Pharmacy Intern is a student (PharmD candidate) gaining required experience under supervision, while a Pharmacy Resident is a post-graduate pharmacist (a licensed professional) pursuing advanced, specialized training after graduation, both roles involving patient care but at different educational and licensure stages, with residency being optional and enhancing specialized career paths. Interns work towards their degree, performing basic pharmacist duties with a license, whereas Residents, fully licensed, deepen expertise in areas like critical care, oncology, or administration through structured programs (PGY-1, PGY-2).
Pharmacy Intern
- Status: A pharmacy student (PharmD candidate) completing required experiential rotations.
- Timing: During their degree program, often the final year.
- Role: Assists licensed pharmacists, performs patient counseling, assessments, and dispensing under direct supervision, often with an intern license.
- Goal: Fulfill graduation requirements and gain foundational practice skills.
Pharmacy Resident
- Status: A fully licensed pharmacist who has graduated from pharmacy school.
- Timing: After graduation (Post-Graduate Year 1, or PGY-1) and potentially further (PGY-2 for specialization).
- Role: Advanced, independent (but supervised) patient care, research, education, and specialized rotations (e.g., critical care, infectious diseases).
- Goal: Develop expertise in a specific clinical area or management, gaining a competitive edge for specialized roles.
Key Differences Summarized
- Education Level: Student vs. Graduate.
- Licensure: Intern license vs. Full pharmacist license.
- Purpose: Required training vs. Optional specialization.
- Scope: Foundational duties vs. Advanced clinical practice & research.