Working with Patients
Our PharmD students share how their clinical training prepared them to be great pharmacists.
Hear from PharmD studentsThe Experiential Education Program is the practical component of the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum, also known as clerkships or rotations. Students apply knowledge and gain skills in real pharmacy settings where they can care for patients and work alongside licensed healthcare professionals under the supervision of a pharmacist preceptor.
The required hours are broken into two categories: introductory experiences (IPPEs) and advanced experiences (APPEs). They are crucial parts of our curriculum because they help our students experience different pharmacy career paths and health care settings while growing into industry-leading professionals over the course of their time at UW–Madison.
Our PharmD students share how their clinical training prepared them to be great pharmacists.
Hear from PharmD studentsIntroductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs) are part-time experiences where students begin to engage in professional pharmacy work. Students observe professionals, complete guided activities, reflect on what they’ve seen, and participate in pharmacist roles in a variety of pharmacy settings.
PharmD students complete IPPEs during their first, second, and third years of the curriculum. Students may elect to complete IPPE hours during the academic year, or during summer or winter breaks.
Over the course of these practice experiences, you’ll be provided with opportunities to grow and learn.
Year One Students (DPH-1):
Year Two Students (DPH-2):
Year Three Students (DPH-3):
Our students complete IPPEs at sites in six different regions in Wisconsin (see map below). PharmD students must complete a total of 300 IPPE hours during the first three years of the PharmD program.
PharmD student Hunter Furley shares his observations during his IPPE rotation and discovers the innovative patient care practice of community pharmacies, where they are ambulatory care pharmacists working in a community setting.
Read his blogAPPEs are full-time experiences where students in their fourth year learn and practice the role of a pharmacist under the supervision of a pharmacist preceptor.
APPEs are completed in the fourth year, beginning in late May and continuing full-time for a calendar year. They may be completed in six different regions in Wisconsin (see map below) or at locations around the world. Students will complete 7 to 8, 6-week experiences.
Both Introductory and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences are available in six regions in the state of Wisconsin. The star represents the rotation center in each region.