UQ School of Pharmacy student placements

The UQ School of Pharmacy Bachelor of Pharmacy program prepares graduates for the contemporary role of the pharmacist in society, ensuring that patients optimize medication usage. Initial courses on chemical, physical and biological studies lead to professional specialties in later years. Practical and clinical science studies begin in first year, providing students with a strong background in professional practice.

Experiential placements in the pharmacy program are viewed as valuable, integral and essential for the attainment of a pharmacy degree. During the four years of the undergraduate degree, these experiential placements may be in community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, the pharmaceutical industry or other related health-care sites as required by the teaching and learning requirements of the pharmacy program curriculum.
Preceptors are a vital link between the UQ School of Pharmacy and the pharmacy profession. The input of preceptors into the course is greatly valued.
The UQ School of Pharmacy has developed the following set of guidelines to clarify the role of Preceptors and Students:
1. All placements which involve professional pharmacy must be supervised by a registered pharmacist:

• the preceptor is considered to be a professional role model who will guide and encourage the student to apply the principles of best pharmacy practice
• a preceptor should provide appropriate and lawful supervision of the student
• a preceptor must be regularly available to oversee the student
• it is acceptable for the student to have more than one preceptor supervising their placement
• customers should not be misled that the student is a registered pharmacist

2. During the 4 years of the undergraduate course, students should experience all facets of community pharmacy:

• In year 1, the student may take a purely observational role and may include learning about and participating in the duties of all pharmacy staff
• In later years, they should be given opportunities to practice their pharmaceutical skills and knowledge
• The preceptor should assist the student in the integration of theory with practice noting the student’s current level of theoretical knowledge
• This should include supervised interaction with pharmacy customers
• The student may be encouraged to research any questions during their placement

3. For each placement the preceptor should ensure

• the student is orientated to any specific expectations that the preceptor (e.g., expected hours, dress requirements) may have in addition to those stipulated in the Placement Guidelines for Pharmacy Students
• they verify that the student attends their regular placement
• they complete and return the assessment forms
  (the feedback from preceptors is important for evaluating the student’s professional development and improving the placement programs)
• confidentiality with regard to the student’s personal details is maintained
• they notify the placements officer or academic supervisor of any issues or problems

4. The student must NOT receive any remuneration for their placement:

• This would undermine the flexibility of the learning experience
• Remuneration invalidates any University of Queensland insurance cover
• Students do not have professional liability insurance

Apply to the University of Queensland Pharmacy School!

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Would you like more information about studying at the UQ School of Pharmacy? Contact OzTREKK’s Australian Pharmacy Schools Admissions Officer Krista McVeigh at krista@oztrekk.com.