QUT School of Pharmacy, 21 November, 2023
Practical placement is your opportunity to see what it’s like to work as a pharmacist. Here’s some advice from current students and graduates to help you make the most of your experience.
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Do you enjoy placement?
‘Practical placements have been an absolute highlight of my studies. These hands-on experiences have allowed me to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world healthcare settings. Pharmacy placements have not only reinforced my passion for the field but also deepened my understanding of what it means to be a pharmacist.’
Cheryne Dela Rosa, pharmacy graduate
‘I was lucky enough to be offered a two-week placement at a large tertiary hospital in Brisbane, and in this time I realised that I have strong passion for hospital pharmacy and delivery one on one patient centred care in a clinical setting.’
Araniya Maharaj, pharmacy graduate
What are the advantages of doing placement?
‘QUT students do over 500 hours of placement in various pharmacy settings, and even more practical hours on campus through labs and workshops. This allows for maximum exposure to the industry we are gearing up to enter. It also allows us to network with other industry professionals and familiarise ourselves with procedures and methods while we are still at university which makes our transition to the pharmacy industry smoother overall.’
Araniya Maharaj, pharmacy graduate
‘Placement gave me connections with people within the industry, and professional bodies, who I remain in contact with to this day. Many of my placement sites generously offered me job opportunities for my internship, as well as invitations to interstate conferences to present my research.
A huge benefit of being exposed to so many hours of placement over the pharmacy course is that you get to choose where you want to go! This allowed me to explore the many different facets that pharmacy has to offer, find a niche, and most importantly, build meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.’
Maria Santos, pharmacy graduate
How to choose a placement location
‘When choosing placement, it is important to pick an area you are interested in. For instance, "in pharmacy" placements are held in hospital pharmacies and community pharmacies.
In hospitals, there is a higher interaction between prescribers and other interprofessional healthcare workers, and the patients are likely there due to a long-term illness or severe injury. Whereas in community pharmacy, you are often interacting with patients regarding treatable diseases/health problems in which are not severe enough to cause long term health problems.
QUT provides many opportunities within pharmacy to experience both environments.’
Kiarnah Lee, current student
‘For choosing a placement, I recommend picking a place that is different from what you have experienced and out of your comfort zone. The most rewarding placement experiences come from these new journeys, whether in rural and remote sites or just a different type of premises.
The most memorable practical experience I’ve had was at Toowoomba hospital where I was placed for four weeks. During this time, I got to not only experience what it’s like working in hospital but also got the opportunity to raise awareness at a local event.’
Matthew Dark, current student
What are the best ways to prepare for placement?
‘I advise getting in contact with the preceptors (your placement supervisor) prior to the placement to ask about placement expectations and what it work you will be involved in. This will allow yourself to mentally prepare for the expectations set for you.’
Matthew Dark, current student
‘While studying pharmacy, I would strongly advise that as a student you work in a pharmacy – whether that is hospital or community pharmacy. Both of these pharmacies have similarities but also a lot of differences. This includes the different roles in which a Student Pharmacist performs when on placement in these facilities.’
Kiarnah Lee, current student
Are there scholarships available?
‘I received several grants from QUT Rural Pharmacy Workforce Program and Australian Healthcare Associates that provided financial assistance while undertaking rural clinical placements. These grants helped immensely with travel costs and accommodation while I was unable to work during placement, which was a common concern for many of my colleagues.’
Maria Santos, pharmacy graduate
What are your top tips for practical placement?
- ‘Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your preceptors during placement. Asking questions not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gain a deeper understanding.
- Pay close attention to tasks and procedures being performed by your preceptors and other healthcare staff. Observing can be a valuable way to learn and gain insights.
- Get to know your preceptors and other healthcare professionals. Establishing professional relationships and building good rapport can open doors to future opportunities.
- Every placement site is different and unique in their own way. Make sure to embrace change and adapt to unique dynamics of your placement site. Flexibility is a valuable skill in healthcare.’
Cheryne Dela Rosa, pharmacy graduate
And remember…
‘Everyone at your placements is there to help you become the best you can be and are there to assist you in having the best future possible. Placements are where you can make mistakes and learn under a registered professional, and are also an amazing way to make many industry connections.’
Sajal Tyagi, current student
What to read next
Health Work Integrated Learning
Additional resources
If you need assistance supporting yourself on practical placement there's a range of scholarships, bursaries, and other supports available. QUT encourages students to apply for all scholarships for which they may be eligible.
