Experiential Education

Experiential Education is providing students the opportunity to participate in the provision of pharmacy services in a real life practice site. Student knowledge and skills build upon each didactic lecture and practice lab and then allow them begin participating in the provision of actual pharmacy practice services.

What Hands-On Experience Will I Receive?

What are the Different Types of Experiential Education?

Experiential Education is divided into two classifications by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

• Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE)
• Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE).

Experiential Education is providing students the opportunity to participate in the provision of pharmacy services in a real life practice site. Student knowledge and skills build upon each didactic lecture and practice lab and then allow them begin participating in the provision of actual pharmacy practice services.

What are IPPEs?

IPPEs provide foundational, supervised pharmacy experiences in the first three professional years (P1–P3). These rotations bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, helping students develop the confidence and skills necessary for advanced experiences.

IPPE Requirements (Minimum 300 Hours):

• IPPE I: Community Pharmacy (PHRM 370, P1 Year, 140 Hours)
  • Two-week focused experience in January
  • Longitudinal experience (4 hours/week) at the same site, scheduled on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons
• IPPE II: Institutional/Hospital Pharmacy (PHRM 471, P2 Year, 160 Hours)
• • Four-week focused experience, scheduled in either January or June

These structured experiences build competencies in pharmacy operations, patient communication, prescription accuracy, drug information, and more.

Additional Resources

• IPPE I Community Syllabus
• IPPE I Community Workbook
• IPPI II Institutional Syllabus
• IPPI II Institutional Workbook

What are APPEs?

Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) take place during the fourth and final professional year (P4). These rotations are designed to help students transition from learners to competent pharmacy practitioners by actively engaging in a wide range of pharmacy services. They build upon classroom instruction, labs, and prior experiential learning, running from June through the following April.

Core APPE Rotations (Required):

• Advanced Community Pharmacy Experience
• Advanced Hospital / Institutional Pharmacy Experience
• Acute Care Experiences
• Ambulatory Care Experiences

Elective APPE Rotations (Choose Four):
Electives give students the opportunity to focus on their career interests or expand their knowledge across various pharmacy fields. Options include:

• Emergency Medicine
• Critical Care
• Infectious Disease
• Nuclear Pharmacy
• Managed Care
• Pharmacogenomics
• Oncology
• Pediatrics
• Research
• National and State Organization Leadership
• Industry
• Drug Policy
• Corporate Management

Certifications Integrated into Curriculum:
Through Advanced Clinical Skills courses, students earn national certifications in:

• CPR
• Immunizations (APhA)

These certifications ensure students are prepared for APPEs and real-world patient care.

Additional Resources

• Acute Patient Care Course Syllabus
• Advanced Community Course Syllabus
• Advanced Institutional Course Syllabus
• Ambulatory Patient Care Course Syllabus
• Elective Course Syllabus
• Pharmacy Practice Experience Rotations manual
• APPE TRAILS P4 Student Newsletter

Rotation Activities:
Rotations are customized for each stage of the student’s education. Early experiences emphasize pharmacy operations and compliance, such as:

• Inventory management and purchasing
• Insurance and legal requirements
• Safe and accurate prescription processing
• Drug information and patient consultation

Later experiences deepen clinical skills, focusing on:

• Medication therapy management
• Therapeutic decision-making
• Direct patient care responsibilities

Rotation Selection Process:

• Preceptors provide available rotation details to Manchester University.
• Students attend a Preceptor Showcase to learn about sites and expectations.
• Students review and rank their preferred sites and experiences.
• A software system matches students to available rotations based on preferences and site capacity.

Want to Learn More?
Prospective students can explore detailed information in the Pharmacy Practice Experience Rotations Manual.

Preceptor Commitment Letters

• Contact potential preceptors. Start with individuals you have already met in class as guest speakers, at meetings, facilities you have volunteered in, or connect on social media (i.e. LinkedIn).
• Obtain a commitment letter from individuals that states their preparedness to precept you. Letters may be in the preceptors preferred format (letter, email, etc.) but you must provide copies of letters in PDF format to the Program Director. (Commitment letters for Clinical rotations must be submitted prior to admittance in the program. Inclusion of other rotation commitment letters is not required but will support your application.)
  • Samples of preceptor commitment letters can be found in this toolkit.
• Students selecting their own supervised experiential learning sites must locate their clinical site and have a letter of commitment prior to acceptance in the program. This may be done after applying to the program. Clinical sites must have a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) as the primary preceptor for the student. If you are a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics you may search the Preceptor Database.

