College of Pharmacy

Programs of Study

Doctor of Pharmacy, (Pharm.D.)

• Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy, (Pharm.D.)  
• Pharmacy and Business Administration, Dual Degree: Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration, (Pharm.D. and MBA)  
• Pharmacy and Health Care Informatics, Dual Degree: Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Science in Health Care Informatics, (Pharm.D./M.S.)  
• Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dual Degree: Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, (Pharm.D. and M.S.)  
• Pharmacy and Health Care Informatics, Doctor of Pharmacy and Certificate, (Pharm.D./Certificate in Health Care Informatics)  

• Pharmaceutical Sciences, Master of Science, (M.S.)  
• Anesthesiology/Anesthesiologist Assistant Studies, Master of Science (M.S.)  
• Health Care Informatics, Master of Science, (M.S.)  

Certificate 

• Health Care Informatics, Certificate  

Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy, (Pharm.D.)

Vison: 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.

For specific program requirements, go to Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy, (Pharm.D.) . 

Admission Policies and Procedures

• Complete a minimum of 61 semester hours of preprofessional education at accredited college or university.
  • The pre-pharmacy education will require a minimum of 61 semester hours. Required pre-pharmacy courses should be completed by the end of the summer semester prior to desired enrollment; however, course work may be in progress or planned at the time of application without it negatively impacting the application. If an applicant has not completed all required pre-pharmacy course work prior to submitting the application, a proposed plan for completion is required as part of the application process.
  • Achievement of a grade of “C-” or higher for each required pre-pharmacy course is mandatory.
• Attain a cumulative academic grade-point average of 2.5, preferred.​​
• 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.
• Submit online the Application for Admission. 
  • Applications for the upcoming enrolling year will be submitted through the Pharmacy College Application Service.  The College of Pharmacy has a rolling application process.  Detailed instructions for submitting the application, transcripts and letters of recommendation through PharmCAS may be found online at pharmacy.lipscomb.edu or at www.pharmcas.org in the school pages section. The deadline for application submission is approximately June 1 each year for Fall and approximately through October for a January start date or until the class is filled. 
  • Applications will not be accepted via fax transmission.
• Prepare for an admissions interview.
  An on-site interview is required for admission to Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy. Interviews are conducted by invitation only. The Office of Student Affairs at the Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy will evaluate each application for competitiveness and request an interview with those determined to be qualified applicants. Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy utilizes a rolling admissions process and candidates are accepted at the discretion of the admissions committee based upon their qualifications and interview. Applicants are interviewed and admissions decisions are made on a continual basis September through June for the Fall cohort and through approximately October for the January cohort or until the class is filled. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.

College of Pharmacy Transfer Student Admission Policies and Procedures

• 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.
• Students must have an official transcript of their work from each school they have attended mailed to the College of Pharmacy’s Director of Admissions and Recruitment office.
• Transfer candidates will be evaluated for transfer eligibility based on previous academic performance, personal behavior, on-campus interview, and, when applicable, recommendations from faculty from the previous college/school of pharmacy.
• A grade of “C” or better must have been earned for each course for transfer.
• At least 50 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.
• 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 must complete an onsite interview process arranged by the Director of Admissions and Recruitment.
• Transfer students may also be asked to complete an assessment consistent with the level of coursework the student should have completed prior to transfer. An assessment 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.  All previous academic work will be evaluated.

College of Pharmacy International Student Admission Policies and Procedures

• International students must follow the same admissions procedures and meet the same requirements as applicants who are U.S. citizens (see Admission Policies and Procedures) in addition to the following specific requirements. There will be no exceptions to this policy.
• Individuals are considered international if they:
  • Are not a United States citizen; or
  • Do not have permanent resident status.
• International 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.
• International applicants should complete all the pre-pharmacy course requirements at a U.S. institution. Any prerequisite courses taken at institutions outside of the United States must be evaluated and approved.
  • After all of the required documents are received, the Office of Student Affairs will evaluate whether the course work can be applied to the prerequisite requirements for admission. 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 attended and all instruction is conducted in English.
• International students are required to be proficient in written and oral English.
  • Applicants whose native language is not English must present the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language. The 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. These scores should be submitted through PharmCAS.
    [Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) www.toefl.org]
• Submit the PharmCAS application including all academic records from colleges and universities located both inside and outside the United States.
  • Course-by-course reports from the transcript evaluation services World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators must accompany international transcripts. Evaluations from other services are not accepted.
    [World Education Services www.wes.org; Educational Credential Evaluators eval@ece.org]
  • The outside assessments by WES and ECE 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 and minimum passing grade levels, among other things. The college is not obligated to accept the conclusion of any outside evaluation service.
  • Official, final transcripts for both international and U.S. course work will be required prior to matriculation.
• International applicants must provide copies of current status with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service at the time of application; i.e., VISA, I-94 and I-20 documents.
• For Lipscomb to provide a student visa, international 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.

