Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE)

Students complete at least 300 introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) hours during the first three years of the Doctor of Pharmacy program. IPPE rotations provide the student with an opportunity to practice direct patient care.

Students apply the knowledge they gain in the didactic curriculum while receiving feedback from a precepting pharmacist. IPPE rotations shape student attitude and behaviors and prepare them for their advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPEs) during the fourth year of the program.
 

IPPE first-year students (P1)

First-year students engage in two community pharmacy experiences starting in spring semester in local community, independent, or compounding pharmacies. Students interact with a variety of patient populations to provide optimal outcomes to all patients regardless of social circumstances or geographical location within central Ohio. Students engage in community pharmacy workflow and apply didactic coursework to counsel on over-the-counter medications, follow pharmacy law and engage in pharmacy management activities.

IPPE second-year students (P2)

During the second year, the experiential focus shifts to hospital pharmacy. Students complete two rotations at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC), a top-ranked academic health center, where they directly engage in patient care and act as a valued member of the interprofessional health care team. Through these rotation experiences, students enhance their verbal and written communication skills, practice problem solving and patient advocacy. Students gain exposure to the basic skills, professional attitudes and daily responsibilities of a hospital pharmacist and demonstrate their didactic knowledge to successfully provide whole person care utilizing the Pharmacists' Patient Care Process.

IPPE third-year students (P3)

Third-year students participate at a more advanced level in both community and hospital pharmacy practices, and get the opportunity to explore a unique area of pharmacy like ambulatory care, outpatient infusion, population health and more. Students continue to engage within their local community and OSUWMC, as well as other health systems. Students apply problem solving and critical thinking skills to address challenges and design individualized, evidence-based, cost-effective and safe patient plans in collaboration with other health care professionals.

Community Health Service

Students engage in community health service experiences throughout their IPPEs that enable them to provide health related services to community members in need, including providing immunization, medical screenings and more. Students also have the opportunity to participate as an active member of an interprofessional team at local free medical clinics that serve uninsured or underinsured community members.

If you have any questions about the IPPE program, contact cop-exper@osu.edu.