To apply as a preceptor and host Manchester students in introductory and/or advanced pharmacy practice

• Contact Sara Trovinger (260-470-2654)
• Apply online using institution code: mupreceptor

Manchester’s Experiential Education team will follow up with details. An affiliation agreement is required for all participating sites

Want to Learn More?
Preceptors can explore detailed information in the Pharmacy Practice Experience Rotations Manual.

Our Newsletter

• February 2025 Preceptor Newsletter
• May 2025 Preceptor Newsletter
• APPE TRAILS P4 Student Newsletter

Each student will have a student mentor assigned prior to starting the program, serving as a valuable information and communication resource.

M – Faculty Mentor – Student Mentee Program

In the Faculty Mentor- Student Mentee program, students find support and encouragement from a faculty mentor as they make important academic and professional decisions. The role of a mentor goes beyond academic advising, course planning and goal setting. Mentors are role models and provide support with personal and professional matters, and are guided by Manchester’s mission to “graduate persons of ability and conviction.”

A – Academic Support

Academic support includes programs, resources and structures that promote academic success. The program, in conjunction with the University Student Success Center, provides resources to our student body.

R – Referral System

The Referral System provides an opportunity for concerned members of the Pharmacy Program community to reach out and offer help and assistance to students in the program.
Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions to make a referral.

T – TeamWorks

Students work in teams during each academic year. Teams are designed through the analysis of personality, learning styles, and other demographic variables. Faculty utilize this team structure during their courses to facilitate assignments and class projects.

Staying on Track

We hope you never fall behind. But it happens sometimes, so Manchester has created Academic Check, a support system for students who may be struggling in certain academic areas.

The purpose of Academic Check is to identify students in academic difficulty early in the semester, address any academic issues, and provide counseling and resources to help students succeed in their coursework. Student academic performance is monitored at a predetermined point during each course. Students identified as being in academic difficulty will complete a self-reflection and meet with their faculty mentor and the faculty of the course(s) in which they are experiencing difficulty.

Detailed policies for Academic Check may be found in the Pharmacy Bulletin.

We’ve got your back, so that you can stay on track.

• Funderburg Library
• Pharmacy Bulletin
• Drug Information Center
• Enrollment Verification Form
• Transcript Request
• Academic Calendar

Semester 1 Coursework | 12.5 Credits | Fall

• PHRM 322 – Drug Information | 2 credits
• PHRM 330 – Pharmacy Practice Lab I | 1 credit
• PHRM 334 – Pharmaceutics I | 2.5 credits
• PHRM 336 – Pharmaceutical Calculations | 2 credits
• PHRM 340 – Patient Centered Care | 5 credits

Semester 2 Coursework | 16 Credits | Spring

• PHRM 310 – Pharmaceutical Biochemistry I | 5 credits
• PHRM 318 – Immunology | 2 credits
• PHRM 325 – Nonprescription Therapeutics | 3 credits
• PHRM 331 – Pharmacy Practice Lab II | 1 credit
• PHRM 335 – Pharaceutics II | 2 credits
• PHRM 370 – IPPE I Community* | 3 credits
• Elective

Semester 3 Coursework | 5 Credits | Summer

• PHRM 319 – Pathophysiology | 3 credits
• PHRM 337 – Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacogenomics | 2 credits
• Elective

Semester 4 Coursework | 15.5 Credits | Fall

• PHRM 402 – Interprofessional Education I | .5 credit
• PHRM 411 – Integrated Pharmacotherapy (IPT) I | 4 credits
• PHRM 412 – Integrated Pharmacotherapy (IPT) II | 5 credits
• PHRM 421 – Case Conference I | 1 credit
• PHRM 430 – Pharmacy Practice Lab III | 1 credit
• PHRM 442 – Healthcare Systems & Patient Safety Elective | 0-3 credits
• Elective

Semester 5 Coursework | 15.5 Credits | Spring

• PHRM 403 – Interprofessional Education II | .5 credit
• PHRM 413 – Integrated Pharmacotherapy (IPT) III | 5 credits
• PHRM 414 – Integrated Pharmacotherapy  IV | 5 credits
• PHRM 420 – Drug Literature Evaluation | 2 credits
• PHRM 422 – Case Conference II | 1 credit
• PHRM 434 – Pharmacy Practice Lab IV | .5 credit
• PHRM 471 – IPPE II Institutional | 4 credits

Semester 6 Coursework | 3 Credits | Summer

• PHRM 443 – Pharmacy in Public Health | 3 credits
• Elective

Semester 7 Coursework | 15 Credits | Fall

• PHRM 502 – Interprofessional Education (IPE) III | .5 credit
• PHRM 515 – Integrated Pharmacotherapy V | 5 credits
• PHRM 516 – Integrated Pharmacotherapy VI | 5 credits
• PHRM 523 – Case Conference III | 1 credit
  
