Monday, May 9, 2011

Pharmacy rotations: What's it all about?

Pharmacy students are required to do rotations. I know that many pharmacy schools do their rotations differently, but  I will explain to you the how's and why's of rotations for the college of pharmacy that I attend.

Here are the facts:
1. What it is: The first rotation is completed at the end of the first year of pharmacy school. Our rotations are completed in 4 weeks, with 8 hours of work expected per day. Rotations can be completed in May, June, or July. The first rotation is community-based, with most students working in independent pharmacies, chain pharmacies, grocery stores, or hospital outpatient pharmacies. The second rotation, completed after the second year of school, is in a hospital. Our fourth year is nothing but rotations, with a minimum requirement of 9 rotations that start on the first of the month and end at the end of the month.
2. How rotations are chosen: During the spring semester, we put our rotation preferences into a system. Preferences can be organized by site, preceptor, date, etc. Students rank their choices. On a designated day, the "spin" occurs, and the computer magically matches students to their rotation sites. Some students get their first or other top choice. Some do not. 
3. The worst part about rotations...you have to pay for them. Where the money goes, I do not know.

My rotation is in a hospital outpatient pharmacy. So far, I love it! I like everyone that I work with and am working in a great learning environment. Everyone is so helpful and knowledgeable!

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