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  1. FDA Pharmacy Student Experiential Program

Program History

FDA Pharmacy Student Experiential Program (PSEP)

Background

In the late 1990s, limited funding for existing student training programs was anticipated to decrease opportunities for students to participate in U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) programs. At the same time, pharmacy schools were shifting toward Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) programs, increasing the need for non-clinical rotation sites.

In response to these challenges, FDA Commissioned Corps pharmacists proactively developed a solution. In 1998, they established the FDA Pharmacy Student Experiential Program (PSEP) with the aim of encouraging FDA pharmacists to serve as preceptors and support pharmacy students.

Recognizing the importance of the program, the Division of Drug Information (DDI) assumed direction of PSEP in 2002. Under the leadership of DDI, the program has continued to thrive, facilitating FDA rotations for over ten thousand pharmacy students to date, and providing them with valuable learning experiences.

Application and Placement Rates (2013-present)

Academic Year Applications Received Students Placed Placement Rate (%)
2013-2014 540 247 46
2014-2015 618 274 44
2015-2016 662 241 36
2016-2017 821 301 37
2017-2018 841 340 40
2018-2019 998 313 31
2019-2020 953 317 33
2020-2021 882 316* 36*
2021-2022 847* 200* 24*
2022-2023 744* 235* 32*
2023-2024 676* 268* 40*
2024-2025 806 200 25
PSEP Applications Received and Placed, by Academic Year
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