FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- At what point in the curriculum does Experiential Learning occur?
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).
2. What type of rotations will I be exposed to during my P1-P4 years?
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.
3. Will I be assigned to rotations close to School?
Many experiential learning sites are located within a few miles of the Oakland Campus; 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.
4. Can I schedule my rotations at a site where I work?
No, we require students to get exposure to a variety of practice sites and locations. In addition, the accreditation standards for the PharmD 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.
5. What immunizations will I be required to have?
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 Profile, which all students will be 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. Also required is annual tuberculin skin (PPD) testing.
6. What other requirements are needed for Experiential Learning?
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 responsibility of the student to obtain these checks through their CastleBranch profile 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 years. 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.
7. What is CastleBranch?
This is the secure website that is used to house and track all immunization information, CPR, HIPAA, drug screenings and all background checks/clearances, etc. There is a fee to initially set up an account with CastleBranch, Inc. and a lesser annual fee for renewal. Students will be able to keep this profile well after graduation.
8. What if I can’t do a rotation, because of health issues, housing, etc.
Students will work with the Director of Experiential Learning and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
9. Do I need an internship license to perform my rotations?
Yes, all students are required to obtain a Pennsylvania Pharmacy Intern license by December of their P1 year. Additionally, some states where students may choose to do IPPE and/or APPE rotations also may require the student to obtain a pharmacy intern license in that specific state.
10. Where are the offices of the Experiential Learning Program located, and what are office hours?
Sue Skledar, RPh, MPH, FASHP, Director of Experiential Learning, 228 Salk Hall
Jim Pschirer, PharmD, Associate Director of Experiential Learning: 228 Salk Hall
Anna Schmotzer, Assistant Director of Experiential Learning: 229 Salk Hall
Office hours are open door policy, however, it is helpful to make an appointment to ensure enough time is devoted to your specific needs.
11. Who do I go to if I have a problem or question regarding Experiential Learning?
All questions/concerns should be directed to Ms. Schmotzer, or Professors Skledar or Pschirer.