What Type of Internships are Available for Aspiring Pharmacists?

Are you interested in learning about the types of internships available for aspiring pharmacists to complete before entering their career? If your goal is to attend school and become a licensed pharmacist, you will need to gain hands-on experience at some point during your student career. There are plenty of different pharmacy intern opportunities that you can apply to with several different retailers or government agencies. Distinguishing between the opportunities and preparing yourself for the interviewing process can help you better your chances of landing an internship with a reputable employer. Read on, and learn what you need to know about pharmacy internship positions.

Pharmacy Internship Opportunities at Retail Locations

If your goal is to work as a pharmacist in a retail setting, it could benefit you to intern with a retailer. A pharmacist internship at a retail store will help you train to become a professional practitioner who helps their community by educating members of the community and providing patient care. You will learn technical skills and knowledge in the classroom and then you will be able to get practical skills. Your intern learning goals will be to learn how to work with patients and other colleagues, how to apply the concepts you have learned in school, and how to provide drug education to patients.

Most retailers offer internship opportunities that last in the summer or that will last the entire year. There are plenty of pharmacies and grocery stores with their own pharmacies that have local or nationwide opportunities. It is important to research the opportunities and the intern qualifications before applying. You should also look for an opportunity with an employer you would enjoy working with long-term, because many interns are offered employed following their graduation.

Internships with Hospitals and Government Agencies

There are also internships in hospitals, school departments of pharmacy, and with governmental agencies to supplement a student's formal didactic training. When you choose these types of internships, you will get exposure to hospital pharmacy practices and those in the health system rather than those in a retail setting. You will strengthen your ability to work in a managed care pharmacy and will also gain more knowledge about the therapeutic qualities of medication. Typically, these internships last for periods of about 12 to 16 weeks rather than an entire year.

How to Land a Pharmacy Internship

Now that you know the two different type of retail and managed care pharmacist internships that you can choose from, it is time to prepare yourself for the very competitive application process. The first thing that you should do is apply for a Pharmacy Intern License so that you are ready to work immediately when you are accepted. You should also apply to several different listings at once because the competition is fierce. Have a polished resume and cover letter describing your strengths and be sure to contact the human resources manager regularly so that you show you are motivated and very persistent.

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for pharmacists will grow by 14 percent within the next 8 years. If you are working towards your doctorate, becoming an intern in school can give you valuable insight on the professional. Decide what types of internships available for aspiring pharmacists are right for you, and start applying early.