Structured competency-based hospital pharmacy internship program.

A structural competency-based internship program involving terminal behavioral objectives (TBOs) is described. The program is set up for three levels of interns; junior, senior grade B, and senior grade A. Each level has specific learning requirements and a minimum number of experience hours and TBOs to fulfill. Upon completion of the minimum hours for each level, the intern is evaluated by a committee of pharmacists and examined on his attainment of the TBOs. The order followed in the program allows the interns to progressively build a foundation for professional practice by exposing them to all areas of the pharmacy. All level advancements are accompanied by a salary increase. The program provides departmental staff coverage to the hospital all year. The student interns work approximately 40 hr/wk during the summer and 18 hr/wk during the academic year. The TBO-based program allows the students to gain 3300 hours of experience before they are licensed. This program is an essential complement to a student's scholastic work in his professional training as a hospital pharmacist.