How to Be Pharmacy Intern - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 6, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The number of Pharmacy Interns has been increasing steadily over the past few years, due to the growing demand for skilled Pharmacy professionals. This has been caused by an aging population, as well as the rise of new and more complex medications. As a result, there is a greater need for people who are trained in the proper usage and administration of these drugs.

The increased number of Pharmacy Interns has also helped to reduce medication errors and increase patient safety, leading to better patient outcomes. the addition of Pharmacy Interns to a healthcare team has been shown to reduce costs, as they are able to provide more efficient and cost-effective care.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma. To become a pharmacy intern, you must first obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Apply to a Pharmacy Program. After obtaining your high school diploma, the next step is to apply to a pharmacy program at an accredited college or university. Most states require that you complete at least two years of college coursework in order to become a pharmacy intern.
Get an Internship. Once you have completed your pharmacy program, the next step is to get an internship. This can be done through your college or university, or through a local pharmacy. Some internships may require that you have completed certain courses or have certain certifications.
Take and Pass Licensing Exams. Most states require that you take and pass licensing exams in order to become a pharmacy intern. The exams may include the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam or the Multi-State Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam.
Obtain a State License. Once you have passed the necessary exams, you will need to obtain a state license in order to practice as a pharmacy intern. Each state has its own requirements for licensure, so make sure you check with your state board of pharmacy for specifics.
Get Certified. Certification is voluntary and can help you stand out as a qualified pharmacy intern. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board offers certification exams for pharmacy technicians, which is the first step toward becoming a pharmacy intern.
Find an Employer. After obtaining your license and certification, the next step is to find an employer who is willing to hire you as a pharmacy intern. Many employers prefer to hire certified technicians, so make sure you include your certification on your resume.

Pharmacy internships are an ideal way to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to become a competent pharmacist. Interning in a pharmacy provides valuable insight into the daily operations of a pharmacy, such as drug interactions, dispensing medications, and patient care. In addition, interns gain exposure to different types of pharmaceuticals, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Furthermore, they learn how to interact with patients and other healthcare professionals, as well as how to accurately complete pharmacy paperwork. these experiences can help pharmacy interns develop essential skills and knowledge that will be useful in their future careers.

You may want to check Pharmacy Consultant, Pharmacy Automation Specialist, and Pharmacy Technician Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

Assist pharmacists in providing medication and health care products to customers.
Fill customer prescriptions and answer customer inquiries.
Prepare compounded medications and other specialized preparations.
Monitor stock levels and restock shelves with medications and health care products.
Maintain records of prescriptions, medication inventories, and patient profiles.
Participate in training programs to stay up-to-date on the latest medications, their uses, and side effects.
Prepare reports for pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
Adhere to safety protocols and standards of practice set by the pharmacy.
Process insurance claims and accurately calculate reimbursement amounts.
Monitor expiration dates of medications and remove expired items from shelves.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of pharmaceutical calculations and principles
Ability to use and maintain pharmacy equipment
Proficiency in a variety of computer systems and software programs
Ability to communicate effectively with customers and other healthcare professionals
Knowledge of drug interactions and contraindications
Knowledge of pharmacy law, regulations, and guidelines
Ability to accurately enter prescription orders into computer systems
Ability to provide appropriate medication counseling and advice
Ability to accurately read and interpret prescriptions
Ability to accurately count, dispense, and label medications
Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to demonstrate strong organizational skills
Knowledge of safety practices and procedures

Having strong communication and interpersonal skills is one of the most important qualities for a pharmacy intern to possess. This is because effective communication allows for better collaboration with other members of the healthcare team, as well as better understanding of patient needs. good interpersonal skills allow interns to build relationships with colleagues and patients, generating trust and respect.

As a result of having strong communication and interpersonal skills, pharmacy interns can more effectively communicate detailed instructions to patients, help manage patient medication information, and provide additional support during medical emergencies. Furthermore, having these skills also allows interns to build strong relationships with healthcare professionals, which in turn facilitates smoother workflows and stronger teamwork.

