Internship Program
The internship program is designed to provide progressive training in pharmacy drug distribution and clinical practice, building on the academic curriculum. The program gives interns a strong foundation an understanding of the crucial role that pharmacists play in patient care. We are especially focused on the medication use process and the pharmacist’s role in practicing evidence-based medicine, providing medications that are safe and effective for patients.
Program Directors
- Tram Cat, PharmD, BCPS, educational coordinator
Internship Components
- Staffing
- Intern program meetings
- Off-block rotation shadowing experience
- Summer projects
- Mentorship program
- Career development opportunities
- Three-year commitment including two full summers
Intern Expectations
- Models high standards of professionalism
- Demonstrates an interest in growth and development as a future clinical pharmacist
- Participates in patient care initiatives of the department
- Demonstrates effective communication skills
- Contributes to the achievement of a high-performing team
- Maintains accountability and ownership with assignments
- Exhibits flexibility and adaptability
First Year (P2)
Focus
- Medication distribution process
Staffing Components
- Central dispensing shift
- Fill medication orders
- Patient-centered technician shift
- Deliver medications to designated nursing units
- Perform morning cart exchange
- Fill Pyxis machines
- Refill IV floor stock
- Triage missing medications
- Facilitate communication between nurses and pharmacists
Second Year (P3)
Focus
- Sterile compounding
Staffing Components
- IV room shift
- Obtain IV certification
- Prepare and mix sterile products
- Central dispensing shift
- Patient-centered technician shift
Third Year (P4)
Focus
- Clinical activities
Staffing Components
- 5RX clinical shift
- Evaluate patients on pharmacy protocols (vancomycin/aminoglycoside PK dosing, anticoagulants and antimicrobials)
- Perform patient medication education
- Conduct medication reconciliation
- Assist pharmacists with clinical activities as needed
- IV room shift
- Central dispensing shift
- Patient-centered technician shift
Career Development
- CV review
- Mock interviews
Time Commitment
Staffing Shifts (eight hours per shift)
- AM: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- PM: 3:30 p.m. - midnight
- Sterile compounding shift times vary between 6 a.m. and midnight
Summers – FULL TIME (first and second year)
- Summers – FULL TIME (first and second year)
- Up to 40 hours per week starting one week from the last day of class through the start of the next school year
- Work every other weekend, including day and evening shifts
School year
- Two full weekends per month (16 hours per weekend, including day and evening shifts)
- Option to work extra
Holidays
- Usually either Christmas Day or New Year's Day
- Interns will be assigned to work holidays on a rotational basis, similar to other staff
Vacations must be preapproved.
During all school breaks, interns may be asked to work additional hours.