PHM 250 Pharmacy Externship

Lecture Hours: 1
Lab Hours: 15
Credits: 6

Provides supervised, hands-on pharmacy experience in real-world settings such as community, institutional, and specialty practice. Applies knowledge from didactic and simulated training to perform technician functions, including medication preparation, inventory control, prescription processing, and patient communication. Emphasizes professionalism, accuracy, ethical conduct, and compliance with regulatory and institutional standards that ensure safe, effective, and compassionate patient care.

Maximum number of credits course can be taken for: 6

Student Learning Outcomes:

Perform core pharmacy technician duties related to prescription processing, compounding, labeling, and documentation under pharmacist supervision. (ASHP 3.1-3.7, 3.13, 3.15, 3.17)
Apply patient safety and quality assurance practices in all aspects of the medication-use process. (ASHP 4.1-4.5, 4.8)
Utilize effective communication skills when interacting with patients, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. (ASHP 1.3-1.7)
Comply with state and federal regulations governing pharmacy operations, controlled substances, and confidentiality. (ASHP 5.1-5.5)
Demonstrate professional behavior, teamwork, and ethical decision-making in a pharmacy environment. (ASHP 1.1-1.8)
Document pharmacy activities accurately and maintain required records consistent with institutional policies and regulatory standards. (ASHP 5.1, 5.5)

Content Outline

Orientation and Site Readiness
- Review of professional expectations, safety standards, and documentation
- Overview of performance evaluation and assessment criteria
Medication Preparation and Distribution
- Prescription intake, processing, and verification
- Compounding (sterile and non-sterile, as applicable)
- Labeling, packaging, and product accuracy checks
Inventory and Systems Management
- Purchasing, rotation, and stock reconciliation
- Controlled substance management and DEA recordkeeping
- Technology and automation use for inventory control
Insurance and Documentation
- Insurance claim submission and rejections
- Maintaining and updating patient profiles
- Accurate record retention and compliance documentation
Patient and Interprofessional Communication
- Effective verbal and nonverbal communication techniques
- Cultural sensitivity and customer service principles
- Handling difficult interactions and problem-solving
Professional Growth and Reflection
- Journaling and reflective practice
- Site preceptor evaluations and midterm/final check-ins
- Certification readiness review and career preparation