Intern guide V9.

0
PSA Intern Training Program 2019

This program has been granted accreditation by the Australian Pharmacy

Council and is approved by the Pharmacy Board of Australia as a qualification
leading to registration as a pharmacist in Australia
PSA Committed to better health
© Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd. 2019

Disclaimer

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd. has made every effort to ensure that, at the date of publication,
the document is free from errors and that advice and information drawn upon have been provided in good faith.
Neither the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia nor any person or organisation associated with the preparation of this
document accepts liability for any loss which a user of this document may suffer as a result of reliance on the document
and in particular for:
• use of the document for a purpose for which it was not intended
• any errors or omissions in the document
• any inaccuracy in the information or data on which the document is based or which are contained in the document
• any interpretations or opinions stated in, or which may be inferred from, the document.

PSA Training Officers

You should contact your PSA Training Officer for any program implementation queries.
For payment or program administration queries, email training@psa.org.au

NSW & ACT TAS

E: nsw.training@psa.org.au E: tas.training@psa.org.au
P: 02 9431 1100 P: 03 6231 2636
F: 02 9431 1150 F: 03 6231 2669
Postal address: PO Box 162, St Leonards NSW 1590 Postal address: 161 Campbell Street, Hobart TAS 7000

QLD VIC
E: qld.training@psa.org.au E: vic.training@psa.org.au
P: 07 3186 2800 P: 03 9389 4000
F: 07 3186 2820 F: 03 9389 4044
Postal address: P.O Box 6120, Wooloongabba QLD 4102 Postal address: Level 1, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville VIC 3052

SA & NT WA
E: sa.training@psa.org.au E: wa.training@psa.org.au
P: 08 8272 1211 P: 08 9388 2886
F: 08 8272 7925 F: 08 9388 2940
Postal address: Suite 7, 102 Greenhill Road, Unley SA 5006 Postal address: 21 Hamilton Street, Subiaco WA 6008
Contents
Introduction 4

