Experiential Learning at the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Be Ready
Healthcare is a rewarding field where research, problem-solving, and technology all directly influence patient care. In Drake University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, integrated hands-on learning illustrates everything that goes into these decisions—be it recommending a therapy, conducting assessments, or developing policy—and your role in promoting optimal outcomes.
Our undergraduate and graduate programs combine rigorous instruction with immersion in professional settings, first in campus simulation labs and then with our partners throughout the Des Moines area and across the country. This real-world approach reinforces mastery and encourages confidence as you refine your career trajectory, forge key connections, and fulfill licensure requirements.
Deepening and diversifying your preparation, the Drake community further presents an abundance of opportunities to make meaningful discoveries and define who you are as a leader.
Undergraduate Experiences
Early exposure to the healthcare field empowers College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences undergraduates to identify their career direction and access valuable experiences for the next stage of their training.
Job Shadowing
Gain clarity through involved observation. Our bachelor’s programs help you envision your future with formal and informal opportunities to shadow professionals, experience workplace environments, and learn about available roles.
Internships
Practice your skills while building new ones, testing possibilities, and engaging with established professionals. Des Moines, a regional hub for healthcare, business, and government, offers assignments that match any interest.
Clinical Experience
Whether through an in-depth senior internship, clinical rotations, or structured exploration, you’ll be exposed to a variety of healthcare settings during your time as a Bulldog.
Health Sciences Program
Three distinct concentrations lead to a diverse array of field experiences. As of 2025, Health Sciences majors have access to 12 active sites with 111 preceptors.
Health Sciences majors in the health care administration track dive into hands-on patient management tasks in facilities across Des Moines and the country.
Health Sciences students in the clinical and medical sciences track make vital contributions to health-related research, including drug development.
Local non-profits gain fresh ideas and strategic input from Health Sciences majors in the public health track.
ABSN Program
ABSN students complete extensive field-based education, benefitting from supervised guidance in diverse healthcare environments throughout our region. As of 2025, the program maintains 12 active placement sites with 26 preceptors.
Nursing students gain experience across clinical domains at Broadlawns Medical Center, the primary training site for the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ ABSN program.
ChildServe provides a clinical setting for ABSN students to develop expertise in caring for children with special healthcare needs.
Graduate Programs
In-depth clinical and practicum experiences targeted to your professional goals prepare you to effectively serve your future patients.
Doctor of Pharmacy Students
Graduates of Drake’s top-ranked Doctor of Pharmacy program have enjoyed a nearly 100% placement rate for decades. The secret is expert classroom instruction complemented by comprehensive clinical rotation experiences guided by skilled mentors.
Active sites in 2025.
States including Iowa for placements, in addition to opportunities abroad.
Active preceptors.
Occupational Therapy Doctorate Students
Drake’s three-year OTD program leaves nothing out when it comes to field experience. Students access an incredible range of opportunities, including placements geared toward their interests and goals and the opportunity to complete an on-site capstone project.
Active sites in 2025.
States plus Iowa for placements.
Active educators and site mentors.
A Community Rooted in Exploration, Connection, and Service
At the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, students and faculty come together as collaborators in pursuit of common goals. We’re a curious community that asks challenging questions and tenaciously seeks the answers. This environment draws out everyone’s potential and encourages acts of service, producing future healthcare leaders who leverage their skills and knowledge to make a difference.
Research
Lab-based and clinical research projects let you advance the healthcare field’s body of knowledge and your career prospects. Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student, you’ll have opportunities to collaborate with faculty scholars or pursue your own inquiry.
Getting Involved
Extend your learning beyond the classroom and clinic. CPHS’s student organizations and structured leadership development help you cultivate key professional skills that enhance your career readiness.
Service Learning and Community Outreach
Drake students and faculty harness their knowledge to benefit the Des Moines community, contributing around 230,000 hours of service annually. However you get involved, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your learning while making an impact.
Take the Next Step
Gain much more than knowledge as you link your learning to the world of healthcare practice in Drake’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
