FAQ Category: 4th Year

APPEL will match all eligible students to a 4th-year placement in an APPEL-accredited Training Establishment. The matching process will allow students to indicate 4 preferences for practice placements based on (i) geographical location(s) and (ii) preferred practice setting, e.g. pharmaceutical industry, hospital etc. Based on these preferences, students will then be provided with a choice of up to 15 placement providers. Students will select their top 8 and their CV will be forwarded to these. The placement providers will then select student(s) for their practice placement from this cohort. This process takes place during Semester 2 of each year and the exact timelines will be communicated to students well in advance.

APPEL is responsible for quality assuring the placements. This involves robust processes and procedures for selecting, assessing, accrediting and appointing preceptors and Training Establishments. All Preceptors will be trained by APPEL and there will be support structures in place for students and Preceptors during the placement.

An important part of experiential learning is to help you develop the various competencies required for pharmacy practice. During the 4th-year placement, you will complete three online modules, which will support you to develop competencies relating to self-management, workplace management, human resources, financial management, quality assurance, leadership, change management, critical thinking, decision making, team working, communication and legal and ethical issues.

Placement providers will also present you with experiential activities to complete during your placement. These activities will vary depending on the placement organisation and could include a project, experience in multiple departments, etc. The activities will support you in developing the competencies above. APPEL will provide guidance on experiential learning activities to Training Establishments.

The placement will take place from September to December. Students will be provided with an attendance timetable well in advance of their placements. Placements are 30 hours per week. These hours must be completed between 8am and 6pm on weekdays. The exact start and finish time each day can be agreed upon between the student and Preceptor.

Students must be given at least a half-day (no less than four hours) per week for their academic work. This can be on any week day.

The 4^th-year placement is a four-month placement completed from September to December in an APPEL-accredited Training Establishment. These placements can be undertaken in a breadth of practice settings, including non-patient facing settings.

The Schools of Pharmacy are committed to developing graduates that are prepared for careers in all sectors of pharmacy practice. APPEL’s aim is to provide students with a broad range of experiential learning opportunities. These experiences will help expose and prepare students for the various roles a pharmacist can undertake. The 4^th-year placement is the ideal opportunity for students to broaden their practice experience and to further develop their curriculum vitae (CV).