Your Roadmap to Gaining a Hospital Pharmacy Internship in Australia after the OPRA Exam!

Over the years, I’ve faced several questions about pursuing a career in an Australian hospital pharmacy multiple times-- especially from pharmacists with prior hospital or clinical pharmacy experience or advanced degrees like a Doctor of Pharmacy, Master of Pharmacy in Pharmacy Practice, or MPharm in Pharmacology. If you too aim to become a clinical/hospital pharmacist in Australia, I’m here to share my personal insights on making it happen.

An internship in a hospital pharmacy is one of the best launching points for pharmacists who want to register, settle, and gain hands-on experience in Australia. With the right opportunity, you can advance your career in ways you may have only dreamed of. But getting there isn’t always straightforward. You can either wander aimlessly or get guidance to light your path forward. Here, I’ll share exclusive tips and strategies to help you land a hospital pharmacy internship in Australia. Stick with me to the end for the full picture!

1. Start with Relevant Experience

My first piece of advice is to gain relevant experience while preparing for the OPRA exam. I often hear, “But I thought experience isn’t required to pass the OPRA exam and work as a pharmacist in Australia.” And while that’s technically true, remember that Australia’s pharmacy job market is competitive. You’ll often be up against pharmacists with years of experience. Having hands-on experience from your home country gives you a critical edge.

If you’re set on building a career in hospital pharmacy in Australia, my advice is to start working in a hospital pharmacy at home as soon as possible. This is especially important for those with a background in clinical pharmacy, pharmacology, or pharmacy practice. It not only enriches your resume but also strengthens the foundational skills you’ll need in a hospital setting.

2. Develop Core Clinical Skills

As you build experience, focus on developing these core skills essential for a hospital pharmacy role in Australia:

????Conducting Medication History Interviews and Medication Management Reviews: These skills are central to hospital pharmacy work, where precision and understanding a patient’s medication history are critical.

????Offering Medical Information Across the Healthcare System: Building a reputation as a knowledgeable resource improves collaboration and trust within the healthcare team.

????Interpreting Clinical Lab Results for Medication Recommendations: Clinical pharmacists often make vital medication adjustments based on lab results. Familiarity with this process will set you up for success.

????Working in Specialized Units (e.g., Emergency, ICU, Oncology, Pediatrics): Exposure to these units gives you the confidence and skills needed to work in a high-stakes environment.

????Collaborating with a Diverse Team: Building strong working relationships with doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals is crucial in a hospital setting.

3. Navigating the Path to Your Internship in Australia

Now, let’s get into the specifics of how to secure an internship in an Australian hospital pharmacy.

? Apply for Internships: Check hospital and health service websites, Seek, and AdPha’s Jobs Board. Many internship opportunities are posted here, including openings for international pharmacists.

? Use Targeted Resources: Take advantage of guides like the AdPha NSW Branch Students’ Guide to Hospital Pharmacy Internships and WILDFIRE’s Rural Pharmacy Internship Guide (Victoria). These resources provide invaluable information on available opportunities, requirements, and tips for applying.

? Stay Updated with AdPha: AdPha regularly posts updates and opportunities on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Their Future Pharmacy Leaders Facebook group is also a fantastic resource, along with their intern information nights and webinars where you’ll gain insight from those who have walked this path before.

? Leverage State-Specific Pathways: Each state in Australia may have unique requirements and processes for internships. AdPha’s Jobs Board offers state-specific resources to guide you on your journey.

? Join Professional Communities for Networking: The AdPha community and other similar networks empower pharmacists in Australia, offering access to events, mentorship, and career growth resources. Being part of such a community can be invaluable.

4. Take the First Step: The OPRA Exam

Of course, the journey begins with clearing the OPRA exam. It’s the gateway to pharmacy practice in Australia, so make this a priority. My team and I are here to support you with resources and guidance to help you excel.

5. Remember – You're Not Alone

If you need more personalized advice or have specific questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Many pharmacists have successfully transitioned to a career in Australia, and with the right support and perseverance, you can too.

Good luck—Australia’s healthcare system awaits your contributions!