Bridging the Academia-Industry Divide: A Comprehensive Review of an Integrated Practice School Model in Pharmaceutical Education

Abstract

The chasm between theoretical knowledge acquired in academia and the practical, often unscripted, demands of the pharmaceutical industry remains a significant challenge for graduate readiness. This review article presents a critical and in-depth analysis of a comprehensive Practice School module, a 150-hour immersive capstone experience for final-year B.Pharmacy students. The program's pedagogical strength lies in its five specialized, industry-aligned tracks: Industrial Pharmacy, Preclinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs, Hospital Pharmacy, and Pharmaceutical Analysis. We deconstruct each module to elucidate the core scientific, regulatory, and ethical concepts, arguing that this model fosters deep, experiential learning. By simulating the entire drug lifecycle—from molecular discovery and preformulation studies through complex regulatory pathways to patient-centered care and rigorous quality control—the Practice School equips students with integrated competencies. This article posits that such a multifaceted, applied learning framework is not merely beneficial but essential for developing the agile, skilled, and professional workforce required by the modern global pharmaceutical sector, thereby directly enhancing employability and accelerating professional contribution.