Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: A Comprehensive Overview of Programs

Butler University's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, soon to be the College of Health Professions, is committed to providing high-quality, in-demand graduate and professional programs designed to help students launch or advance their careers. The College distinguishes itself through rigorous academics, applied learning in clinical settings, and faculty who are leaders in their respective fields. These changes represent a bold step forward in how Butler prepares students to meet the growing demands of careers in education and healthcare. The renaming and expansion of offerings follow extensive consultation with faculty, staff, and industry stakeholders, all aimed at preparing graduates for emerging roles.

Undergraduate Programs: Pathways to Professional Success

The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers five undergraduate programs, each paving the way for professional success in the field of your choice. Even before diving into off-campus opportunities, students gain experience with state-of-the-art gear on campus, such as 3D Anatomage tables that enable aspiring Physician Assistants to perform virtual cadaver dissections.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Butler University launched a direct admission Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program in fall 2025 to help meet the state’s need for nursing professionals and create a much-needed pipeline for bachelor-prepared nursing talent.

Pre-Respiratory Therapy Track

Respiratory therapists specialize in treating patients who face challenges with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions. The Pre-RT track ensures students complete the full year of prerequisite coursework needed before applying to Butler’s Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program (launching in 2027*). Once accepted to the three-year Respiratory Therapy program, students begin practicing real procedures through advanced simulation training using high-fidelity mannequins and ventilators. *Butler is currently in the process of seeking CoARC accreditation for a respiratory care program. The American Association for Respiratory Care has indicated its desire for all respiratory therapists to hold at least a bachelor’s degree by 2030. The program is led by Program Director and Professor, Respiratory Therapy Dr. Christy J. With more than thirty years of experience, Dr.

Health Sciences

A Health Sciences degree provides a robust and versatile foundation for aspiring leaders in medicine, equipping students with in-depth knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and modern healthcare systems. The Health Sciences program permits customization of your academic journey for your specific career goals, positioning you to excel in the ever-evolving healthcare sector. Whether you prefer hands-on clinical practice or creating change at a systemic level, the Health Sciences curriculum fosters greater specialization and exploration by allowing for double majors, minors, and concentrations. A Health Sciences degree offers a pathway to diverse career options and is ideal for students pursuing medical school, PA school, or other graduate level healthcare opportunities. In addition to the standard prerequisites in natural sciences like biology and chemistry, Butler University’s Health Sciences majors get a head start in their familiarity with Medicaid, insurance, and navigating healthcare ecosystems. While a Health Sciences degree can be helpful for direct entry healthcare roles or careers in clinical research, graduates typically go on to earn advanced degrees or further specialization. As the demand for healthcare workers increases, Butler’s Health Sciences program bridges the gap. At Butler, you’ll be required to complete 200 hours of experiential learning in addition to your coursework, so you can take your next steps with confidence after graduation. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a Health Sciences major or considering several options, Butler is there to guide and empower you on your way to a fulfilling and successful career.

Read also: Your Guide to Butler Admissions

Graduate and Professional Programs: Advancing Your Career

The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers high-quality, in-demand graduate and professional programs designed to help students launch or advance their careers. The College is distinguished through rigorous academics, applied learning in clinical settings, and faculty who are leaders in their respected fields.

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

The Doctor of Pharmacy program empowers purposeful practitioners who lead within their communities and their professions in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, and healthcare fields.

PharmD Online Pathway: The PharmD Online Pathway integrates a collaborative, immersive, and student-centered learning approach that prepares students as drug therapy experts and community leaders dedicated to serving society and improving patient outcomes. A bachelor’s degree is required.

Master of Science in PA Studies

The Master of Science in PA Studies program is designed to provide a comprehensive primary care training program that combines didactic coursework with clinical experiences to enable the graduate to work in a variety of practice settings. The 24-month curriculum will prepare you to take the national certification exam, apply for state licensure, and provide patient care in various medical or surgical practice settings. Butler partners with all the major healthcare systems in the state, as well as many outside of Indiana, to offer students outstanding clinical experiences. 3D Anatomage tables enable aspiring PAs to perform virtual cadaver dissections.

Doctor of Medical Science (DMS)

The Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) program is a fully online, post-professional degree that was designed specifically for working Physician Assistants. The program’s depth and breadth will serve PAs who are interested in building on their education with more in-depth medical knowledge, as well as those who wish to develop leadership skills and business acumen to advance within their workplace. Unlike other Doctor of Medical Science programs, the Butler DMS program acknowledges the clinical experience of the most seasoned PAs and does not require a master’s degree. The program also offers several 12-hour certificates.

Read also: Unlock Your Potential

Strategic Vision and Expansion

The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences will become the College of Health Professions. This change aligns with the university’s initiative to launch new, in-demand healthcare-related programs. “We are building more healthcare offerings to meet workforce demands and improve patient care across settings,” Dean of the College of Health Professions, Dr. Robert Soltis, said. Butler University President James Danko said, “These changes are more than cosmetic-they represent a bold step forward in how we prepare students to meet the growing demands of careers in education and healthcare.”

Location and Partnerships

Butler is in the heart of Indianapolis and partners with all the major healthcare systems in the state, as well as many outside of Indiana, to offer students outstanding clinical experiences. Some of the biggest health science companies in Indianapolis are also some of the biggest in the world, including Roche Diagnostics, Cook Group, and Eli Lilly & Co.

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