Documentation

Financial Information (Pharm.D.)

Student Voluntary Withdrawal Policy

1. Upon acceptance by an applicant of a position in a class of the College of Pharmacy, the student pays an initial deposit to hold the position. This deposit is nonrefundable. The full deposit amount is lost if the student then chooses to forfeit his or her position in the class.
2. Fees, including textbooks, assessed as a part of the registration process are nonrefundable if a student chooses to voluntarily withdraw from the College of Pharmacy.
3. A student is considered enrolled in the College of Pharmacy when all steps of their registration are complete including final arrangements for payment for all student charges through one of the options offered by the university and the date for completion of registration as defined by the college is passed. At this point, the student makes a commitment to pay all fees and tuition associated with that respective year of the college’s curriculum.
4. If a student chooses to voluntarily withdraw from the College of Pharmacy after being officially registered, then an official withdrawal process must take place. To withdraw from the College of Pharmacy, a student should first contact the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the Director of Student Affairs in the College of Pharmacy. If classes have begun, all parties should meet with the Dean of the college and complete the College of Pharmacy withdrawal form obtained from the office of academic affairs.
5. Refund of the tuition shall be according to the following schedule:

   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

6. By completing registration in the College of Pharmacy, each student has agreed to meet all financial obligations to the Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy. Failure to meet these obligations may result in a variety of activities being pursued toward collection of the outstanding obligations.

Academic Policies (Pharmacy)

1. The implementation of all guidelines will be in addition to that of existing policies and standards of the University as published in the current Lipscomb University Graduate Catalog.  The College’s policies and procedures have been drafted in such a manner to be consistent with University policies and procedures whenever possible.  However, due to differences in student bodies, faculty, and external relationships, there is a need for distinct policies.
2. The profession of pharmacy has earned the title as one of the most respected healthcare professionals due to years of professionalism displayed to patients, colleagues, and society in general.  Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy aspires to continue this tradition by providing a community of scholars and learners where core values of Christlikeness, truth, excellence and service integrate our faith and ethics with the practice of academic pursuits.  As citizens of this community, student, faculty and staff share the responsibility for promoting a climate of integrity.  While we accept students from any religious background, our faculty is exclusively Christian, and as a distinctively Christian university, our culture will be based on Christian values. The pursuit of truth is a core value of the College and lays the foundation for lifelong integrity. In every facet of our work, we seek excellence in the pursuit of knowledge and the courage to make difficult choices even at personal cost. In our service to this community, our actions should reflect the second great command “to love your neighbor as yourself.” This command compels us to respect others, to treat others fairly and honestly, and to assume personal responsibility.  Our life is built on the foundation of serving others and living in truth.  A community built on these principles cannot accept cheating, lying, fraud, theft, and other dishonest behaviors that jeopardize the rights and welfare of the community and diminish the worth of academic integrity within the community.  The Community of Faith sets out broad principles and from these broad principles flow policies and practices for members of the Lipscomb University Community. The Academic Integrity Policy identifies specific definitions of policy infractions, provides a listing of sanctions which students may face, and identifies the specific steps in the process.  Please see the Academic Integrity for specific information.
3. Letter grading system and quality points

4. Admission to the College is contingent on a cumulative GPA of 2.5, preferred.  Students accepted to the program with coursework still outstanding are expected to maintain this minimum GPA until the time of matriculation.  Failure to do so will jeopardize the prospective student’s seat in the program.  A student may not enter the College while on academic warning status or academic suspension, excluding students who have previously attended a doctor of pharmacy program.  

6. Academic Jeopardy:  Students are considered to be in academic jeopardy if they 1) received a failing grade and are subject to remediation; 2) fail to have a Cumulative GPA of at least 2.3; or 3) fail to have a GPA of at least 3.0 in their advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPE’s) at any time during the fourth professional year.  Additionally, students with two or more failing grades at the semester midpoint are considered to be in academic jeopardy and are subject to the stipulations outlined in Article 6.6.

