Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Pharmacy Interns – 2025

Preparing for a pharmacy intern job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your knowledge, skills, and experience in the pharmaceutical industry. These questions cover a variety of topics to assess your abilities and determine your fit for the role.

General Questions

• 1. Can you tell us about your education and experience in the pharmaceutical field?
  Answer: As a pharmacy intern, I have completed my bachelor's degree in Pharmacy and I am currently enrolled in a PharmD program. I have also completed internships at various pharmacies where I have gained hands-on experience in dispensing medications, interacting with patients, and maintaining pharmacy inventory.
• 2. Why do you want to work as a pharmacy intern with our company?
  Answer: I have been following your company's reputation in the industry and I am impressed by your commitment to providing high-quality pharmaceutical products and services. I believe that working as a pharmacy intern with your company will provide me with valuable experience and will help me grow in my career.
• 3. What do you think are the most important qualities for a pharmacy intern to possess?
  Answer: In my opinion, a pharmacy intern should possess strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, the ability to work well in a team, and ethical and professional conduct. These qualities are essential in ensuring the accurate and safe dispensing of medications to patients.
• 4. How do you handle stressful situations or difficult customers?
  Answer: I have learned to stay calm and composed in stressful situations by prioritizing tasks and staying organized. When dealing with difficult customers, I use active listening skills, empathy, and effective communication to address their concerns and find a satisfactory resolution.
• 5. How do you ensure accuracy in dispensing medications?
  Answer: To ensure accuracy, I double-check the prescription and medications before dispensing. I also follow proper labeling procedures and pay attention to dosage and drug interactions. If I have any doubts, I consult with a pharmacist before dispensing.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. How do you handle medication errors?
  Answer: If I come across a medication error, I immediately inform the pharmacist and follow their instructions to resolve the issue. I understand the gravity of medication errors and take the necessary measures to prevent them.
• 7. Can you explain the process of drug compounding?
  Answer: Drug compounding involves creating a custom medication according to a patient’s specific needs, such as adjusting the dosage or changing the form of the medication. It requires strong math skills and knowledge of various medications and their interactions.
• 8. What are your thoughts on the use of generic medication?
  Answer: Generic medications are an essential part of the healthcare industry as they provide a more affordable option for patients. However, I believe it is crucial to educate patients on the differences between brand name and generic medications to ensure they understand the risks and benefits.
• 9. How do you handle medication shortages or recalls?
  Answer: If there is a shortage of medication, I work closely with the pharmacist to find an alternative option for the patient. In cases of recalls, I follow the necessary procedures to remove the product from our inventory and inform any affected patients or customers.
• 10. How do you ensure patient confidentiality and privacy?
  Answer: Patient confidentiality is a top priority in the pharmacy setting. I follow HIPAA regulations and limit access to patient information only to authorized personnel. I also ensure that all electronic records are secure and properly disposed of when no longer needed.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle a difficult customer?
  Answer: In one instance, a customer was adamant about receiving a specific brand of medication, but it was not in stock. I calmly explained the situation and offered to order the medication for them. I also provided them with alternative options and made sure they were satisfied before leaving.
• 12. Have you ever made a mistake while dispensing medication?
  Answer: While working as an intern, I made a slight error in dispensing a medication. I immediately informed the pharmacist, and we reviewed the situation and took the necessary steps to correct the mistake. I learned from this experience and have since taken extra precautions to avoid similar errors.
• 13. How do you prioritize your workload in a busy pharmacy setting?
  Answer: I prioritize my tasks by analyzing their urgency and importance. I also communicate with my colleagues and superiors to ensure we are all on the same page and can effectively manage the workload together.
• 14. Tell us about a time when you had to work under pressure to meet a deadline.
  Answer: In my previous internship, we had a large influx of prescriptions to dispense due to a system outage, and we were understaffed. I had to work quickly and efficiently to meet the deadline, and I successfully completed all the tasks in a timely manner.
• 15. Have you ever encountered a situation where you had to think quickly on your feet? How did you handle it?
  Answer: One time, a patient came in with an expired prescription for a controlled substance, and the prescribing physician was not available. I consulted with the pharmacist, and we contacted the physician to get approval to fill the prescription. I remained calm and professional, and we were able to provide the patient with their medication in a timely manner.

Situational Questions

• 16. If a patient was confused about their medication and had many questions, how would you handle the situation?
  Answer: I would first listen carefully to their concerns and answer their questions to the best of my ability. If I am unsure about any information, I would consult with the pharmacist. I would also provide them with educational materials or refer them to a pharmacist counseling session.
• 17. How would you handle a situation where a patient’s insurance does not cover their prescribed medication?
  Answer: I would politely inform the patient of the issue and offer to contact their prescriber to explore alternative medications that their insurance does cover. I would also discuss any discount programs or payment plans that may be available to the patient.
• 18. If a patient came in with an urgent need for medication, and there was a long line, how would you handle the situation?
  Answer: In this situation, I would apologize to the patient and ask them to wait while I quickly handle the current line. I would also involve my colleagues to help expedite the process and ensure that all customers receive their medication in a timely manner.
• 19. How would you handle a situation where a customer complains about the wait time at the pharmacy?
  Answer: I would apologize for the wait time and assure the customer that we are working as efficiently as possible to dispense their medication accurately. I would also thank them for their patience and offer any alternatives, such as delivery or a call-back service, to make their experience more convenient.
• 20. If you noticed a fellow employee making a mistake while dispensing medication, what would you do?
  Answer: I would first verify the mistake and the severity of the situation. If necessary, I would discretely inform the pharmacist and assist in correcting the error. I would also use it as an opportunity to discuss with the employee to prevent similar mistakes in future.