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Pharmacy internship vs retail pharmacist

The differences between pharmacy interns and retail pharmacists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a retail pharmacist has an average salary of $118,899, which is higher than the $80,116 average annual salary of a pharmacy internship.

The top three skills for a pharmacy internship include patients, customer service and patient care. The most important skills for a retail pharmacist are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Pharmacy internship vs retail pharmacist overview

Pharmacy InternshipRetail Pharmacist
Yearly salary$80,116$118,899
Hourly rate$38.52$57.16
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs89,197110,278
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does a pharmacy internship do?

When it comes to a pharmacy internship, one of the primary responsibilities is to observe pharmacy operations and develop efficient communication skills as most of the tasks will revolve around customer service, such as providing instructions on when to take medications and what could be the side effects. Moreover, working as a pharmacist requires excellent attention to detail, ensuring that all customers receive the correct type and amount according to their prescriptions. Among the duties can also revolve around administrative tasks such as verifying prescriptions, keeping and maintaining accurate records, and responding to inquiries.

What does a retail pharmacist do?

A Retail Pharmacist prepares and distributes medications to customers, as well as advises them about how to use medications. They are responsible for providing the proper dosages and medicine to patients according to their prescriptions.

Pharmacy internship vs retail pharmacist salary

Pharmacy interns and retail pharmacists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Pharmacy InternshipRetail Pharmacist
Average salary$80,116$118,899
Salary rangeBetween $45,000 And $139,000Between $93,000 And $151,000
Highest paying CitySan Diego, CASanta Rosa, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaOregon
Best paying companySafewayHy-Vee
Best paying industryHealth CareRetail

Differences between pharmacy internship and retail pharmacist education

There are a few differences between a pharmacy internship and a retail pharmacist in terms of educational background:

Pharmacy InternshipRetail Pharmacist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorPharmacyPharmacy
Most common collegeUniversity of Michigan - Ann ArborUniversity of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Pharmacy internship vs retail pharmacist demographics

Here are the differences between pharmacy interns' and retail pharmacists' demographics:

Pharmacy InternshipRetail Pharmacist
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 40.6% Female, 59.4%Male, 43.8% Female, 56.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 5.4% Asian, 27.1% White, 56.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 5.6% Asian, 22.1% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between pharmacy internship and retail pharmacist duties and responsibilities

Pharmacy internship example responsibilities.

  • Attain thorough knowledge of processes involving medication delivery, compounding, IV/TPN/ chemotherapy preparation, and other hospital pharmacy operations.
  • Counsele patient with regard to OTC medications and Rx medications under the supervision of the pharmacist (s) on duty.
  • Interview patients to obtain information regarding drug allergies and sensitivities and document the information in the pharmacy system.
  • Collaborate with referring physicians in providing diabetes education to patients with multiple chronic conditions individually and in group sessions.
  • Provide diabetes counseling and conduct informational lectures regarding blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration to patients recently diagnose with diabetes.
  • Offer and provide consultation to patients under the supervision of the RPh on duty
  • Show more

Retail pharmacist example responsibilities.

  • Hold concurrent role as PIC for Pleasanton store, managing daily pharmacy operations and staff.
  • Compound medications as required and provide immunization services for eligible patients.
  • Establish relationship with customers so they gain feeling of trust and compassion.
  • Practice state and federal dispensing regulations (HIPAA compliant) regarding control substances, narcotics, and pharmaceutical agents.
  • Monitor appropriateness of medication and dose, check for interactions and allergies, and assure the quality of the medication dispense.
  • Develop policy and procedures for OBRA long term care regulations, CMS guidelines, therapeutic lab monitoring, and infusion admixture.
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Pharmacy internship vs retail pharmacist skills

Common pharmacy internship skills
  • Patients, 22%
  • Customer Service, 15%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Blood Pressure, 7%
  • Allergies, 5%
  • Math, 5%
Common retail pharmacist skills
  • Patients, 29%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Patient Care, 7%
  • Pharmaceutical Care, 4%
  • Therapy Management, 4%
  • Order Entry, 4%

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