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

Dec 3, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The shortage of qualified pharmacists in the United States is a growing problem, with many pharmacies unable to find enough workers to fill their staffing needs. This shortage has caused a number of effects, including an increased workload on existing pharmacists, longer wait times for customers, and a reduced quality of care. To help alleviate this issue, many pharmacies are now turning to pharmacy student interns to fill the gaps in staffing.

These interns provide much-needed support to the pharmacy staff, offering their knowledge and expertise to help process prescriptions and provide customer service. They also gain valuable experience in their field, broadening their skillset and expanding their career prospects after graduation. By taking on pharmacy student interns, pharmacies are able to meet their staffing needs while also providing students with valuable learning experiences.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most pharmacy internships require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent in order to apply.
Research and apply for pharmacy internships. Many pharmacies and drug stores offer pharmacy student internships. You can also find internships through job boards, career websites, or through your schools career center.
Complete the required paperwork. Most internships require applicants to fill out an application and submit a resume and cover letter.
Pass the application process. Most internships require applicants to successfully pass an interview and/or written exam.
Attend an orientation session. Once accepted into an internship program, interns must attend an orientation session that covers safety protocols, pharmacy regulations, and other important information.
Complete the internship program. Internships typically last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the employer. During this time, interns will shadow a licensed pharmacist and gain experience in the field.
Obtain certification. After completing an internship program, interns may be eligible to receive a certificate of completion. This certificate can serve as proof of experience in the field and may be required for some job positions.

Being a successful pharmacy student intern requires a lot of skill and capability. To begin with, it is important to have a strong understanding of the basics of pharmacy, including pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and medication safety. having excellent communication and problem solving skills are essential for success in this field.

It is also important to be well-versed in the use of technology, as many pharmacy practices make use of electronic medical records and computerized patient profiles. Finally, having strong organizational skills is critical, as pharmacy students must be able to manage their time effectively in order to complete all the necessary tasks on time. When these skills are combined with a passion for helping others and a solid work ethic, pharmacy students can become valuable members of any healthcare team.

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Job Description

Assist Pharmacist in providing medications, health and wellness products, and services to patients.
Answer customer questions regarding medications and health products.
Monitor and maintain medication inventory.
Input prescription information into the pharmacy system.
Prepare and dispense medications in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Participate in continuous quality improvement activities.
Provide patient counseling on proper medication use and potential side effects.
Perform administrative duties such as insurance claims processing and data entry.
Maintain pharmacy records, including patient profiles, drug inventories, and financial data.
Conduct medication reviews for patients and document results in the patient's record.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of pharmaceutical terminology, abbreviations, and symbols
Understanding of basic pharmacological principles
Familiarity with basic anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
Ability to accurately calculate dosages and prepare medications
Proficiency in the use of pharmaceutical equipment and instruments
Ability to interpret and evaluate patient medical records
Understanding of relevant legal and ethical issues
Ability to provide patient education and counseling
Excellent communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills

The most important skill for a pharmacy student intern is the ability to make decisions based on sound judgment. Being able to accurately assess a patient's condition and provide appropriate guidance and advice is essential to safely and successfully completing pharmaceutical tasks. This skill requires a combination of knowledge of pharmacology, communication, organization, and problem-solving.

In addition, pharmacy student interns must be comfortable performing calculations quickly and accurately to ensure that the right medication is being given in the right amount. By taking into consideration patient history, current medications, and other factors, pharmacy student interns can make informed decisions that will help to protect patient safety. pharmacy student interns must be able to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals and take initiative to find solutions to complex problems.

With these skills, pharmacy student interns can be successful in their roles and contribute to positive outcomes for patients.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a pharmacy environment?
How do you stay organized and manage multiple tasks?
What do you think is the most important skill for a pharmacy student intern?
What do you think are the most important qualities for a pharmacist?
How would you handle a difficult customer situation?
How familiar are you with pharmaceutical drugs, dosages, and interactions?
What steps do you take to ensure accuracy and safety when dispensing medications?
Have you ever had to take on additional projects that weren't part of your job description?
What would you do if you encountered a situation that was outside of your scope of practice?
How do you handle stress or pressure in a pharmacy setting?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Medical Records (EMR). A digital system for physicians to store and manage patient records, allowing for easy access to health data. (eg: Cerner, Epic)
Prescription Writing Software. Software that helps healthcare professionals write prescriptions electronically. (eg: RxNT, DrFirst)
Drug Reference Software. Tools that provide a comprehensive database of drug information, including interaction warnings and dosage information. (eg: Lexicomp, Epocrates)
Drug Dispensing Software. Software that helps pharmacies keep track of their inventory and manage patient prescriptions. (eg: QS/1, OnScript)
Compounding Software. Software that helps pharmacies create custom medications based on a patient's needs. (eg: DrFirst Compounding Suite, National Compounding Solutions)
Automated Dispensing Machines. Machines that dispense medications to patients based on their prescription orders. (eg: Omnicell, McKesson)
Drug Ordering Systems. Online systems that automate the ordering process for pharmacies, allowing them to order drugs quickly and accurately. (eg: Surescripts, Health Mart)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS)
Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)
International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
American College of Apothecaries (ACA)
National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA)
American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP)

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Common Important Terms

Clinical Rotations. Clinical rotations are the hands-on opportunities for pharmacy students to gain practical experience in a variety of different pharmacy settings. Clinical rotations give students the chance to gain skills in working with patients, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.
Preceptors. Preceptors are the experienced pharmacists and other healthcare professionals who supervise and mentor pharmacy students during their clinical rotations. Preceptors provide guidance, feedback, and direction to help students master their skills and become proficient in their practice.
Professional Practice Model. The professional practice model is a framework that outlines the roles and responsibilities of pharmacy professionals, including pharmacy interns. The model outlines expectations for professional behavior, communication, and collaboration.
Patient Confidentiality. Patient confidentiality is the ethical obligation of healthcare professionals to keep patient information private and secure. Pharmacy interns must adhere to patient confidentiality laws and regulations to protect patient privacy.
Medication Therapy Management. Medication therapy management is a collaborative process between a pharmacist and patient to optimize the use of prescription medications. Pharmacy interns may be involved in medication therapy management activities under the supervision of a pharmacist.
Drug Interactions. Drug interactions are when two or more drugs interact with each other in unexpected ways, which can cause adverse side effects. Pharmacy interns must understand drug interactions and be able to identify potential drug interactions when dispensing medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to become a Pharmacy Student Intern?

Generally speaking, you need to be currently enrolled in an accredited pharmacy program and have completed at least two years of coursework in order to be eligible for a Pharmacy Student Internship.

What duties will I be responsible for as a Pharmacy Student Intern?

As a Pharmacy Student Intern, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks including filling prescriptions, providing patient counseling, taking inventory, and providing customer service.

How many hours per week is a typical Pharmacy Student Internship?

Most Pharmacy Student Internships require a minimum of 10 hours per week, but some may require up to 20 hours depending on the program.

What type of training will I receive as a Pharmacy Student Intern?

As a Pharmacy Student Intern, you will receive comprehensive training in pharmacy operations and patient care. You will also receive guidance and mentorship from experienced pharmacists.

What are the benefits of completing a Pharmacy Student Internship?

Completing a Pharmacy Student Internship can provide you with invaluable experience and skills that will help you succeed in the field of pharmacy. Additionally, many Pharmacy Student Internships can lead to full-time employment after graduation.