![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.gif)
Purpose: Implementing the “Pharmacy Education Reform” in Korea has extended the four-year program to a six-year (2+4) program. In the transition period, pharmacy schools face the challenge of the lack of a specific curriculum for pharmacy practice experiences. Thus, the goal was to establish a core curriculum for experiential education for pharmacy schools in Korea.
Methods: Based on background research and meetings held within the Experience Education Committee of the Korean Association of Pharmacy Education, composed of faculties from schools of pharmacy, practicing pharmacists, and education experts, a core curriculum on experiential education that comprises more than 20% of curricular hours. Thereafter the core curriculum obtained consensus from experts at multiple public hearings and advisory committee meetings.
Results: Core curriculum of experiential education consists of 960 hours of Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) and 640 hours of Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) in various settings of pharmacy professions. IPPE will provide an introduction to the practice of pharmacy in the areas of 320 hours in community pharmacy, 480 hours in institutional pharmacy, 120 hours in pharmaceutics industry, and 40 hours in administrative/regulatory agency under appropriate supervision of preceptors and as permitted by practice regulations. APPE will provide students the opportunity to focus on clinical aspects of pharmacy practice, involving direct patient care in a specific clinical area. Whilst working together with a faculty advisor in APPE courses, students may choose to participate in research projects that match their research and professional interests.
Conclusion: The core curriculum for pharmacy experiential education for the newly implemented six-year (2+4) pharmacy educational system in Korea was developed to provide students with opportunities to experience active learning through exposure to actual pharmacy practice settings.