Intern Training Program

The Intern Training Program (ITP) has been developed in collaboration with the National Alliance for Pharmacy Education (NAPE) partners including Monash University, the University of South Australia and the University of Queensland.

About the Intern Training Program

The ITP is a competency-based program, developed to address the National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia, in accordance with the Accreditation Standards for Australian Pharmacy Intern Training Programs. The ITP provides interns with experiential learning so that at the completion of the program, they can apply the knowledge, attributes and practical skills relevant to pharmacy practice in Australia and necessary for competence in the required standards.

In conjunction with the ITP, pharmacy graduates are also required to complete 1,824 hours of practical pharmacy workplace training under the supervision of a preceptor pharmacist. The multiple modes of delivery engaged in the program support and complement occupational training during work placements.

Program Objectives

1. To provide high quality, multi-model, comprehensive learning experiences. At the completion of the program interns will have the knowledge, skills and attributes to meet all functional areas of the National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia. This is necessary to commence unsupervised practice as a registered pharmacist.
2. To provide comprehensive support to students as they progress from intern to registered pharmacist.
3. To immerse interns in the experience of lifelong learning and provide an opportunity for pharmacists to obtain formal postgraduate qualifications in pharmacy practice.

ITP Seminars

Attendance at all four seminars is compulsory for ITP students.

ITP face-to-face seminars will be held at the University of Sydney’s main (Camperdown) campus on the following dates in 2013:

• Seminar 1 (February): Monday 4/2/13 & Tuesday 5/2/13
• Seminar 2 (April): Saturday 27/4/13 & Sunday 28/4/13
• Seminar 3 (July): Thursday 4/7/13 & Friday 5/7/13
• Seminar 4 (October): Thursday 3/10/13 & Friday 4/10/13

ITP program format and components

The program uses a flexible teaching model involving face-to-face seminars, online activities as well as learning exercises to be completed in the student’s workplace. The program will be delivered by both University of Sydney faculty staff and practising pharmacists, and emphasises small-group interaction and online learning via a dedicated website portal.

Face-to-face and online learning is supplemented by learning portfolio exercises to further develop and demonstrate the required professional competencies. All courses have online supported core materials available (e.g. self-paced study material, template documents, lecture material and presentations, references, bibliographies). All text-based written work is submitted using online assignment management systems and all quizzes are online.

The key components of the ITP are:

• four two-day face-to-face seminars which emphasise interactive and practical learning in small group formats and provide interns with opportunities to interact with each other and experts in the profession;
• small group online discussion forums moderated by experienced practising pharmacists;
• open discussion forum for interns to exchange ideas and practical tips;
• online pharmaceutical calculations, law quizzes and examinations;
• learning portfolio exercises, including activities which provide continuing professional development (CPD); and
• ongoing assistance to preceptors and interns to enhance the development of intern competencies.

Pharmacy Board of Australia requirements

Please refer to the FAQ section on the Pharmacy Board of Australia website for further information about pharmacist practitioner registration.