How to Prepare for Your Pharmacy Tech Externship
One of the potential benefits of pursuing pharmacy technician education is the ability to complete a pharmacy tech externship with your program. Externships provide beneficial hands-on experience that will help you gain confidence in applying the knowledge you’ve gained from your coursework. We’re here to help you navigate how to best succeed at your coursework and prepare for your pharmacy tech externship! With these guiding principles, you can be well-prepared to work in the industry.
Tips for Studying Your Pharmacy Tech Program Material
This list is not exhaustive, but here are three tips for studying during the program, which will in turn help you prepare for your externship.
- Take time to memorize the dosages and drug interactions that are listed in your coursework. This information is vital not only for the exams but also for the day-to-day work in the pharmacy. Sometimes the memory work can feel daunting or boring, so find a way that makes it fun! This can be creating a color-coded poster with the abbreviations, amounts, and notes you need to remember. You could even add a few pictures or mnemonics that will help you recall the details. Another option is to make a flashcard set and organize it like a memory card game. Then match the picture or details to the appropriate word. You can even get a friend or family member to play with you and teach them the information.
- Ask your instructor any questions you have about the material or real-life situations in the field. If you are enrolled in the online Pharmacy Technician Program through Blackstone Career Institute, you can reach out to Laura Zagnoni via chat in the Online Student Center. She has been assigned as the faculty member for the program. Laura is a Pharmacy Technician Consultant and graduated with her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Arizona. As an expert in the industry, she is well-equipped to answer your questions.
- Don’t wait until the last minute! Spread out your study time into manageable chunks with S.M.A.R.T. goals that will help you succeed in the long run. The information in your program is designed to be applicable in the field, so you want to spend quality time investing in your education and learning the information to more easily apply it when you get to your externship.
Prepare for Your First Day at a Pharmacy Tech Externship
A student in an externship position can learn the inner workings of a field such as how daily procedures and operations are conducted, what the work atmosphere is like among coworkers, and how to best handle situations that arise and serve clients.
Like being a student in your coursework, be a student in the field! Always be willing to learn, receive guidance, and ask questions. This mindset will highlight your soft skills, a valuable asset that goes beyond your comprehension of the textbook knowledge and shows employers you are a marketable candidate for a job.
Remember to always put your best foot forward and be ready to assist in any way the pharmacy needs. Possessing a strong work ethic can create a positive dynamic with your coworkers and help you learn the ins and outs of the pharmacy.
Each day should be treated as if the position was a real job. Therefore, showing up on time, dressing appropriately, and displaying a friendly demeanor are paramount. It is also important to remember that pharmacies are ever-evolving; to meet best practices and care for patients, flexibility is key.
Why a Pharmacy Tech Externship is Important
From an employer’s perspective, pharmacy tech externships give students the ability to familiarize themselves in the work environment while also working alongside those who have experience in the industry. Experienced professionals can coach you on best practices in the field. In addition, employers can see what knowledge a student has learned and what areas may need to be emphasized for proper understanding.
The medical field is a specific industry where externships are important. When preparing to be a pharmacy technician, someone can only learn so much about measuring medications and filling prescriptions until they start utilizing that knowledge in real-world situations.
By completing a pharmacy tech externship, you receive the benefit of engaging in networking opportunities. Through conversations and interactions, you can build relationships with others in the field, learn from experts, and continue to enhance your professional development.
Get Started with Your Pharmacy Tech Externship
One of the benefits of Blackstone Career Institute’s online Pharmacy Technician Program is their partnership with Walgreens and CVS nationwide. These relationships serve students in the program who are in need of fulfilling an externship requirement.
To locate a Walgreens near you, visit this link.
To locate a CVS near you, visit this link.
Any questions you have about the pharmacy tech externship or our Pharmacy Technician Program can be answered by reaching out to us! Contact us today to get started on pursuing your educational goals and put your best foot forward with a career that is a fit for you!
Written by Laura Conaway
Disclaimer: Blackstone Career Institute, an accredited school, cannot guarantee employment, job promotion prospects, or income increases.