• PHRM 535 – Pharmacy Practice Lab V | .5 credit
• PHRM 540 – Practice & Personnel Management | 3 credits

Semester 8 Coursework | 15.5 Credits | Spring

• PHRM 503 – Interprofessional Education (IPE) IV | .5 credit
• PHRM 517 – Integrated Pharmacotherapy VII | 5 credits
• PHRM 518 – Integrated Pharmacotherapy VIII | 3 credits
• PHRM 524 – Case Conference IV | 1 credit
• PHRM 536 – Capstone | 4 credits
• PHRM 541 – Pharmacy Law | 2 credits
• Elective

Semester 9 Coursework | 40.5 Credits

• PHRM 610 – APPE Advanced Community | 4 credits
• PHRM 620 – APPE Advanced Institutional | 4 credits
• PHRM 630 – APPE Ambulatory Care | 4 credits
• PHRM 640 – APPE Acute Care | 4 credits
• PHRM 670 – APPE Electives | 16 credits
• PHRM 601 – Personal & Professional Development | .5 credit
• Elective

What is the Pharmacy/Pharmacogenomics Dual-Degree Program?

Set Yourself Apart

Manchester’s innovative dual degree program combines an emphasis on patient-centered care that has always been a hallmark of a Manchester Pharm.D. degree with the nation’s first master’s in pharmacogenomics (PGx) – the breakthrough science that uses an individual’s genetic markers to customize and optimize his or her medication therapy.

By taking PGx courses, in the summers between your first, second and third pharmacy years, you’ll earn two degrees in the same timespan it traditionally takes to earn a Pharm.D. only.

There’s a global need for health care professionals who can connect the dots between traditional and precision medication, and the combined skillsets you’ll acquire will position you uniquely in the field. You’ll stand out to potential employers as an applicant with one of-a-kind skills and training, giving you a leg up in a highly competitive and constantly evolving field.

Dual Degree FAQs

What is the purpose of a dual degree?

While dual degrees are common in the pharmacy education landscape, this is the first program to combine the PharmD and an MS in PGx creating a unique and specially trained set of practitioners. The combination of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, genetics, pharmacogenomics, therapeutics and clinical PGx is the optimal and currently unique skillset that is the result of this dual degree program. It is expected that the dual degree-trained individual will be leaders in moving pharmacy-based pharmacogenomics forward in the profession, through PGx implementation and expansion of clinical practice.

What is the timeline for the dual degree?

This program will allow students to complete the PharmD degree as well as the MS in PGx degree within the same four year time frame as traditional PharmD students.

How will students be able to complete both degrees within four years?

Dual degree students will take PGx courses in the summers between their P1 and P2 years and between their P2 and P3 years.  In the P2 spring, P3 fall and spring and P4 fall, dual degree students will take one PGx course per semester. In addition, PharmD coursework comprises some of the required PGx coursework.

As pharmacology and pharmacokinetics are integral to the PharmD curriculum, these two courses (which are required in the MS in PGx degree) will be satisfied by the PharmD curriculum.  Therefore, students must successfully complete the PharmD degree to be awarded the MS in PGx degree.

Please reference page 31 of the Pharmacy Bulletin for more information on the dual degree.

When do classes for summer semester begin?

The academic calendar can be found on the Registrar’s page.

What will the application process look like?

First-year pharmacy students in the spring semester who are in good academic standing will be encouraged to apply. The application will consist of statements on readiness and interest in the program. A cumulative & science GPA of a 2.7 is preferred to be considered for the dual degree program, based on a 4.0 scale. There is no limit to the number of students that may be accepted into the dual degree program. Part of the application process will be the review of applicant’s undergraduate and pharmacy GPA. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to interview applicants.

Is a bachelor’s degree required for students interested in the PharmD/PGx Dual Degree Program?

A bachelor’s degree is not required for current pharmacy students who are interested in the PharmD/PGx Dual Degree Program. The Masters of Science in Pharmacogenomics will be awarded upon successful completion of the Doctor of Pharmacy degree.  If students are interested in only the Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics Program, a bachelor’s degree or higher in science or a science related field is required.

Dual-Degree Program Experiential Sites

Let’s connect!

We are ready and waiting to answer all your questions about our Doctor of Pharmacy Program!

