Dean of the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences: Dr. Jeffrey B. Mercer

About the College

Campbell University’s College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (CPHS) was established in 1985. At the time, it was the first new pharmacy program to open in the United States in more than 30 years. Since its inception, doctor of pharmacy graduates have performed exceptionally well on the national pharmacy board exam (NAPLEX).

In addition to the pharmacy program, the College offers a bachelor’s degree in general sciences, undergraduate and graduate degrees in clinical research and pharmaceutical sciences, a master’s degree in public health, professional degrees in nursing and in physician assistant practice, as well as a doctor of health sciences degree and a doctor of physical therapy degree.

Mission

CPHS is committed to preparing students to excel in the ever-expanding world of health care. The institution’s mission is to educate students in a Christian environment to be health care professionals who will function effectively as a part of an interdisciplinary team to meet existing and future health care needs while providing leadership within their profession.

Accreditation

Please visit the Campbell University website for detailed information regarding CPHS accreditation. https://www.campbell.edu/about/leadership/provost/accreditation/

Bachelor Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research (BSCR)

Clinical research is a branch of medical science that determines the safety and effectiveness of medications, devices, diagnostic products, and treatment regimens intended for human use. It is also concerned with investigating the influence of population and biological diversity as well as disease states on responses to treatment. The results of clinical research studies (especially clinical trials) are essential for gaining approval for marketing new medications and devices or new indications of existing products from regulatory agencies throughout the world.

The B.S. in Clinical Research degree provides students with the knowledge and experiential training for diverse careers as clinical researchers in contract research organizations (CROs), pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, or academia. The required  semester-long internship provides invaluable experience for students and often leads to employment opportunities.

Bachelor of Science in General Sciences (BSGS)

The College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences offers a bachelor of science in general science with a concentration in clinical research or pharmaceutical sciences. This degree option is only offered to Campbell University students who have completed the prescribed pre-pharmacy curriculum, general college curriculum, one year of the B.S. in pharmaceutical sciences or clinical research curriculum, as well as one year of the doctor of pharmacy curriculum. (Requires acceptance to the doctor of pharmacy program.) More details about the degree are listed in this bulletin with the Clinical Research and Pharmaceutical Sciences sections.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at Campbell University, offered through the Catherine W. Wood School of Nursing, is designed to provide students with the training and education necessary to enter the workforce as a registered nurse. The College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences is dedicated to helping students become the best healthcare professionals they can be by offering interprofessional education opportunities, top of the line training facilities, and first-hand experience with rural healthcare needs.

Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS)

The B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree offers one of the most extensive laboratory-based programs in North Carolina. The program covers a broad range of disciplines involved in the discovery, development and manufacturing of drug products. The Pharmaceutical Sciences Department also offers a 3+2 for students to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years instead of the traditional six years.

The Pharmaceutical Sciences major prepares students for careers in the biomedical sciences with particular emphasis on pharmaceutical sciences. Graduates will be prepared to enter research and technical positions in the health science industries or to pursue graduate and/or postgraduate studies. The required semester-long internships provide invaluable experience for students and often lead to employment opportunities.

Graduate Degrees

Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) - Online

The MSCR degree is designed to expand students’ understanding of clinical research, drug development and epidemiology. The program focuses on contemporary clinical research geared toward the development of new and improved therapies and diagnostics. The curriculum provides students with an in-depth understanding of producing and interpreting medical evidence in a variety of practice settings.

The Master of Science in Clinical Research is well suited for a variety of student populations. Courses are 100% online to accommodate a diverse student body. This 38 credit hour program allows students to enroll full-time or part-time. Full-time students typically complete the coursework within two years. Students have a maximum of five years upon entering the program to complete degree requirements.

Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS)

The MSPS curriculum features a patient-centered, integrated approach to drug discovery and design. This curriculum was designed in cooperation with a number of professionals who currently work in the pharmaceutical industry to give our graduates the knowledge and skills that are most sought-after.

Students pursuing their MSPS complete one year of core courses, then in their second year complete either a co-op with a pharmaceutical company or a research project on campus, plus at least 8 credits of electives to gain expertise in chosen subjects.

The MSPS degree program is designed to enhance an individual’s research and contract service capabilities. Students who complete this degree are prepared for careers in the pharmaceutical industry doing drug discovery, development, and/or production or further studies at the doctorate level. 

Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH)

The MSPH degree is a two-year, full-time program focusing on the elimination of rural health care disparities and development of local community health intervention and educational programs.

Students spend the first year in the classroom while simultaneously developing individual research projects with a faculty advisor. The second year is dedicated to completion of a capstone research project and elective coursework. Students are also required to apply their knowledge and skills through community-based practicum experiences throughout the program.

For further information on Graduate Degrees in the CPHS please see the CPHS Academic Bulletin

Professional Degrees

Master of Physician Assistant Practice (MPAP)

The Physician Assistant Program at Campbell University focuses on an evidence-based, patient-centered, clinically practical curriculum which will prepare students for the opportunity to enter one of the fastest growing health care professions. Students who complete the program will earn a Master of Physician Assistant Practice (MPAP) degree.

