28 May How Pharmaceutical Internships Just Might Be Your Prescription for Success
Are you thinking about becoming a pharmacist?
This rewarding career path is not only in high-demand, but is also high-paying. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites an average $136,030 salary for pharmacists.
But you aren’t going to reach that salary without some experience. According to Forbes, 69% of companies with more than 100 employees offered full-time jobs to interns in 2012. The trend is only rising, and it’s consistent across the board (even in smaller companies and organizations, too).
Getting an internship might not be a definite way to land a job in this competitive field, but it’s definitely not going to hurt! Finding the right pharmaceutical internship is easier than you might think. We’ll explore the details in our comprehensive guide to pharmaceutical internships.
What Do Pharmaceutical Interns Do?
Long story short, a pharmaceutical intern is a student who has attended pharmacy skill and is ready to gain real-world experience by shadowing a pharmacist in a hospital or store pharmacy.
You’ll receive some on-the-job training to help you learn the ropes, but in general, your work will focus on the following tasks:
Analyzing and Filling Patient Prescriptions
One of the core duties you’ll have as a pharmaceutical intern will be assisting in analyzing and filling prescriptions. This means ensuring that patients receive the correct medication and dosage, which is, of course, crucial for their health and well-being. You’ll learn the intricacies of pharmaceutical calculations, drug interactions, and contraindications.
Serving Customers and Answering Questions
You’ll often be the first point of contact for customers. Answering their questions and providing exceptional service will be part of your daily routine.
This customer service experience might seem mundane, but in reality, it’s incredibly invaluable – and it helps you understand the practical concerns and questions patients have about their medications.
Mixing Medication Compounds
Some medications need to be specially prepared. As an intern, you’ll learn how to mix these compounds accurately.
Compounding is a critical skill, especially in specialty pharmacies, and requires meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of pharmaceutical science. If you’re nervous about this aspect of real-life pharmaceutical practice, don’t worry – you’ll learn exactly how to do it as part of your internship.
Measuring Medications
Again, precision is key in pharmacy work.
Similar to mixing medication compounds, a core duty you’ll have as a pharmaceutical intern is learning how to measure medications to make sure patients receive the correct amount. This task will teach you the importance of accuracy and the potential consequences of errors in dosing.
Running Tests on Patients
In some settings, you may help administer vaccines, take blood pressure, and run other basic tests on patients. This hands-on experience is beneficial for developing clinical skills and understanding the broader scope of pharmacy practice.
Again, don’t panic if this is something you haven’t done much of in school. You’re not going to be left on your own – you’ll learn the ropes alongside a trained professional.
Helping With Basic Duties as Needed
As an intern, you’ll be expected to be a jack of all trades. Plan for the unexpected!
This could include order processing and data entry. While these might seem like basic tasks, they are essential for the smooth operation of a pharmacy. These duties will also help you become familiar with pharmacy management software and inventory systems.
How to Make a Great Impression as a Pharmaceutical Intern?
Landing an internship is just the start. Making the most of it requires effort and a positive attitude, along with some other must-know aptitudes.
Here are some practical tips to help you shine:
Have a Positive Attitude
A positive attitude can make a world of difference. It shows that you are eager to learn and willing to take on challenges. Approach each day with enthusiasm and be open to new experiences.
Do Your Research
Before you start, learn about the pharmacy where you’ll be working. Understand their practices and get to know the team. This preparation will help you feel more confident and prepared. Researching the pharmacy’s history, mission, and values will also help you align your work ethic with their expectations.
Set Clear Goals
What do you want to achieve during your internship? Setting clear goals will help you focus and make the most of your time. Whether it’s mastering a particular skill or understanding a complex concept, having goals will guide your learning process.
Ask Questions
Never hesitate to ask questions. It shows that you are engaged and eager to learn. Plus, it’s better to ask and get it right than to make mistakes due to assumptions. Use your time as an intern to clarify doubts and expand your knowledge.
Seek Feedback
Actively seek feedback from your mentors and supervisors. Constructive criticism is a powerful tool for growth. Use the feedback to improve your performance and demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth.
Remember, the more active of a participant you are in your internship, the better of an impression you’ll leave – and you’ll also improve your chances of a hire (or at least a great letter of recommendation) when the internship is over.
Which Internship is Best for Pharmacy Students?
Remember, internships are not just about learning technical skills; they are also about building relationships, understanding the industry, and discovering your own strengths and interests.
Approach your internship with an open mind, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn, and you’ll be well on your way to a fulfilling career as a pharmacist.
But how do you find the right pharmaceutical internships? The answer’s simple: trust Absolute Internship. We’ll help you find your dream internship in the pharmaceutical industry, regardless of where your passions and skills might lie. We offer internships all over the world, as well as virtual internships, to help students just like you discover their goal career paths and land the job of their dreams.
By understanding what to expect from your experience and working with Absolute Internship, you can set yourself up for a successful career in pharmacy.
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