Frequently Asked Questions | Practice Expansion and Evaluation Project

What is PEEP?

The Practice Expansion and Evaluation Project (PEEP) prepares pharmacy students for entry into the pharmacy profession by allowing them to work on a real-world project at a pharmacy site. Students are involved in designing, implementing, or evaluating a specific part of a practice advancement project, giving them hands-on experience in practice transformation and quality improvement.

In 2025, the College implemented a new set of competencies to include a domain for practice transformation. PEEP addresses the PT2 competency of this domain.

4.1 Practice Transformation (Transformer) – Develop pharmacists who have the tools to be pioneers and advocates for the future of pharmacy practice.

PT1. The student will identify opportunities and challenges within the evolving healthcare system that serve as the impetus for advancement of services delivered by pharmacists.

PT2. The student will utilize evidence-based change processes centered around advancing pharmacy services.

The project is completed between the spring of the first year and the spring semester of the third year where students present their experience in the Principles of Pharmacy Practice IV course.

The project, jointly chosen by the student and the practice site, can be carried out in various settings such as a community or hospital-based pharmacy, or in another setting, such as managed care. The focus goes beyond the site’s usual tasks, aiming to improve or develop a meaningful part of the practice. While the project doesn’t have to lead to a large-scale change, it should contribute to the site in a way that has a meaningful impact.

What kind of things can be a PEEP project?

The options are almost endless! There is not a pre-approved list of things a student can do as their PEEP. Some common themes for a PEEP include enhanced patient services, medical billing, quality evaluation, and staff training for services. If you need further guidance, please see the example projects document. Have an idea? Post it on our virtual bulletin board so students can see it and reach out to you.

How much time do the students spend on their PEEP?

Students are expected to spend approximately 40 hours total on their PEEP. This expectation includes the time spent meeting with their project mentor, doing background research, developing materials, and interacting or training with staff at the site.

Trying to understand the correct scope? Think small and manageable. If the project is something you could realistically knock out in an afternoon or a day of focused work, that is the right size for a PEEP project.

Who can be a project mentor?

Any willing pharmacist, including out-of-state pharmacists, can serve as a project mentor.

What do I have to do as a project mentor?

The main responsibilities of a project mentor will be to meet with the student about the project, answer questions about your site’s needs, and complete a short evaluation form.

Initial meeting with student to talk about the site’s needs and goals of the project
Establishing student’s roles and responsibilities in the project
Check-ins or meetings to monitor and give feedback on project progress
Discussing the effect the project will have on the site
Evaluating student contributions to the project using a project evaluation form

Are there certain topics the project can be about? How are the ideas approved?

The student and site mentor will work together to determine the focus of their project, which can address any area of pharmacy practice beyond the site’s routine functions. Once a topic has been agreed on, the student will submit their idea to PEEP program directors for approval. Once a student receives approval, they may begin working with the site to implement the project.

Can multiple students work on the same project at one site?

There may be instances where multiple students can work on the same project. All group projects will require prior approval from the college. Please contact a PEEP program director with any questions regarding group projects.

Can students work at the same site as their PEEP?

Yes. Students may be employed at the same location they complete their PEEP. Whether or not the student is paid for their time should be agreed upon between the mentor and student. (Note: these requirements differ from experiential requirements for IPPEs/APPEs).

When should students complete their PEEP?

There is no assigned time by which individual students must complete their PEEP. Mentors and students can create a schedule, timeline, and cadence that is appropriate and feasible for the project, site, and parties involved. The only restriction for time is that it must be completed before the beginning of the P3 spring semester. All projects must be approved before a student starts their P3 year. Students must submit a project by at least July 31, following the completion of their P2 institutional IPPE.

Can students complete PEEP during their IPPE?

Yes. Students may complete PEEP activities during their IPPE rotation. As long as rotation activities allow the student to demonstrate required competencies and the preceptor can evaluate those competencies, students may work on their PEEP project.