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Because healthcare is always changing, pharmacy programs now need to develop students who are expert, fast learners and aware of industry trends. In order to link didactic instruction and APPEs, a step-by-step course series was created and included in all the pharmacy curriculum years. The curriculum embeds many important knowledge, skills and attitudes as scaffolded and competence-based modules meant for pre-APPE students. Through using case-based sessions, team exercises, simulated experiences and encouraging reflection, the course series helped students become better prepared, confident and effective during their APPEs.Reviewing student progress throughout several years indicated strong improvements in their preparation, confidence and performance in clinical settings. Students noticed they were more comfortable providing patient care, had improved communication and better understood how different jobs in healthcare work together. Assessments performed by our faculty found that students were making progress in critical thinking and behaving like professionals. By building on core knowledge and aligning education with current practice, the course series has shown how to develop students who are ready for APPEs. Digital health technologies will be added, more activities will be offered outside the core curriculum and student outcomes will be traced as they move into practice after training.