7. Repeating Coursework

8. Grade Appeal:  A student has the right to file an appeal in any course work for a final grade.  Concerns may relate, but are not limited to failure to abide by stated requirements described in the course syllabus, a disputed examination or assessment question, and discrimination based on age, sex, religion, race, marital status, national origin, or disability.  The procedure for bringing an academic appeal is as follows:

9. Withdrawal:  The policy for student voluntary withdrawal is located above titled Student Voluntary Withdrawal Policy and in the Student Handbook.  An enrolled student requesting withdrawal should notify the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the Director of Admissions and Student Affairs within the College of Pharmacy.  Withdrawal may be granted for medical or other extenuating circumstances and student are subject to the financial obligations outlined in the College of Pharmacy withdrawal policy.  Students must complete the College’s official withdrawal form which may be obtained from the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.  The student must obtain all appropriate University and College signatures including the Registrar, Financial Aid, Business Office, etc.  The College will follow University guidelines for transcript and grade reporting.  A finalized copy of withdrawal paperwork will be shared with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the student’s record. 
10. Professionalism, Punctuality, and Class Attendance:  It is the responsibility of students and faculty to maintain an atmosphere in classrooms and laboratories that are conducive to teaching and learning.  Behavior is expected to adhere to professional standards and to contribute in a positive way to the learning process.  Behavior that is rude, disruptive, or that infringes on the rights of faculty, staff, or students to effectively engage in the teaching/learning process will not be tolerated.  A critical part of student professionalism is showing respect to faculty, staff and peers in the opportunity to gain knowledge.  Students who regularly disregard the professionalism, punctuality, and class attendance standards may be referred to the Academic Progression Committee for further review and disciplinary action beyond those listed below.

11. Examinations:  Examinations and other assessments may be given via an electronic or paper format at the discretion of the course coordinator.  Course syllabi provide greater detail on the examination process and student responsibilities for examinations or assessments.  The guiding principles regarding examinations and assessments are reasonableness and fairness. 

12.  Capstone Assessments:  The College will utilize a variety of assessments, including capstones, as a means of documenting competency and curricular readiness to advance to advanced pharmacy practice experiences, Anesthesiology Clinical Experiences, or graduation.

13. Co-Curricular Activities:

14. Degree Requirements: 

15. Graduation Exercises: See ‘Graduation’ in the Academic Information & Policies  section. The College’s students will be eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony when all degree requirements as outlined are met.

16. Dean’s List and Honor Roll:  To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must achieve a GPA of 4.0 for the semester.  To qualify for the Honor Roll, a student must achieve a 3.5 or higher GPA for the semester.
17. Transfer Credits from other Colleges/Schools of Pharmacy or Anesthesiology:  Students requesting a transfer to Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy from another Doctor of Pharmacy or Anesthesiology program must follow College guidelines. 

18. External Degree Programs: The Doctor of Pharmacy and Anesthesiology programs are rigorous and require a focused effort for satisfactory academic progression. As such, students wishing to participate in a nonaffiliated degree program (external to the College and not an approved dual-degree) or professional certification program (e.g. Diabetes Management) must receive prior approval from the College’s Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

19. College-Wide Assessment:  Assessment is an integral part of the College’s self-study and accreditation process.  The College focuses its assessment program on both curricular and programmatic outcomes.  The Education Assessment Committee (EAC) oversees all assessment activities within the College. 

20. CLEP/AP Credit Acceptance:    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.
21. Non-traditional Doctor of Pharmacy Program:  There will be no program at Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy by which baccalaureate pharmacists may earn the Doctor of Pharmacy degree.  At this time, the only professional degree offered by Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy will be the entry-level Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
22. Student Records:  The College follows University guidelines and regulations regarding access to student records and is consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  Ordinarily, access to records is restricted to authorized personnel, such as deans, the Office of Academic Affairs, or Office of Student Affairs, and all University approved staff per the University policy (such as Provost, Registrar).  Faculty must have legitimate academic interest to view student records.  That principally occurs when faculty serve as a student’s academic mentor.  Faculty also have implied consent to view a student’s record if asked for a letter of recommendation, or if a student asks a faculty member to act as an mentor on a research project.  Students wishing to deny faculty access to their records under either of the previously cited cases must notify the Office of Student Affairs of their wishes each time a request for faculty action is initiated.  Faculty will have access to student records in other circumstances only with permission from the College’s Associate Dean for Academic Affairs or the Director of Admissions and Student Affairs.
23. Textbooks:  Students will be provided a listing of all required and recommended textbooks well in advance of the next academic semester.  The students will be provided ISBN-13 identification numbers and are responsible for acquiring the textbook prior to the start of the next semester’s courses.  Students bear all responsibility regarding their purchases.  The College will assure that the University Bookstore provide a process to purchase textbooks in order to accommodate all student desiring to purchase their books on campus. The College may also utilize online textbooks (e-texts) as a part of course requirements.  In such cases where an online textbook is used, the faculty must assure that sufficient access to the text can be achieved by any computer that meets the minimal requirements for personal notebook (laptop) as described by the College.
24.  Computers and Computer Skills:  Computer literacy is an entry requirement for Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy.  Students will not be able to complete the coursework in the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) or Anesthesiology curriculum without a solid foundation in basic computer skills, which the College defines as competence in using:

