Pharmacy intern job description

A pharmacy intern must have completed an approved Bachelor or Master of Pharmacy degree, hold current provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia via AHPRA, and be enrolled in an accredited intern training program. They also need working rights in Australia. A first aid certificate and prior pharmacy-assistant experience are desirable.

Yes. A pharmacy intern must hold current provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia through AHPRA and always work under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. Verify provisional registration before they start and track the status with HR software so it stays current throughout the intern year.

A pharmacy intern must work under the supervision of a registered pharmacist at all times, with their dispensing checked in line with intern requirements. Roster so that a suitably experienced pharmacist is always on site to supervise the intern, and factor in study release for the intern training program and exam preparation.

Interns are usually employed full-time to complete the required supervised hours within the intern year, but part-time arrangements are possible provided the total supervised hours and training requirements are met within the program timeframe. Confirm the current requirements with the intern training provider and the Pharmacy Board before finalising the arrangement.

Under the Pharmacy Award (MA000012), for full-time and part-time staff: evening (Mon–Fri 7pm–9pm) and Saturday (8am–6pm) are paid at 125%, Sunday (7am–9pm) at 150% and public holidays at 225% of the ordinary intern rate. Overtime is generally 150% for the first three hours then 200%. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

The Pharmacy Award intern rate is split into a first half and a second half of the intern year, so the rate increases at the halfway point. Record the intern’s start date and progress so the higher second-half rate is applied on time. See the Pharmacy Award pay guide for current figures.

Key elements include: position title and intern classification, employment type, the intern rate (and when it steps up), applicable award, provisional AHPRA registration requirement, supervision arrangements, main duties and study-release provisions. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Yes, and many pharmacies retain their interns. Once the intern completes the intern year, passes the registration exams and gains general registration, they can be employed as a pharmacist. Discuss the pathway early and update their classification and employment contract when they register.

Always roster the intern alongside a registered pharmacist who can supervise their work. Use rostering software to confirm a supervising pharmacist is on every intern shift, and to build in study release for the intern training program and exam preparation.

Award and agreement rules vary, so confirm the notice period that applies to your business. As a general practice, providing rosters at least 7 days in advance helps the intern plan around study and assessment commitments. Using rostering software helps ensure compliance and reduces last-minute changes.

Use HR software to store the intern’s provisional registration, intern-program enrolment and key milestones with reminders. Linking this to rostering means you can ensure supervision requirements are met and apply the correct intern rate as they progress.

Break entitlements are set by the applicable award or agreement and generally include a meal break for longer shifts. Because interns work under supervision, plan breaks so a supervising pharmacist remains available. Use time and attendance tools to record breaks accurately and support compliance.