How can I find a Pharmacy Internship?

Question

I am a high school senior looking for a pharmacy internship at a local drugstore such a Giant, or Safeway. Most of these drugstores only give Pharamcy students, ones in college, interships. Is there a way that I can get one? I would like to know what being a pharmacy is like, to see if I would like to pursue my major in pharmacy.

Answer 1

Go to your local pharmacy and ask to do a job shadow. That is where you watch what they do for a day. A lot of places will let you do this. I am a Certified and licensed Pharmacy Technician. I went to school for 18 months, and did an internship at a hospital and retail pharmacy setting. They are so desparate for pharmacists some even help pay for college. Or 'grow their own' to keep up with the demand for skilled pharmacists. If you do decide to go into pharmacy, look for a pharmacy that does compounding. It is very interesting to watch them make ointments, capsules, suppositories ect. To be honest I dont really like pharmacy that much because it's too chaotic. I would have liked it better if I could be in the compounding room actually making the drugs. Remember...COMPOUNDING PHARMACY! Also, retail pharmacy is more chaoctic than a hospital setting.

Answer 2

You can't get a pharmacy internship yet. You need to complete one year of professional pharmacy school. It is illegal for you to get one.
However, you can get a job as a pharmacy technician or volunteer at a hospital pharmacy.
Most people consider going to technical school for pharmacy technician, to be a waste of money. Most states only require a high school diploma or being a current high school student to practice. The pharmacy will teach you what you need to know. If you want to get certified, a little bit of experience and buying a cheap review book will get you there.

Answer 3

Start by looking at your high school career center. Also, ask the stores directly.