Program Format
The internship program is structured to provide practical experience that supplements and supports formal didactic training offered at the College of Pharmacy. Within the program, there is no distinction made between externs, interns, hospital experience or inexperienced personnel. Students participating in the program are referred to as “pharmacy interns”.
The program is structured to assure guidance and support to the student while at the same time allowing students to progress at their own pace, based upon previous experience and interest. The internship program start date and completion date for each intern varies based on the academic calendar for their respective College of Pharmacy. Interns are exposed to all facets of hospital and health-system pharmacy practice. The level of competency developed in any area may differ from one intern to another based on previous experience and interest. Unlike academic programs, no grade is given although meetings are scheduled with preceptors to discuss progress and the structure of the experience to assure value for the pharmacy intern and the Department of Pharmacy.
Interns participating in the program will be employees of the Department of Pharmacy for Johns Hopkins Hospital and will be based in one of the divisions of the Department including, but not limited to: (1) Pediatrics, (2) Oncology, (3) Medicine, (4) Critical Care, (5) Ambulatory/Out-Patient, (6) Home Infusion and (7) Pharmacy Administration. The intern assumes responsibility to remain current with developments in the profession by attending lectures, meetings, readings and through discussions with peers and preceptors. Each intern’s enthusiasm and interest in the program will, in part, determine the value of the experience.
Students participating in the program typically assume a ‘full-time’ summer internship position. The position would be full time during the summer (40 hours per week). Options do exist for students to continue employment on a part time basis when school is not in session or during the weekends if living and attending school locally. Scheduled hours would be agreed upon between the student and supervisor and based on mutual availability and need.
The application process for the year-round employee requires an on-site interview. Students participating in the program for the summer require a (1) letter of intent, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) letter of recommendation and a (4) phone interview.
Students participating in the program shall, at a minimum, have been accepted into an ACPE accredited College of Pharmacy. Compensation is based on the year of school with pay increases offered each year.
Pharmacy Practice:
The time devoted to technical proficiency, learning medication use policy and distributive functions averages to ~ 55-65% of the intern’s experiential scheduling. Primary emphasis in practice includes safe medication use of the drug distribution system (unit dose, floor stock), intravenous admixture services, controlled substance distribution, purchasing, drug information and drug policy. Intern experience shall be acquired in various areas including:
o Central Pharmacy
o Pharmacy Information Technology
o Pharmacy Administration
o Pharmacy Drug Use Policy
Clinical Practice:
Clinical Practice accounts for approximately ~ 40% of the intern’s experiential scheduling. The intern experience provides participants with clinical practice experience including discussion with Clinical Pharmacy Specialists, and rounding experience with a Specialty Pharmacy Resident and/or Clinical Pharmacy Specialist.