The program is a 24-month curriculum with 12 months of classroom studies and 12 months of supervised clinical educational rotations. Students will receive didactic and clinical training in family medicine, emergency medicine, general surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, orthopedics, and evidence-based medicine. Many area physicians and physician assistants are assisting the faculty in teaching first year students clinical medicine. Numerous affiliated training sites have been identified and are currently being utilized for the clinical training phase of the program.

Physician Assistants are licensed health care providers who practice medicine and surgery in collaboration with physicians. PAs can practice in primary care and any chosen medical specialty. They are approved to practice and have prescription rights in all 50 states. Please visit the American Academy of Physician Assistants website (www.aapa.org) for more information on PA careers.

Doctor of Health Science (DHSc)

The Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) degree program is the first program of its kind in North Carolina. The DHSc program is a 100% online, 54 credit-hour, interdisciplinary doctorate that equips post-professionals with skills and expertise to positively shape the future of healthcare and health-related organizations. The program courses are in a convenient accelerated 8-week format. In order to complete this cohort program in three years, students should anticipate taking two (2) courses per semester. Courses are offered during the following academic terms; Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, Spring II and Summer. To earn the DHSc degree you will complete a capstone research project based on your professional interests and area of concentration.

The program provides an interdisciplinary curriculum with a focus on practical application of modern health care delivery, rural health policy and public health ethics, health administration, and interprofessional education/practice that will prepare students to provide leadership, planning, innovation, and organizational improvement in colleges and universities, clinics, hospitals, government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, non-profits, private industry, and other related healthcare-oriented organizations.

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

The PharmD degree is the College’s oldest health professions program, with more than 35 years of credible training history. Campbell’s pharmacy graduates have performed exceptionally well in the first time passage rate on the national pharmacy board exam (NAPLEX) and continue to build a legacy as successful leaders, innovators, and contributors to the pharmacy profession.

The PharmD degree is a four-year, full-time professional program designed to meet the changing demands future pharmacists will encounter. It not only incorporates didactic learning experiences that integrate the basic, pharmaceutical, and clinical sciences, but also focuses on pharmacy practice skills, personal and professional development, team work, and communication skills. Students spend the first three years in the classroom, and complete one-month clinical rotations during their summer breaks.

During their final year, students complete nine four-week clinical rotations, gaining valuable experience in different practice settings. The six required rotations include advanced community pharmacy, ambulatory care, geriatrics, internal medicine, and advanced hospital. The three elective rotation opportunities include training in cardiology, drug information, pharmacy administration, oncology, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, veterinary medicine and much more.

Applicants may matriculate into the doctorate program after completing 64 credit hours from the pre-pharmacy curriculum. A degree in pharmacy provides numerous career pathways for graduates including community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, industrial pharmacy, consultant pharmacy, government service as well as academia and other specialized practice areas.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at Campbell University focuses on an evidence-supported curriculum centered on the patient and clinical practice in rural healthcare. The curriculum utilizes integrated, interdisciplinary education to prepare students to enter one of the most rewarding and fastest growing healthcare professions. Students who complete the program will earn a DPT degree and eligibility to become a candidate for initial licensure in the 53 jurisdictions recognized by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

The DPT program is a 36-month full time graduate study with 26.5 months of didactic education and 9.5 months of supervised clinical experiences. Two part-time clinical experiences will occur in the summer of the first and second year. Numerous training sites within North Carolina and the communities surrounding the University allow for education in rural facilities. Service learning courses provide opportunities to serve in rural communities and facilities while developing leadership and altruistic character. Participation in inter-professional education events is encouraged throughout the program. Opportunities are being explored for DPT students to learn with other health care disciplines. The DPT program has faculty/staff, training facilities, and a curriculum designed to meet its mission of providing qualified professionals ready to practice in rural areas and serve as valued members of interprofessional healthcare teams.

Physical therapists are licensed health care providers who practice independently within hospital systems, outpatient clinics, school systems, rehabilitation and long-term care facilities, government (VA/IHS), and academic and research facilities. Please visit the American Physical Therapy Association at www.apta.org for more information on a physical therapy career.

For further information on CPHS Professional Degrees, please see the CPHS Academic Bulletin.

Dual-Degree Programs

Campbell University’s College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (CPHS) offers nine dual degree programs to provide students with specialized training. By earning a dual degree, students have the opportunity to further develop their leadership skills, better  comprehend health care needs and enhance their careers by learning to perceive issues from a broader perspective than their colleagues:

• Master of Science in Clinical Research/MBA (offered in conjunction with the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business)
• Master of Science in Public Health/MBA (offered in conjunction with the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business)
• Master of Physician Assistant Practice/Master of Science in Clinical Research
• Master of Physician Assistant Practice/Master of Science in Public Health
• PharmD/Master of Science in Clinical Research
• PharmD/Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences
• PharmD/Master of Business Administration (offered in conjunction with the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business)
• PharmD/Master of Science in Public Health
• JD/Master of Science in Public Health (offered in conjunction with the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law)

For further information on CPHS Dual Degrees, please see the CPHS Academic Bulletin.

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