Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) Rotations

Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

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About St. Jude Pharmacy Student Experiential Opportunities

During a 4-6 week rotation, pharmacy students will have the opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary setting in which pharmacists are able to practice to the full extent of their training such as directly managing pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenomic results, nutrition support, and education to patients, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals. A variety of Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) experiences are offered based on availability. These rotations highlight the diversity of pharmacist involvement in the care of pediatric patients. In addition to the day-to-day rotation experience, students will participate in topic discussions encompassing the pharmacist care process and curriculum tailored to the needs of Pharm.D. candidates as they approach NAPLEX testing for licensure. By the end of the rotation, it is expected that the student will have advanced their understanding of caring for pediatric patients with catastrophic diseases.

Applications submitted will be reviewed by the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Services Education Committee. Rotation opportunities vary each year and are limited depending on existing commitments of our preceptors. 

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

  • Enrollment in an ACPE-accredited pharmacy school program in the United States.
  • Eligible to participate in an APPE rotation as defined by the student’s specific pharmacy school requirements.
 
 

  1. APPE Rotations

    Compensation

    Training experiences as St. Jude are unpaid while allowing students to earn academic credit hours required for their Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Students are responsible for all expenses incurred during their visit to St. Jude.

    Housing

    St. Jude does not offer a housing stipend for visiting students however guest temporary housing may be available based on a first come first served basis. Given that this housing is not guaranteed, applicants should not assume that it will be available during their desired/selected months. If housing is available and offered to a student, the following will apply:

    Assignment

    • Students will be assigned to either a two- or three- bedroom housing unit with other visitors of the institution based on gender.
    • Housing units are fully furnished and include an individual bedroom and bathroom with a shared common space. Each unit also includes wireless internet access.
    • Transportation via St. Jude shuttle is available to and from guest temporary housing sites.

    Cost

    • Students will be responsible for $28/day to cover the cost of housing. This cost is subject to change and any other costs associated with the student’s stay are their responsibility.

    Parking and Transportation

    Except for students that qualify and are awarded guest temporary housing, transportation to and from St. Jude is the sole responsibility of the student. Parking on the St. Jude campus is offered to students at no cost.

    Additional Requirements

    The following will be required to be provided by the student or their college of pharmacy prior to starting an APPE rotation at our institution:

    • Signed contract between St. Jude and the student’s college of pharmacy (refer to student selection process below)
      • Signed Exhibit A from selected student
    • Completion of Human Subjects Protections Training (CITI) – Group 5
      • Students may submit a certificate of completion if completed previously
    • Submit verification of academic standing
    • Provide proof of liability insurance
    • Urine drug screen (~2 weeks prior) via St. Jude contracted company
    • The following must be available upon request:
      • Vaccination records
      • Background check

  2. Applications should be submitted the year prior to rotations starting, typically at the beginning of their 3rd professional year. Submissions will require the contact information of a representative of the experiential office at the student’s college of pharmacy.

    Make sure this rotation experience is right for you

    • Review this webpage in its entirety.
    • Contact your college of pharmacy’s experiential office to declare your interest.
    • Contact the St. Jude Program Manager (Pharmacy Education) timothy.jacobs@stjude.org with any questions/concerns.

    Submit Application

    • Applications open each year on September 1. The deadline to submit is October 31.
    • Required documents should be submitted using the Apply Now button above:
      • Curriculum vitae
      • Letter of interest (1 page max) detailing your interest in completing an APPE rotation at our site, how this rotation would help facilitate your career goals, and what you hope to learn during your time at St. Jude.
      • Rotation preferences
        • Duration of request (4 or 6 weeks based on your college)
        • Preferred Months
          • Please specify the 3 months in order of preference for which you would like to be considered.
            • Please note, we do not take students in February/December and we have limited opportunities available in May/July.
            • If your request does not align with a calendar month, please list specific dates.
        • Preferred Rotation
          • Please specify the 3 rotations in order of preference for which you would like to be considered.

    Student Selection Process

    • Applications will be reviewed by the St. Jude Pharmaceutical Services Education Committee.
    • During this review process, the experiential office at each applicant’s College of Pharmacy will be provided with a copy of the standard contract to begin reviewing in case the student is selected.
    • Acceptances and regrets will be sent to both the student and the experiential office no later than January 15.

Hospital/Health System Pharmacy

During the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) in Hospital/Health System Pharmacy at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, final-year pharmacy students will be immersed in institutional pharmacy practice through a combination of hands-on training, observation, and independent learning. Students will gain exposure to core hospital pharmacy operations such as medication distribution systems, sterile compounding (including chemotherapy and TPN), controlled substance management, inventory control, and outpatient services. They will participate in hospital and pharmacy staff meetings, attend clinical conferences, and complete a formal presentation on a topic relevant to institutional pharmacy. The rotation also offers insight into broader administrative and clinical functions such as formulary management, pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenomics, collaborative practice, and involvement in research protocols and investigational drugs. Additional emphasis is placed on regulatory compliance, patient safety, and the evolving role of pharmacy technicians. This comprehensive experience provides students with a strong foundation in the diverse aspects of institutional pharmacy practice within a pediatric oncology setting.

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