Pharmacy Advisor, Pharmacy Operations Manager, and Pharmacy Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the field of pharmacy?
What challenges have you faced in the pharmacy field and how did you overcome them?
What do you think is the most important role for a pharmacy intern?
How would you handle a customer complaint in a pharmacy setting?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision in the pharmacy.
What do you consider to be the greatest challenge facing pharmacists today?
What do you think sets you apart from other candidates applying for this internship?
What do you think are the key skills required to be successful in a pharmacy intern role?
How would you ensure accuracy and safety when handing out medication to customers?
Describe a situation where you had to work under pressure in a pharmacy setting.

Common Tools in Industry

Medication Database. A database of medication information, including side effects, dosage and interactions. (Eg: RxNorm)
Drug Interaction Checker. A tool to check for potential drug interactions. (Eg: WebMD Drug Interaction Checker)
Medical Reference Library. A library of reference materials, such as medical texts, references, and guidelines. (Eg: UpToDate)
Electronic Health Record (EHR) System. A system for tracking and monitoring patient care information. (Eg: Epic EHR)
Drug Formulary System. A system for managing drug formularies and ensuring compliance with regulations. (Eg: Express Scripts)
Medication Dispensing System. A system for dispensing medications to patients. (Eg: Pyxis Medication Dispensing System)
Drug Information System. A system for tracking drug information, such as dosage forms, strengths, and generic name equivalents. (Eg: First DataBank Drug Information System)
Drug Order Verification System. A system for verifying orders for medications. (Eg: Omnicell Automated Dispensing System)
Drug Compounding System. A system for preparing and compounding medications for individual patients. (Eg: Acudose Compounding System)
Point-of-Care Testing System. A system for performing tests at the point of care. (Eg: Alere Point-of-Care Testing System)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)
Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)
National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS)
International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists (CSHP)
International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR)
International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE)

We also have Pharmacy Data Analyst, Pharmacy Buyer/Purchasing Agent, and Pharmacy Student Intern jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Pharmacy Technician A professional who provides assistance to pharmacists in preparing medications, maintaining medication records, and providing customer care services.
Drug Interactions The effects of one drug on the action of another drug.
Prescription A medical order for a medication or medical device, typically written by a doctor or other health care provider.
Medication Errors Mistakes in the prescribing, dispensing, administration, or monitoring of medications.
Controlled Substances Drugs that are regulated by governmental agencies due to their potential for abuse or addiction.
Dispensing The process of providing a patient with a medication from a prescription order.
Clinical Pharmacy Practice The practice of using evidence-based medicine and patient-centered care principles to maximize therapeutic outcomes for patients.
Pharmacology The study of the interaction between drugs and living systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Pharmacy Intern? A1: A Pharmacy Intern is a student or graduate studying to become a licensed pharmacist. They are typically responsible for assisting with the preparation of medications, providing customer service, and performing administrative tasks. Q2: What qualifications are necessary to become a Pharmacy Intern? A2: To become a Pharmacy Intern, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and must have completed a Pharmacy Technician Program or have completed college-level pharmacy studies. Q3: What duties do Pharmacy Interns typically perform? A3: Pharmacy Interns typically perform a variety of duties, including preparing and dispensing medications, providing customer service, and performing administrative tasks such as maintaining patient records and completing insurance forms. Q4: How long does it take to become a Pharmacy Intern? A4: The time it takes to become a Pharmacy Intern varies depending on the program you are enrolled in and the requirements needed to complete the program. Generally, most Pharmacy Intern programs can be completed in 1-2 years. Q5: What type of career opportunities are available after completing a Pharmacy Intern program? A5: After completing a Pharmacy Intern program, there are many career opportunities available, including working in retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and other healthcare settings such as clinics and long-term care facilities. Additionally, some Pharmacy Interns may pursue careers in research and teaching.