Pharmacy interns play a vital role in the healthcare system, serving as the bridge between academic learning and professional practice.
In Georgia, these individuals are either students currently enrolled in an accredited pharmacy school or recent graduates who are gaining the required practical experience to become licensed pharmacists. They must be registered with the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy and are authorized to practice pharmacy under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
According to Julie Wickman, PharmD, director of experiential education and associate professor of pharmacy practice with the Doctor of Pharmacy program at PCOM Georgia, this registration allows interns to perform a broad range of responsibilities while working closely with supervising pharmacists.
Pharmacy interns can take verbal prescriptions, transfer prescriptions, administer vaccines, compound medications, counsel patients about medications, and much more. This on-the-job exposure helps them transition from academic study to clinical competency.
Pharmacy interns are most commonly found in retail and hospital pharmacy settings. These environments allow interns to observe and participate in the full range of pharmacy operations, offering a well-rounded perspective on daily practice.
All pharmacy students in Georgia are required to complete 1,500 hours of internship experience before they can sit for the state licensure exam. This practical training is a mandatory component of becoming a licensed pharmacist in the state.
The process of becoming a registered pharmacy intern involves completing an online application with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy, along with submitting a supplemental packet that includes:
The application fee for a pharmacy intern license is $25 according to the Georgia Board of Pharmacy’s fee schedule.
During their training, pharmacy interns are expected to cultivate a range of soft skills that are critical to professional success. Communication skills, leadership skills and networking skills are among the most important attributes students are expected to develop during their internships, Wickman noted.
Through their supervised work, pharmacy interns gain exposure to not only technical tasks like compounding or vaccine administration, but also to the human side of pharmacy—interacting with patients, collaborating with healthcare professionals, and navigating the ethical and regulatory responsibilities of the profession.
Wickman emphasized that internships are more than just a requirement—they are a fundamental part of a pharmacist’s professional development. “Students work under the direct supervision of pharmacists to learn the role of a pharmacist. It is truly on-the-job, hands-on training,” she explained. “These internships provide opportunities for career exploration, networking, and personal growth, ultimately boosting job readiness and professional relationships.”
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