The experiential learning program at WVU SOP provides hands-on experiences throughout each year of the curriculum designed to enhance knowledge and skills learned in the classroom.  By completing introductory pharmacy practice experiences (IPPE) and advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPE), students gain a wide variety of experiences and develop advanced application skills.

The introductory practice experience program consists of over 300 hours of hands- on experiences during the first three years of the pharmacy curriculum.  The experiences are completed longitudinally throughout the academic year and during the summer semester. 

IPPE Curriculum

Year 1 IPPE

PPM 1 & PPM 2 (Longitudinal experiences):

Introduction to hospital pharmacy (Ruby Memorial Hospital) = 2 hours

Introduction to community pharmacy (Mountaineer Pharmacy) = 1 hour

PGY-1 or PGY-2 Resident shadowing experience (Ruby Memorial Hospital) = 3 hours

Community Practice Experience (Summer semester): 4 week community rotation = 160 hours

Focus Area: Career Exploration

Total = 166 hours

Year 2 IPPE

Service Learning Practice Experience 1 (Fall semester): Community outreach project = 25 hours

Service Learning Practice Experience 2 (Spring semester): Community outreach project = 25 hours

Institutional Practice Experience (Summer semester): 2 week hospital rotation = 80 hours

Focus Area: Community outreach

Total = 130 hours

Year 3 IPPE

Acute Care Practice Experience (Fall or Spring semester): (+ 3 hours simulation) = 23 hours

Ambulatory Care Practice Experience (Fall or Spring semester): (+ 3 hours simulation) = 23 hours

  • Includes APhA MTM Certificate Program

Focus Area: Evidence- based practice

Total = 40 hours + 6 hours simulation


Overall IPPE total = 336 hours + 6 hours simulation