For questions or more information contact us at gradadmissions@manchester.edu call 260-470-2703

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is preferred on a 4.0 scale.
• A minimum science GPA of a 2.25 is preferred on a 4.0 scale.
• A minimum math GPA of a 2.25 is preferred on a 4.0 scale.
• Successfully complete all prerequisite coursework (at least 60 credit hours) with a “C-” letter grade or better at an accredited institution.
• Complete all listed prerequisite coursework by August 1 prior to fall admission.
• Possess all listed essential functions

Applicants that have attended a PharmD program previously will be required to provide Manchester University a letter of good academic standing from the office of the dean at the previous institution. If this letter is not provided the application will be considered incomplete until the letter can be provided.

Students who meet these minimum requirements may apply and, among the pool of applicants, those who are most qualified are chosen to interview for acceptance into the program. Meeting all minimum admissions criteria doesn’t guarantee an interview and/or admission to the program.

If you are an undergraduate student in Manchester University’s pre-pharmacy program, you may qualify for a guaranteed interview.

THOSE STUDENTS IN THE EARLY ASSURANCE PROGRAM MAY QUALIFY FOR A RESERVED SEAT IN THE PHARMACY PROGRAM

Courses completed at an accredited institution are acceptable towards prerequisite requirements; Applicants who completed pre-pharmacy studies outside the U.S. will be required to submit a course-by-course foreign credit evaluation report from World Education Services (WES) for each international transcript directly to PharmCAS

Prerequisite Courses

• General Chemistry with lab
  2 semesters required, 6-8 credit hours total
• Organic Chemistry with lab
  2 semesters required, 6-8 credit hours total
• Anatomy/Physiology
  1 semester required, 3-4 credit hours total
  Anatomy or Physiology or a combined course accepted (physiology preferred)
• General Biology with lab
  1 semester required, 3-4 credit hours total
• Microbiology with lab
  1 semester required, 3-4 credit hours total
• Statistics
  1 semester required, 3-4 credit hours total
• Calculus
  1 semester required, 3-4 credit hours total
• Communications/Speech
  1 semester required, 3-4 credit hours total. Must be speaking orientated involving self-curated content
• English composition
  1 semester required, 3-4 credit hours total
• General Electives
  3 semesters required, minimum of 9 credit hours total
  • Humanities (literature, arts, language, philosophy, communication, etc.), social science (psychology, sociology, history, political science, etc.), various options considered.
  • Manchester suggests that at least one of the humanities/social science electives deals primarily with an international culture.
• Other Electives
  As needed to total at least 60 semester credit hours to be eligible for admission into the Pharmacy program

NOTE: To qualify for maximum financial aid eligibility, pharmacy students must have 72 credit hours completed in order to qualify for professional student federal aid.

Equivalency Charts for Area Institution

To be sure the courses from your college or university satisfy prerequisite requirements for admission to Manchester, see this list of equivalency charts for area institutions. If your institution is not in this list, a determination of course eligibility will be made based on the Prerequisite Course Checklist you submit. Questions may also be directed to the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management or 260-470-2700.

1. Physical Skills – Stand, sit, bend and reach while performing clinical assessments and dispensing functions. Function in a structured environment for several hours. Move freely and maneuver in small spaces. Demonstrate hand/eye coordination. Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and assist in emergency situations. Provide immunizations to patients. Effectively manage physical conditions in order to prevent impediments to appropriate services.

2. Sensory Skills – Read patient profiles – CRT/LCD/other monitors, printouts, small print and/or handwritten notes. See with measurable depth perception and in low-light conditions. Distinguish color variations and discern shades of black and white. Hear, understand and accurately communicate the information/directions verbally and in writing. Discern sounds related to patient assessment and treatment. Distinguish smells of various drugs and solutions used in health care settings. Recognize changes in patient status and feel subtle differences in skin temperature.

3. Cognitive Skills – Comprehend, analyze and synthesize complex science and clinical content. Apply prior learning to new situations. Concentrate on task at hand amidst a variety of environmental distractions. Interpret patient findings, recognized anomalies and make recommendations which improve patient care. Use personal computers to complete assignments. Complete standardized tests within established time limits. Need to be able to manage one’s realities in ways that do not restrict balanced services to their patients/clientele.

4. Communication Skills – Speak and write English clearly. Provide patients with clear drug information and instructions appropriate for their level of understanding. Document clear and legible  handwritten  notes.  Organize  thoughts and  ideas  into  appropriately  written  and referenced essays and research papers. Present formally and informally to small groups; this may include but is not limited to: groups of patients, peers, faculty, and health professionals.

5. Interpersonal Skills – Interact with individuals, small groups and large audiences. Establish sufficient rapport and maintain boundaries in order to effectively relate to fellow colleagues, patients, health care professionals, faculty and staff. Demonstrate concern and empathy for a diverse population of patients.