• Microsoft Word (or equivalent word processor)
• Microsoft Excel (or equivalent spreadsheet program)
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Adobe Reader
• E-Mail
• Internet Web Browsers (i.e., Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, Mozilla)

25. Grievance Procedure:  Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Accreditation Standards:  Any student may bring a grievance or complaint in reference to the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accreditation standards. Details regarding this process are outlined in the Student Handbook.

Pharmacy Prerequisites

Pharmacy Dual Degrees

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.  

Pharmacy and Health Care Informatics, Dual Degree: Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Science in Health Care Informatics, (Pharm.D./M.S.) 

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. HCI plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of care, reducing health care costs and improving health outcomes.

Professionals who understand the relationship between people, health, information technology and health care systems are in great demand.

For this reason, Lipscomb University offers innovative and exciting programs in HCI.  The dual degree Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Science in Health Care Informatics program or 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 32% from 2020-2030.

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 entirety of the P4 year.

Admission process: Students apply for the dual program during the spring semester before coursework begins in the following summer semester.  The admission process includes an interview with the program director.

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 section in the opening section of this catalog.

For specific program requirements, go to Pharmacy and Health Care Informatics, Dual Degree: Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Science in Health Care Informatics, (Pharm.D./M.S.) .

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dual Degree: Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, (Pharm.D. and M.S.) 

The Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences provides students with a broad overview of the scientific disciplines supporting drug discovery and development and engage students in discussions and mentor-guided research projects focused on bioanalysis, drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacology. Students will develop applied basic science research skill sets to advance their career opportunities within the biomedical or pharmaceutical industries, or complement their clinical degree to explore collaborative research opportunities within academic medical centers or other health care systems.

For specific program requirements, go to Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dual Degree: Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, (Pharm.D. and M.S.) .

Pharmacy and Business Administration, Dual Degree: Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration, (Pharm.D. and MBA) 

Interested students will earn both the Doctor of Pharmacy and the Master of Science in Business Administration degrees at the completion of required course work.  The two programs will run concurrently. 

For specific program requirements, go to Pharmacy and Business Administration, Dual Degree: Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration, (Pharm.D. and MBA)  

Tuition and Fees for Dual Degrees

*Program Trip Fee (see program information for details)*

Pharmaceutical Sciences, Master of Science, (M.S.) 

The Masters of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences will provide students with a broad overview of the scientific disciplines supporting drug discovery and development and engage students in discussions and mentor-guided research projects (focused on bioanalysis, drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacology). The programs is for individuals looking to enter doctoral graduate research programs or fellowships (drug discovery and development, pharmaceutical sciences, and pharmacology), develop applied basic science research skill sets to advance their career opportunities within the biomedical or pharmaceutical industries, or complement their clinical degree to explore collaborative research opportunities within academic medical centers or other healthcare systems.

The program also offers a research based dual degree program (Pharm.D./MS) offering pharmacy students their Pharm.D./MS upon successful completion of the 147 hours required for the Doctor of Pharmacy and 17 hours of graduate credits in Pharmaceutical Sciences coursework. 

For specific program requirements, go to Pharmaceutical Sciences, Master of Science, (M.S.) .

Admission

Admission to the program is based on a combination of many factors, including undergraduate and/or graduate academic record, professional experience, an interview and references. The admissions committee takes into consideration your essay, interview, and goals statement in the admissions process. Placement in this program is contingent upon primary investigator availability, enrollment is limited.

