coursework preparation for the rigorous Pharm.D. curriculum. Extra coursework and a bachelor’s degree can help a student whose GPA may be below the 3.2 GPA average for accepted students.

What major should I choose?

Any major is acceptable as long as the prerequisite courses have been met. The majority of enrolled students major in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry or Heath Sciences because they like the courses and the upper level courses in those related majors provide a solid foundation for the pharmacy curriculum. However, we also have students with majors in everything from Accounting to Spanish to Psychology.

What resources are available on campus?

College of Pharmacy Office of Admissions & Student Affairs

The Office of Admissions & Student Affairs within the College of Pharmacy is open to any student considering pharmacy. They can connect you with pharmacy faculty members to discuss different career paths, and with current student pharmacists.

The Health Professions Advising Office

The Health Professions Advising Office is located in McFarland Science Center and is open to any student applying to a professional program. They assist with recommendation letters, questions about finding programs in which to apply and the application process itself.

Pre-Pharmacy Society

The Pre-Pharmacy Society is sponsored through the College of Pharmacy and connects students to pharmacist mentors, student pharmacists, professional development opportunities and guidance throughout the admissions process.

Courses

Lipscomb Undergraduate Pre-Pharmacy Advising

Regardless of which pathway you select, every student must complete the following required prerequisites prior to enrollment. Most students will submit their application to pharmacy school 8 to 12 months prior to their desired entry term while a portion of their courses are still in progress.

Required Prerequisite Courses

Course	Credit Hours
General Chemistry I & II with labs	8
Organic Chemistry I & II with labs	8
Biology with labs	8
Microbiology with lab	4
College Algebra	3
Statistics	3
English Composition I & II (Satisfied by Lipscomb Seminar and English Composition at LU)	6
Speech Communication	3
Humanities and Social Science Electives (Literature, History, Psychology, Sociology, Foreign Lang, etc.)	12
Additional Electives	8
Total Hours	61

Sample Pre-Pharmacy Course Schedule

For students prepared to start with Math 1314 Calculus I:

Fall (17 Hours)

Lipscomb Seminar (3)
BI 1073 - The Story of Jesus
CM 1113 - General Chemistry I
CM 1211 - General Chemistry Laboratory I
MA 1314 - Calculus I
General Ed. Course/Elective (3)

Spring (17 Hours)

BI 1083 - The Story of the Church
CM 1123 - General Chemistry II
CM 1221 - General Chemistry Laboratory II
EN 1313 - University Writing
BY 1134 - Principles of Biology: Cell and Genetics
General Ed. Course/Elective (3)

For students prepared to start with Math 1113 Algebra:

Fall (16 Hours)

Lipscomb Seminar
BI 1073 - The Story of Jesus
CM 1113 - General Chemistry I
CM 1211 - General Chemistry Laboratory I
MA 1113 - College Algebra
Communication

Spring (17 Hours)

BI 1083 - The Story of the Church
CM 1123 - General Chemistry II
CM 1221 - General Chemistry Laboratory II
EN 1313 - University Writing
BY 1134 - Principles of Biology: Cell and Genetics
MA 1123 - Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry

For students prepared to start with Math 1115 Pre-Calculus:

Fall (15 Hours)

Lipscomb Seminar
BI 1073 - The Story of Jesus
CM 1113 - General Chemistry I
CM 1211 - General Chemistry Laboratory I
Math 1115

Spring (17 Hours)

BI 1083 - The Story of the Church
CM 1123 - General Chemistry II
CM 1221 - General Chemistry Laboratory II
EN 1313 - University Writing
BY 1134 - Principles of Biology: Cell and Genetics
CO 1003 - Introduction to Communication

Note:

Please visit our website at pharmacy.lipscomb.edu for the most up to date information regarding the College of Pharmacy. Students may also contact the College of Pharmacy by email at pharmacy@lipscomb.edu.

Early Assurance

Pharmacy Early Assurance guarantees you a spot in the Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy Pharm.D. program based on your undergraduate application, as long as you complete all your prerequisites and keep your grades up.

Eligibility Requirements

Attain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 for all high school coursework.
Apply and be accepted for admission to Lipscomb University as a freshman student.
Request inclusion into the Early Assurance Program through your Lipscomb undergraduate application prior to beginning freshman year.
Complete a successful in-person interview with the College of Pharmacy during a campus visit for conditional acceptance to the program.

Maintaining Eligibility

Complete all math and science prerequisites at Lipscomb University under the guidance of your pre-pharmacy advisor.
- Advanced Placement (AP) credits accepted by Lipscomb University meet this requirement.
- Prerequisites completed at other regionally accredited post-secondary institutions require approval from the Office of Academic Affairs in the College of Pharmacy.
Attain a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 in all coursework and a math and science GPA of at least 3.0.
Begin the Pharm.D. program no later than three years after beginning pre-pharmacy coursework.
Adhere to the Code of Conduct at Lipscomb University.
Meet with a College of Pharmacy faculty mentor one time each semester.
Participate in designated EAP events for personal/professional development.
Apply through PharmCAS by January 1 prior to the fall of desired entry.
Complete a successful interview for final acceptance to the Pharm.D. program.

Benefits of Participation

The College of Pharmacy will provide a PharmCAS coupon code to cover the $175 cost for participating Lipscomb students
Undergraduate merit scholarships may follow up to their full 4 year awarded value.
Qualifies the 2-4 student for up to a $10,000 scholarship divided over two years beginning in the third year of Pharm.D. enrollment. A cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher is required to maintain this scholarship.
Qualifies the 3+1 degree seeking student for up to a $27,000 scholarship divided over the three years of Pharm.D. enrollment. A cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher is required to maintain this scholarship.
Students may participate in the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) and/or the American Association of Pharmaceutical Sciences (AAPS).
Exempts the student from taking the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)

Contact Information

College of Pharm, Student Services

Laura Ward
Director of Admissions and Student Affairs, Health
6159667173 ext. 7173
laura.ward@lipscomb.edu

Research Opportunities

We know that you want to be an innovator in the field. That’s why we offer unique research opportunities in our state-of-the-art facilities with our world-class faculty so that you can hone your expertise.

Job placement

With a top-tier university education on your resume, you’ll be in high demand, whether you choose to launch your career or begin graduate school. Most of our programs have a placement rate of at least 90 percent within six months of graduation.

Expert faculty, small class sizes

Learn from award-winning, experienced faculty who actually care about you. Our small class sizes allow us to get to know you personally. We lead an approachable community within our respective programs. Our faculty connections are the experts on their subject matter, too.

Our Faculty

Kevin Clauson

Professor

Kevin A. Clauson is an Associate Professor at Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. Clauson interacts with student pharmacists in courses including health informatics and independent research in...
Meet Kevin Clauson

Career Paths

Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals.

Medical Scientists

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.

Pharmacists

Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. They also may conduct health and wellness screenings, provide immunizations, oversee the medications given to patients, and provide advice on healthy lifestyles.

Pre-Pharmacy

Program Overview

Pathways for Pharmacy Admission

Things to consider

Courses

Lipscomb Undergraduate Pre-Pharmacy Advising

Required Prerequisite Courses

Sample Pre-Pharmacy Course Schedule

For students prepared to start with Math 1314 Calculus I:

For students prepared to start with Math 1113 Algebra:

For students prepared to start with Math 1115 Pre-Calculus:

Early Assurance

Research Opportunities

Job placement

Expert faculty, small class sizes

Our Faculty

Kevin Clauson

Career Paths

Pharmacy Technicians

Medical Scientists

Pharmacists

Related Programs