What Does a Pharmacy Intern Do?

Pharmacy interns are entry-level professionals who work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists. They may be involved in a variety of tasks, including filling prescriptions, answering customer questions about medications, and performing basic clerical duties.

Pharmacy internships are typically one year long and provide students with valuable hands-on experience in this field. Interns must complete an internship program approved by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) or the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP).

Pharmacy Intern Job Duties

Pharmacy interns have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Providing customer service by answering phone calls, responding to emails and resolving customer issues
• Maintaining inventory of medications and supplies in the pharmacy department
• Performing operational tasks such as stocking shelves, organizing inventory, and labeling medications
• Preparing medications for patients by counting tablets, measuring ingredients, mixing solutions, or other tasks as directed by a pharmacist
• Learning about new drugs that are being developed or old drugs that have been discontinued or changed
• Performing clerical duties such as filing patient records and processing insurance claims
• Observing interactions between patients and pharmacists to ensure that medication instructions are followed correctly
• Cleaning and sterilizing equipment used in dispensing drugs such as inhalers or syringes
• Communicating with physicians to clarify prescription orders or to obtain approval for new medications

Pharmacy Intern Salary & Outlook

Pharmacy intern salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the type of company they work for.

• Median Annual Salary: $37,500 ($18.03/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $122,000 ($58.65/hour)

The employment of pharmacy interns is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

As the large baby-boom population ages, more people will have chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Pharmacists will be needed to help these patients manage their conditions by recommending appropriate medications and monitoring their side effects and effectiveness.

Pharmacy Intern Job Requirements

Pharmacy interns are typically required to have the following:

Education: Pharmacy interns are typically required to have a high school diploma or GED. Some pharmacies may require an associate’s degree, while others may accept a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Pharmacy interns should have a strong background in science, including courses in biology, chemistry and anatomy and physiology. They should also have a strong background in math, including courses in algebra and calculus.

Training & Experience: Pharmacy interns receive training through their work experience. Interns are supervised by a licensed pharmacist who is responsible for ensuring that they are properly trained. Interns will learn about the different aspects of the pharmacy industry, including customer service, inventory management and cashiering. They will also learn about the different aspects of the job, including filling prescriptions, preparing medications and maintaining the pharmacy.

Certifications & Licenses: It is important for aspiring pharmacists to earn certification to show their competence and commitment to the field.

Pharmacy Intern Skills

Pharmacy interns need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication: Communication is another skill that can be useful for pharmacy interns. Pharmacists often communicate with patients to explain medications and answer questions about treatment. They also communicate with other medical professionals to ensure patients receive the correct treatment.

Organization: Pharmacists must be able to organize their time and resources effectively. This includes keeping track of inventory, maintaining a clean work environment and ensuring that all customer orders are filled correctly. Interns can practice organization skills by keeping track of their daily tasks and working efficiently.

Attention to detail: Attention to detail is a necessary skill for a pharmacy intern. You may be responsible for entering patient information into a computer system, entering inventory information and entering insurance information. Having strong attention to detail ensures that you enter the correct information and that you don’t make any mistakes.

Flexibility: Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Pharmacy interns may experience shifts in their work schedule, so it’s important for them to be able to adjust to these changes. Flexibility can also help you adapt to new challenges and change your approach to tasks when necessary.

Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand another person’s feelings and perspective. As a pharmacy intern, you may be working with patients who are experiencing a variety of emotions. Being able to understand their feelings and respond to them in a caring way can help you build a positive relationship with them.

Pharmacy Intern Work Environment

Pharmacy interns work in a variety of settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, and mail-order pharmacies. They may work with a pharmacist who is responsible for their training or with other pharmacy technicians. Interns may be assigned to work in different areas of the pharmacy, such as the pharmacy counter, the pharmacy lab, or the pharmacy stockroom. They may also be responsible for filling prescriptions, preparing medication orders, and providing customer service. Interns may rotate through different work areas to gain experience in all aspects of pharmacy practice.

Pharmacy Intern Trends

Here are three trends influencing how pharmacy interns work. Pharmacy interns will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

Pharmacists Will Be More Important in the Healthcare System

Pharmacists are becoming more important in the healthcare system as they are increasingly responsible for managing patients’ medications. This means that pharmacists will need to be well-versed in a wide range of medications and able to provide patient care that goes beyond just filling prescriptions.

As pharmacists become more important, pharmacy interns will need to be prepared to work in a variety of settings and with a variety of patients. They will also need to be able to communicate effectively with other members of the healthcare team.

The Importance of Patient Care

Pharmacy interns are beginning to realize the importance of patient care in the pharmaceutical industry. As patients become more informed about their medications, they are looking for pharmacists who can provide them with more than just prescription services.

Pharmacy interns who are able to provide patient care services will be in high demand in the future. These professionals will need to be able to communicate effectively with patients and understand their needs in order to provide the best possible care.

More Collaboration Between Pharmacists and Other Health Professionals

Pharmacists are increasingly collaborating with other health professionals in order to provide better care for patients.

This trend is being driven by the increasing complexity of the healthcare system, which requires pharmacists to work together with other professionals in order to provide the best possible care for patients.

How to Become a Pharmacy Intern

A pharmacy intern career path can be a great way to get started in the field of pharmacy. As an intern, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of the profession, including pharmacology, pharmacy practice, and patient care. You’ll also have the chance to work with experienced pharmacists who can provide guidance and mentorship as you progress in your career.

As you progress through your pharmacy intern career path, you may choose to specialize in a particular area of pharmacy. For example, you could focus on clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical chemistry, or pharmacy administration.