Eligible students

Hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent and one pre-requisite course in statistics. International students should refer to the international student section of the graduate catalog.

Application Process

• Application fee. A non-refundable $50 application fee must be submitted online with credit card or by check before the application is evaluated by the admissions committee. 
• Coursework or demonstrated competency in medical terminology, statistics and PC literacy (evidenced through work experience as it appears on the resume or coursework as it appears on the transcript). 
• Two letters of recommendation. The references selected need to be individuals who are able to comment on your academic or professional abilities as well as your interpersonal skills.
• Personal statement of goals and purpose for obtaining the degree. Consider including such information as:
  • How the university can assist your personal and career goals
  • Why you are seeking a degree or certificate in Health Care Informatics
• Resume
• Official transcripts from each institution attended. Please allow up to 4 weeks for transcript delivery.
• Health Form. Each applicant must submit a completed health form signed by a health care provider. (To print a copy of the health form, visit www.lipscomb.edu/healthcenter/ forms.) This form must be submitted directly to Lipscomb’s Health Center.
• FERPA. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords students certain rights of access to educational records; even if you are independent of your parents, you must submit this form prior to enrollment.
• An English competency exam is required for international students. (See section titled International Students for more information.)
• An interview is required for admission to Lipscomb University Health Care Informatics program. Interviews are conducted by invitation only. The Health Care Informatics Admissions Committee will evaluate each application for competitiveness and request an interview with those determined to be qualified applicants. 

All application items should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions no later than 90 days before the beginning of the semester or term in which the student plans to enroll. 
Forms should be emailed to gradadmissions@lipscomb.edu or mailed to Graduate Studies in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lipscomb University, One University Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37204-3951.

Transfer Courses

Although all graduate credit hours may be transferred from another accredited institution, a maximum of six hours will be counted toward a master’s degree in the College of Pharmacy. The Admissions Committee will evaluate the course(s) being proposed for transfer and make a determination of suitability. No course with a grade below a “B” will be considered for transfer.

Student Classifications

See Graduate Admissions Information  section. Additionally, A transfer student may be Conditionally Admitted with a graduate GPA between 2.50 and 2.99. The transfer student must be in good standing at the previous institution attended.

Academic Standing

See the College of Pharmacy academic policy.

Course Load

A student enrolled for six hours is considered a full-time student. A student enrolled for less than six hours is considered a part-time student. No student will be permitted to enroll for more than 12 hours per semester without special approval from the director of the graduate program.

Graduation

See ‘Graduation’ in the Academic Information & Policies  section.

Statute of Limitations

All requirements for a degree in the College of Pharmacy must be completed within a five-year period from the time of initial matriculation.

Financial Information (M.S. Pharmaceutical Sciences)

*Program Trip Fee (see program information for details)*

Anesthesiology/Anesthesiologist Assistance Studies, Master of Science (M.S.) 

Lipscomb University’s Master of Science in Anesthesiology is designed to prepare the next generation of anesthesiologist assistants, delivering highly skilled professionals to meet a growing demand in the health care workforce. This new program will produce graduates who are thoroughly trained in anesthesiology support and patient care and ready to practice as a member of the anesthesia care team. Lipscomb’s Anesthesiology Assistant Studies program is uniquely structured to prepare students to thrive in this expanding field. Upon successful completion of the certification exam, graduates will enter the workforce equipped with cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) expertise. The rigorous 27-month curriculum includes coursework in pharmacology, airway management, perioperative assessments, and anesthesia monitoring and technology. Students will gain an appropriate sequence of classroom and laboratory experience along with a minimum of 2,000 clinical hours-including 600 patient cases-to ensure they are fully prepared for certification and practice. The Anesthesiologist Assistant Studies program will produce competent, caring professionals dedicated to contributing meaningfully to the health care field. Lipscomb graduates will not only be clinically prepared but will also embody Christian values, going out into the workforce with strong ethics, compassion, and a commitment to patient-centered care-distinct qualities that set them apart in health services.

For specific program requirements, go to Anesthesiology/Anesthesiologist Assistant Studies, Master of Science (M.S.) .

Admission / Program of Study Requirements

Admission to the Anesthesiologist Assistant Studies program is a competitive process and will follow a holistic application review to identify appropriate candidates for interviews and potential enrollment.  For Fall 2026 enrollment, Lipscomb will utilize an internal application process rather than the Centralized Application Service for Anesthesiologist Assistants (CASAA). For all future enrollments, beginning Fall of 2027, Lipscomb anticipates utilizing CASAA.

