Pharmacy Experiences

Pharmacy practice experiences are an integral part of pharmacy education at Drake. These experiences are a valuable part of professional preparation, and every effort is made by faculty and staff to ensure readiness and success for both student and preceptor.

Interested in becoming a preceptor?

Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs)

As a Drake student pharmacist, you'll participate in at least 300 experiential hours during your first three professional years (P1-P3). This is designed to introduce you to the technical and professional expertise required to be effective in each setting and to prepare you for your final year of experiences and practice beyond graduation.

Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs)

The entire final year of the professional program (P4) is spent involved in APPEs: Four required experiences (hospital practice, community practice, ambulatory care, and acute care) and four elective experiences (specialty or non-patient care), all five weeks in duration.

Elaina Hines standing in front of her rotation site building at Lake Regional Hospital

Real-World Scenarios

Elaina Hines

Doctor of Pharmacy '26

"During my rotations, I was excited to have the opportunity to apply my clinical knowledge in real world scenarios, experience team collaboration with other healthcare providers, and expand upon my understanding of hospital pharmacy practices."

Stacy Johnson standing in front of a Mercy One banner wearing professional clothing and her Drake name tag

Opportunities to Make a Difference

Stacy Johnson

Doctor of Pharmacy '27

"In my rotations, I was able to apply all that I have learned in my first three years of pharmacy school to real-world clinical situations and help real patients manage their health!"

Jackie Fernandez in scrubs posing in the doorway of a Wendy Mobley-Bukstein's office decorated with Drake memorabilia

Exploring Future Career Paths

Jackie Fernandez

Doctor of Pharmacy '27

"When completing my elective rotation at Primary Health Care East Side Clinic, I had the opportunity to learn more about less common diabetes states and enhance my comprehensive knowledge on treating and monitoring routine patients! I also enjoyed spending time with Dr. Mobley-Bukstein in the classroom as I explored the world of becoming a clinical professor in the future."

Jack Durman posing with a thumbs up in a parking lot wearing a white coat

The Reason Behind the Medication

Jack Durman

Doctor of Pharmacy '27

"During my rotation at Knoxville Hospital and Clinics, I got to witness medication decisions being made for real patients and learn the reasoning behind those decisions."

Selfie of Mackenzie Beam in her car wearing her Drake scrubs and nametag

New Connections

Mackenzie Beam

Doctor of Pharmacy '26

"Starting my rotation block with Right Dose Pharmacy, I looked forward to learning and reviewing geriatric medications and forming new connections with fellow professionals."