Experiential Learning in the form of both Introductory and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences is a required element of our curriculum in each professional year of the PharmD program. Students will have the opportunity to complete these experiences in a variety of settings in the Pittsburgh area and beyond. Using over 1000 preceptors and sites, students can personalize their education with required and elective experiences around the world.
View the Student Center section of the PharmD Handbook to learn more about our policies and procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are elements of Experiential Learning in all four professional years (P1–P4) of the PharmD program. In the P1-P3 years, these experiences are called Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs) and in the P4 year, Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs).
You will have the opportunity to experience a variety of experiential learning sites and activities during the four years of the professional program, including service learning, community health, community pharmacy, institutional (hospital/health-system) pharmacy, and an array of unique practice areas.
Many experiential learning sites are located within a few miles of Oakland and Pitt; however, some sites may be more distant and may not be easily reached by public transportation. Commute times vary, and students may need to travel up to 60 minutes to reach their practice site. Transportation to and from sites will be the responsibility of the students.
Except for certain narrowly defined exceptions, we do not allow students to complete rotations where they work. We would prefer that students get exposure to a variety of practice sites and locations. In addition, the accreditation standards for our program do not allow a student to accept compensation for activities performed while completing an experiential learning requirement. Having rotations at a site where a student is employed could present a conflict of interest.
In general, all of the CDC recommended childhood vaccinations will be required. An immunization history is requested at the time of acceptance into the School and will be kept on file in your Castlebranch background profile, which all students are required to purchase upon being admitted to the PharmD Program. Members of the Office of Experiential Learning will have access to this database to ensure compliance.
You will be required to show evidence of immunity via vaccination or measured titers for all diseases listed on the Immunization History Form prior to the start of classes in the P1 year. In addition, many experiential learning sites require students to show proof of receiving an annual influenza vaccination and COVID vaccine/booster, or have a documented exemption reason. Also required is annual tuberculin skin (PPD) testing. Students are expected to keep immunizations current each year.
Many experiential learning sites require submission of a criminal background check, child abuse history check, FBI fingerprinting check, and/or urine drug screening prior to attending the site. It is the student's responsibility to obtain these checks through CastleBranch background check in a timely manner and to pay for any costs associated with such testing. Failure to obtain or pass these tests may preclude a student from attending experiential learning sites and thus successfully completing the requirements for graduation from the PharmD program.
Students are required to provide evidence of and maintain personal medical health insurance coverage.
It is also mandatory that all students be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of adults, children and infants utilizing both one-person and two-person resuscitation techniques. CPR certification must be completed and documentation submitted prior to your P4 year. This is coordinated through the Office of Experiential Learning. CPR training sessions will be offered to students in the P1 and P3 year. Lack of documentation of CPR training will preclude your ability to begin your experiential learning rotations in the P3 and P4 year.
The Office of Experiential Learning has contracted with a company called CastleBranch, Inc. to house and track all immunization information, CPR, HIPAA, drug screenings and all background checks/clearances.
This is the secure website that is used to house and track all immunization information, CPR, HIPAA, drug screenings and all background checks/clearances, licensure, etc. There is a fee to initially set up an account and a lesser annual fee for renewal. Students will be able to keep this profile well after graduation.
Students will work with the Director of Experiential Learning and will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
All students are required to obtain a Pennsylvania Pharmacy Intern license during the P1 year. In addition, students wishing to complete rotations in a state other than Pennsylvania may need to obtain an intern license in that state.
All questions/concerns should be directed to either Prof. Susan Skledar, Dr. Ashley Yarabinec, or Ms. Anna Schmotzer, or Ms. Robie Gosney. Their offices are located in Student Services.