Holistic Application Review (Anesthesiology)

Many factors are considered in the holistic review of the application, interview and admissions process. They may include the following: academics, communication skills, letters of recommendation, problem-solving skills, professionalism, work experience, degree earned, research, volunteer service, interview performance, attitude, timeliness and other factors. These help differentiate applicants who possess the highest likelihood of succeeding as part of the health care team. No assurances or guarantees are given or implied based on the completion of the prerequisites or achieving a high level of academic performance. 

Degree and GPA Requirements:

Candidates for the Anesthesiologist Assistant Studies program must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a US-accredited institution.  The most competitive candidates will have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher with core science courses completed in the last 5 years.  Master’s or terminal degree coursework in a clinical or relevant scientific discipline will be considered with a cumulative 3.0 GPA.  Applicants with terminal professional degrees and current licensure in a doctoral health practice should take the MCAT to validate existing knowledge.  All candidates are encouraged to take the MCAT to improve candidate competitiveness.

Specific Course Requirements:

The following courses are prerequisite requirements for enrollment eligibility.  Achievement of a grade of “B” or higher for each required prerequisite course is mandatory.  In-person courses are preferred.  Online or Hybrid coursework may be accepted, with options for in-person learning that are not available through your primary institution.

• Calculus I

• Statistics (3)

• General Biology I and II

• Human Anatomy and Physiology with labs (8 credit hours for science majors)

• General Chemistry I and II with labs for (8 credit hours)

• Organic Chemistry I with lab (4)

• Biochemistry I

• Physics I and II with labs (Calculus OR Alg./Trig.-based courses)

You may submit an application while prerequisites are in progress. AP/Dual Enrollment courses with a score of 4 will be accepted, provided they appear on the official college transcript. 

MCAT and GRE:

Both the MCAT and GRE are currently accepted, however, the MCAT is preferred and will likely be required in the near future.  Typically, successful applicants will have achieved a score greater than the 50th percentile for all categories.  Applicants with terminal professional degrees and current licensure in a doctoral health practice are encouraged to take the MCAT to validate existing knowledge.

Shadowing Requirements:

Eight hours of shadowing (CAA, MD or CRNA) is required. Candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the Anesthesia Care Team (ACT) team model and understand the roles and differences between provider types both inside and outside the ACT model. Applicants with healthcare experience that has provided insight and exposure to anesthetic care are not required to have this requirement. Documentation templates from any school where you plan to apply is acceptable. Medical mission trip experience is accepted.

Letters of Recommendation:

Three letters of recommendation are required.  They should include 1 personal/character reference and 2 academic or professional. References are not accepted from relatives or public figures with no personal knowledge of character.

International Students:  

US citizenship or permanent residency is required for attendance.

Documentation

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.

Academic Policies:  

All academic policies will  be made available to students upon matriculation.  Academic policies are updated annually and defined exclusively by the Student Handbook.   As such, the Student Handbook supersedes all programmatic policies that may or may not be contained herein.

Tuition and Fees (Anesthesiologist Assistant Studies)

Room and board charges per semester are available in the undergraduate catalog.

Student Voluntary Withdrawal Policy

Acceptance of a position in an Anesthesiologist Assistant Studies class within the College is viewed as a long-term commitment and different from registering for classes in an undergraduate program. The curriculum of the Anesthesiologist Assistant Studies program within 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 CAA (Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant) candidates who choose to voluntarily withdraw is extremely limited. It is the operational policy of the College that no potential student 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 and the college to permit a later start.

Therefore, for the college’s policy on voluntary withdrawal and refund of tuition and fees, see section entitled Student Voluntary Withdrawal Policy under the Pharmacy program pages of this catalog.  All policies applicable to a student regarding voluntary withdrawal will likewise be applied for any CAA candidate wishing to voluntarily withdraw.

Health Care Informatics, Master of Science, (M.S.) 

Meet the increasing demands of this field by pursuing your Master of Science degree or certificate in Health Care Informatics (HCI). Whether your background is in health care, IT or business analytics, this program is designed to build on your strengths and make you a leader in health care informatics. Nashville, widely known as the health care industry’s capital, is the perfect place to start, with more than 400 health-focused companies based there. And now, you can complete this exciting online degree from anywhere.

