Lipscomb University announces plans to launch a distance learning pathway to complement existing Doctor of Pharmacy program
Lipscomb one of the few in the nation to offer online PharmD pathway
Kim Chaudoin |
Lipscomb University is expanding its College of Pharmacy with the launch of a new online Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) pathway to meet a growing demand in the pharmacy workforce. Lipscomb’s online PharmD pathway is only the second in Tennessee and one of only 13 in the nation.
Lipscomb’s online Pharm.D. pathway is designed to meet the growing demand for highly skilled pharmacists by offering a flexible, innovative option for students seeking a rigorous and comprehensive education. The pathway includes both asynchronous and synchronous online coursework with in-person immersions for labs and experiential learning, ensuring hands-on proficiency with cohorts beginning each August. This new offering complements Lipscomb’s highly regarded traditional, on-campus Pharm.D. pathways that have August and January entry points.
“Lipscomb University has a long-standing tradition of excellence in preparing students for impactful careers in health care,” said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. “Our new online Doctor of Pharmacy pathway builds on this legacy by expanding access to students across the country to our top-tier faculty and outstanding program to meet the growing needs of the pharmacy profession.”
Lipscomb pharmacy graduates boast a 100% job placement rate, and the College of Pharmacy’s 2024 graduating class achieved a residency match rate of 90.91%, significantly surpassing the national average of 81.17%. The college ranks in the top 25 nationwide for residency match rates, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in pharmacy education.
“Pharmacists are critical to the health care ecosystem, and demand for their expertise continues to rise,” said Tom Campbell, dean of the College of Pharmacy. “Our online Pharm.D. pathway allows students from across the country to access the same rigorous, high-quality education we’ve delivered for years, while offering the flexibility to meet their unique needs. This pathway will equip graduates to excel in a dynamic, evolving field.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for pharmacists is $128,570, and employment opportunities are projected to grow steadily due to the increasing demand for pharmacy services in hospitals, clinics and community settings.
Lipscomb’s College of Pharmacy is located in Nashville, Tennessee, the nation’s health care capital. In addition to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, the college offers a Master of Science in Health Care Informatics, a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and dual-degree options for Pharm.D. students to earn one of these master’s degrees concurrently. The college also partners with Vanderbilt University for a Pharm.D.-to-Ph.D. Pathway program, providing a direct pipeline to a clinical pharmacology Ph.D.
Students can apply now for the August 2025 enrolling class pending approval by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) by visiting www.pharmcas.org.
For more information about Lipscomb University’s online Doctor of Pharmacy pathway, click here or contact the college at pharmacy [at] lipscomb.edu (pharmacy[at]lipscomb[dot]edu).