6. Professional Skills – Present a professional appearance and maintain personal health. Maintain composure during stressful situations. Work both independently and as a team member. Organize tasks, set priorities, problem solve and multitask. Maintain accuracy and confidentiality of patient information. Comply with established policies and procedures. Provide care to all patients regardless of age, race, ethnicity, origin, physical or mental status, or other conditions.

• It is preferred that applicants have collegiate level coursework completed in the past 10 years
• It is preferred that applicants have experience in taking a full time courseload (12-15 credit hours) successfully
• It is preferred that applicants have experience with online learning*

*For Distance pathway students

Applications for admission are accepted July 13 through June 1 each year. Application materials are to be submitted through PharmCAS.

A completed PharmCAS application is required to be considered for admission (an essay a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, report all institution(s) attended on the PharmCAS application and request all transcript(s) be sent directly from the institution(s) to PharmCAS). Applicants who studied outside the U.S. will be required to order a course-by-course foreign credit evaluation report from World Education Services (WES) indicating the US degree equivalency for each international institution attended and have it sent directly to PharmCAS.

The annual admission cycle for the PharmD Program is as follows:

• July 13 – PharmCAS application becomes available.
• Fall to Spring – Interview Days scheduled
• June 1 – PharmD Program application deadline: deadline is subject to change and may be extended
• Summer – Final Admissions decisions
• August – Orientation and classes begin

Apply Now

Request More Info

As per government regulations, a program must apply for approval to admit international students. Manchester University has received approval from the Department of Homeland Security to admit students from outside the U.S for the following programs:

• Doctor of Pharmacy Program (on-campus program only)
• Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics Program (on-campus program only)
• Master of Athletic Training Program
• Master of Business Administration

Manchester University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program, the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Program, and the Master of Science in Nutrition and Nutrigenomics (MSNGx) Program does not have approval from Homeland Security to accept international students. Currently,international students are not eligible to apply to these Programs.

Application

All international applicants must apply through the appropriate CAS. A completed CAS application is required to be considered for admission to all programs.

Do not send admissions related documents to Manchester University directly. Please read the requirements for international applicants:

Additional Requirements for International Applicants and MBA Program Applicants

Students who already attend Manchester University and are interested in enrolling in one of the MBA Program’s three dedicated tracks only need to follow the guidelines outlined in this section.

TRANSCRIPTS:

Applicants who completed their degree(s)/studies outside the United States will be required to submit a course-by-course foreign credit evaluation report from World Education Services (WES) for each international institution attended directly to the appropriate CAS.

Verified copies of all collegiate transcripts:

• Step 1: Enter all institutions attended, domestic and international, in CAS application.
• Step 2: Please follow the steps outlined within the CAS application process to order this evaluation.
• Information about WES can be found at www.wes.org. Students are responsible for payment of fees to WES (not Manchester University) for this service.

English Proficiency:

International applicants must be able to read, speak, write and comprehend rapid idiomatic English. We do not offer ESL instruction. Therefore, the TOEFL or IELTS exam is required of all students whose language of instruction is not English. The following are minimum guidelines used to determine sufficient test scores for admission:

TOEFL paper-based test = 550
TOEFL iBT = 79
IELTS = 6.5

Testing locations and dates for these exams may be found on their web sites:

TOEFL
IELTS 

Test results must be entered into your CAS application and sent to the appropriate CAS.

Important: Applicants who were instructed in English may still be asked to submit a TOEFL or IELTS exam result in order to assess English proficiency.

Evidence of financial support:

Students must be able to show their ability to pay for their program studies in the United States. Students may self-fund their education or obtain a financial sponsor. Students with a financial sponsor must complete the Affidavit of Financial Support and return the document signed by the student’s sponsor to the Office of Graduate Admissions with proof of adequate funds to support you for at least one year. Such proof includes bank statements, employer testimony of salary, or government support letters. 

*Evidence of financial support is not required for those enrolling into the MBA Program.

Statement of Non-Discrimination in the Admission Process

Manchester University is committed to non-discrimination in the admissions process. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability, physical characteristics, or veteran status in admissions including its admission decisions and scholarships or loan awards.

Certified copies of marks, grades, and transcripts, if the degree(s) were received from institutions outside of the U.S.

Manchester will not accept transcripts directly submitted by students or institutions. All international transcripts must be submitted for evaluation to World Education Services. WES will then send Manchester University a copy of their evaluation. There is a fee for this evaluation that the student is in charge of paying and the evaluation can take 2-4 weeks. If you are transferring from a university outside the U.S., you also must have the transcript evaluated by World Education Services.  Admission and transfer of credits cannot be finalized until we receive the report from WES.