Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE)

The IPPE sequence takes place during your second (P2) and third (P3) years. It provides the opportunity to observe and practice a variety of professional activities in multiple settings, including inpatient and community pharmacy.

Program Overview Requirements Goals and Objectives

Goals and Objectives

For each IPPE, students are assessed on seven major competency areas. These areas include: 

  • Professionalism
  • Communication skills
  • Drug information skills
  • Pharmacotherapy knowledge
  • Medication distribution
  • Pharmacist Patient Care Process (PPCP)
  • Interprofessional skills

These competencies are based on the ACPE Standards 2016, which incorporate the Center for the Advancement of Pharmacy Education (CAPE) Educational Outcomes, 2013. 

To assist students with working toward achieving the expected level of performance for each major competency area, all students and preceptors are provided a list of suggested activities. These suggested activities are an adaptation of the Core Entrustable Professional Activities (EPA) for New Pharmacy Graduates which are discrete, essential activities and tasks that all new pharmacy graduates must be able to perform without direct supervision upon entering practice or postgraduate training.

Professionalism, self-awareness, and communication should permeate each activity. It is expected that the number and extent of activities will vary by preceptor, student, site and rotation type. However, all rotations at least provide some exposure (even if limited) to each of these major competency areas.