Experiential Education
The Office of Experiential Education (OEE) supports students in the process of completing their Introductory or Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences, also referred to as IPPEs and APPEs. Experiential education is an integral part of the preparation to become a practicing pharmacist and represents 30% of the curriculum. Experiential education provides students the opportunity to apply their classroom and laboratory training in the basic pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy practice, and to solve drug-related problems in practice. UConn School of Pharmacy students can choose from 80+ different rotation experiences, including those outside the State of Connecticut and international experiences. The OEE team works closely with students in identifying IPPE and APPE experiences that are tailored to their professional interests.
Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs)
Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs) are an essential and required part of the professional (Pharm.D.) curriculum for all students. IPPEs are typically completed during the summers following the first (P1) and second (P2) professional years. They provide a broad overview of pharmacy practice and the various roles and responsibilities that pharmacists play within the health care system. IPPEs are designed to provide students access to pharmacy practice in health promotion, community, hospital, and clinical settings. Most of the student’s time will be spent away from the School of Pharmacy in actual community pharmacies, clinics, institutions (hospitals), and engaging in service-learning activities.
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs)
Advanced Pharmacy Professional Experiences (APPEs) is an important and integral part of the pharmacy curriculum. APPE rotations comprise the final year in the professional (Pharm.D.) Program and run from June through April. Students will experience nine individual one-month APPEs where they will spend 160 hours per rotation immersed in the practice site. There are four required and five elective rotations. Students will gain experience by applying the knowledge gained from their coursework, laboratory training in pharmaceutical sciences, and IPPEs. The preceptor (supervising pharmacist) for the experiential site will provide the student with various practice experiences to help them develop their problem-solving and practice skills.