Jun. 17, 2026
South College’s accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program is marking two years since the launch of its online/hybrid pathway in 2024 by hosting a compounding lab and demonstration with students in the second cohort as they learn sterile intravenous preparations and various compounding forms.
South College School of Pharmacy Dean Dr. Tim Smith, a working pharmacist and local pharmacy owner, indicated that individually tailored pharmaceuticals are increasing in demand, especially as baby boomers and Gen X age.
“Many patients are seeking bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, frequently compounded into dosage forms like pellets or creams,” Smith said. “Our students learn 19 unique delivery mechanisms for compounded medications including melts, lollipops, suppositories, topical creams, ointments, suspensions, capsules, gels, eye drops, inhalants and even effervescent powders.”
The South College PharmD program is the only accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy program accredited in the state of Tennessee, providing students the opportunity to graduate in three years instead of a traditional four-year program. Additionally, the program offers a hybrid option, so a significant portion of didactic learning can be completed online. Students are taught foundational knowledge in pharmaceutical studies, including pharmacology, biochemistry, medicine and pathophysiology, before applying their expertise through hands-on labs, immersions and clinical rotations.
Graduates of the PharmD program, upon licensure, may pursue a variety of professional paths, including pharmacies, public health, hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the South College PharmD program placed second in the country for first-time pass rates among accelerated pharmacy programs for both the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE).
Learn more about the South College PharmD program from Smith and current PharmD students on Episode 11 of the LIVE From South College Podcast.
South College offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and through Competency-Based Education (CBE).
To learn more about South College, visit south.edu.
About South College
South College serves more than 20,000 students and is proud of its more than 20,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.
South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, education, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.