The Lipscomb Health Care Informatics program ranks second nationally in the field of health care informatics and supports a mission to develop change agents who can make an impact on the health care system. Translate your passions into enhancing and transforming health care delivery and outcomes. Become equipped to improve the quality of care and reduce health care costs, making the industry more efficient and economical.

Develop expert skills for today’s essential technologies like electronic health records (EHR) and emerging technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence. Set yourself apart by learning from faculty who are nationally recognized for their eminence in research, innovation and leadership. Network and collaborate with your cohort throughout your course of study.

• The program is offered fully online
• Complete one course each month
• Classes meet online every other weekend

Alternating weekend classes are offered Friday evenings and Saturdays in a synchronous online format, allowing the highest quality educational experience without disrupting one’s professional career.  Join 99 percent of your peers who completed this program and landed careers in leading-edge health information technology professions and who are working to enhance quality of care and health outcomes.

For specific program requirements, go to Health Care Informatics, Master of Science, (M.S.) .

Admission (Health Care Informatics)

Admission to the program is based on a combination of many factors, including undergraduate and/or graduate academic record, professional experience, an interview and references. The admissions committee also considers your essay, interview, and goals statement in the admissions process.

Eligible students

Applicants must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, or be a student currently enrolled in a graduate program and intend to pursue the HCI degree or certificate sequentially or simultaneously to the graduate program. Students who are simultaneously enrolled in a graduate program at another institution must provide evidence of being in good academic standing from their primary graduate program and maintain good academic standing in it as well as the HCI program as per academic requirements of both institutions. Additionally, proof of successful completion of one pre-requisite statistics course is required. International students should refer to the international student section of the graduate catalog for additional information.

Application Process (Health Care Informatics)

• Application fee. A non-refundable $50 application fee must be submitted online with credit card or by check before the application is evaluated by the admissions committee. 
• Coursework or demonstrated competency in medical terminology, statistics and PC literacy (evidenced through work experience as it appears on the resume or coursework as it appears on the transcript). 
• Two letters of recommendation. The references selected need to be individuals who are able to comment on your academic or professional abilities as well as your interpersonal skills.
• Personal statement of goals and purpose for obtaining the degree. Consider including such information as:
  • How this program can assist your personal and career goals
  • Why you are seeking a degree or certificate in Health Care Informatics
• Resume
• Official transcripts from each institution attended. Please allow up to 4 weeks for transcript delivery.
• Health Form. Each applicant must submit a completed health form signed by a health care provider. (To print a copy of the health form, visit www.lipscomb.edu/healthcenter/ forms.) This form must be submitted directly to Lipscomb’s Health Center.
• FERPA. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords students certain rights of access to educational records; even if you are independent of your parents, you must submit this form prior to enrollment.
• An English competency exam is required for international students. (See section titled International Students for more information.)
• An interview is required for admission to Lipscomb University Health Care Informatics program. Interviews are conducted by invitation only in a virtual or on-campus format. The Health Care Informatics Admissions Committee will evaluate each application for competitiveness and request an interview with those determined to be qualified applicants. 

All application items should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions no later than 90 days before the beginning of the semester or term in which the student plans to enroll. 
Forms should be emailed to gradadmissions@lipscomb.edu or mailed to Graduate Studies in Health Care Informatics, Lipscomb University, One University Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37204-3951.

Student Classifications

See Graduate Admissions Information  section. Additionally, one may be admitted as a Graduate Student with an average of 2.75 on undergraduate work. A transfer student may be Conditionally Admitted with a graduate GPA between 2.50 and 2.99. The transfer student must be in good standing at the previous institution attended.

Transfer Courses

Although all graduate credit hours may be transferred from another accredited institution, a maximum of six hours will be counted toward a master’s degree in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. The HCI Admissions Committee will evaluate the course(s) being proposed for transfer and make a determination of suitability. No course with a grade below a “B” will be considered for transfer.

Academic Standing

See College of Pharmacy academic policy.

Course Load

A student enrolled for six hours is considered a full-time student. A student enrolled for less than six hours is considered a part-time student. No student will be permitted to enroll for more than 12 hours per semester without special approval from the director of the graduate program.

Graduation

See ‘Graduation’ in the Academic Information & Policies  section.

Statute of Limitations

All requirements for a degree in the College of Pharmacy must be completed within a five-year period from the time of initial matriculation.

Financial Information (Health Care Informatics)

*Program Trip Fee (see program information for details)*