Length of program 4

Learning outcomes 4

Supporting materials 5

PSA Learning Portal 5

Calendar 5

Submitting materials 5

Intern Portfolio 5

Program checklist Standard program timeline 6

Optional components 9

Completion certificate 10

Credits into other qualifications 10

Supervised practice 10

Pharmacy Board exams 10

Housekeeping 12

Frequently asked questions 15

Introduction
Welcome to the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
(PSA) Intern Training Program and congratulations
on choosing to join our program.
This document contains important information
about the PSA Intern Training Program including
core components, assessment requirements, and
background information. Please read it carefully
and ask your preceptor or PSA Training Officer for
clarification if needed.
As part of your internship and to be eligible for
general registration, you will need to successfully
complete your PSA Intern Training Program, Pharmacy
Board of Australia (PBA) written and oral exams and
1,824 hours of supervised practice. The PBA exams
and supervised practice are not core components of
the PSA Intern Training Program. Refer to Diagram 1.
Length of program
The PSA Intern Training Program is designed to
be flexible to fit your needs and enables you to
complete your program in a minimum period
of nine months up to a maximum period of 24
months. The standard program timeframe is nine
months.
Learning outcomes
At the conclusion of the PSA Intern Training
Program, you will be able to:
• Demonstrate systematic, appropriate and
thorough procedures in all steps of supplying
pharmaceutical products and services.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the highest
standards of personal and professional ethics and
legal practice, including accepting responsibility for
the outcomes of individual decisions and actions.
• Demonstrate the use of appropriate skills in
communicating health information and building
positive relationships with patients, carers
and other healthcare professionals, including
promoting public health.
• Effectively access, evaluate, synthesise and
disseminate medicine and health information to
patients, carers and other health professionals.
• Effectively promote and contribute to the
optimal use of medicines by patients and other
healthcare professionals.
• Effectively assess and address primary healthcare
needs of patients, including first aid.
• Demonstrate effective planning and
organisational skills in the management of the
business related to pharmacy.
Excludes workplace appraisals linked to supervised practice period of 1,824 hours.
1
4 PSA Intern Training Program – Intern guide I © Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.
• Demonstrate an appreciation for, and commitment
to, continuing professional development, and
understand the importance of lifelong learning.
• Demonstrate the application of legal, ethical
and professional principles appropriate to the
practice of pharmacy.
• Demonstrate systematic, appropriate
and thorough procedures in all steps of
the preparation and quality assurance of
compounded medicines.
• Provide information and participate in activities
which promote public health.
The PSA Intern Training Program has been
developed to:
• Assist and guide you through your transition
from student to competent pharmacist during
your practical workplace learning, enabling you
to practically apply your knowledge and skills.
• Address the competencies detailed in the current
National Competency Standards Framework for
Pharmacists in Australia 2016 in conjunction
with the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)
Accreditation Standards for Australian Pharmacy
Intern Training Program.
The national competency standards (available
at www.psa.org.au/practice-support-industry/
national-competency-standards/) describe the
knowledge, skills and attributes necessary for a
pharmacist to practice in Australia. You should
familiarise yourself with these standards, as they are
the benchmark for all pharmacists in Australia, and
the competencies against which your intern training
program is assessed.
Diagram 1. Pathway to general registration
Provisional registration and approval of supervised
practice with AHPRA
Complete written exam
Complete oral exam
Complete 1,824 hours of supervised practice
Complete PSA Intern Training Program
General registration
Supporting materials
As a PSA intern, you will receive access to the
following:
üü Intern guide
üü PSA Learning Portal
üü PSA Self Care cards
üü PSA online CPD
üü eMIMS subscription
üü eTG complete subscription
üü PSA Training policies and procedures manual.
Please consider use of these complimentary
program inclusions as resources to support you in
completing your PSA Intern Training Program.
In accordance with its concise privacy policy
(available at www.psa.org.au/about/privacy/),
PSA will collect and use your personal information
to provide you with education, information and
advocacy and to provide you with other products
and services of the PSA and from providers with
which the PSA has arrangements, including
Therapeutic Guidelines (for eTG) and MIMS Australia
(for eMIMS).
PSA Learning Portal
The PSA Intern Training Program is primarily
delivered online through the PSA Learning Portal.
Once you have logged into the PSA website it can
be accessed via the tile on the landing page or by
clicking on “My courses & training”.
All information and access to the assessments
are via the portal. When you log in for the first
time, you will access the Program guide section
at the top of the portal & module 1 (Introduction
& core pharmacist knowledge). This contains the
orientation session, online tutorials and resources.
You must complete the orientation session with
associated quiz and the online tutorials to gain
access to the PSA Intern Training Program.
Via the News & announcements section unit we
will communicate regularly. Please ensure you log
in regularly to the PSA Learning Portal as there are
announcements uploaded on a regular basis. It
is expected that you will access the PSA Learning
Portal at least twice a week to ensure that you
do not miss any important correspondence. Also
ensure you watch for email correspondence from
PSA. Also ensure you don’t unsubscribe from PSA
emails as this will mean you will miss important
correspondence.
PSA Intern Training Program – Intern guide I © Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.
Calendar
Your PSA Intern Training Program key date calendar
is in the Resources section of the PSA Learning
Portal. It contains important information on
assessment due dates.
Please access your key date calendar at the
commencement of your program.
Submitting materials
All work should be submitted electronically through
the PSA Learning Portal, as indicated in each task
instruction. Some tasks may require you to attach
or upload separate documents, e.g. cover sheets.
In this instance you will need access to a scanner.
If you do not have access to a scanner or have
difficulties uploading your documentation please
contact your PSA Training Officer prior to the
assessment’s due date.
Typed submissions in Word format are preferred.
Please do not submit your documents saved as
PDF as feedback cannot be provided by the PSA
assessor.
Intern Portfolio
The core components of the PSA Intern Training
Program that build your Intern Portfolio include:
• Orientation presentation
• Two 2-day workshops
• Seven online modules
• Public health education project
• One practical assessment
• Reflective journal entries
• Six leadership and management modules
• Multisource feedback activities
• Evidence of:
• Valid Australian First Aid certificate
• Valid CPR certificate
• Completed NPS pharmacy practice review
(PPR) or drug use evaluation (DUE) for hospital
interns only
• Completed work place appraisals
• PBA extemporaneous dispensing assessment
• CPD plan and record.
All components must be current and completed
within two years of commencing your PSA Intern
Training Program.
5
Program checklist (Standard program timeline)

Month Task checklist Month Task checklist

£ 
View mandatory orientation presentation £ 
Submit DUE study design

1
£ 
Familiarise yourself with the PSA Intern £ 
Start NPS PPR
Guide and learning portal
£ 
Continue work on public health education
£ 
Begin a training plan with your preceptor project
£ 
Check your preceptor has received their £ 
Start Multisource feedback activities
Preceptor Guide and Preceptor Portal
access 6-7 £ 
Submit Milestone 2 workplace appraisal
with reflective journal entries (1094.4
hours)
£ 
Attend mandatory workshop one
£ 
Start online modules £ 
Record CPD activities undertaken

£ 
Start leadership and management £ 
Update CPD plan
modules
£ 
Attend mandatory workshop two
£ 
Submit public health education project

2-4
£ 
Complete and submit public health
plan
education project
£ 
Start PBA extemporaneous dispensing
£ 
Submit DUE preceptor appraisal1
assessment
£ 
Complete multisource feedback activities

7-8
£ 
Plan when you will complete your First Aid
and CPR certificate £ 
Complete leadership and management
modules:
£ 
Plan your CPD and create your CPD plan
£ 
Lead and manage team effectiveness
£ 
Record CPD activities undertaken
£ 
Customer service management
Complete online modules:
£ 
Emotional intelligence and workplace
£ 
Pharmacy calculations
relationships
£ 
Optimal use of medicines
£ 
Operational planning
£ 
Pharmacist skills for complete patient
£ 
People performance
care
£ 
Safe workplaces
£ 
PBS for Pharmacy Interns
£ 
Record CPD activities undertaken
£ 
Aboriginal cultural orientation course

4-5
£ 
Update CPD plan
£ 
Wound care case studies
£ 
Wound care therapeutic update £ 
Submit evidence of completed PBS
extemporaneous dispensing assessment
£ 
Plan when to complete NPS PPR or DUE
£ 
Submit evidence of completed NPS PPR2
£ 
Submit Milestone 1 workplace appraisal
£ 
Submit evidence of a valid First Aid and

9
with reflective journal entries (547.2hours)
CPR certificates
£ 
Record CPD activities undertaken
£ 
Submit CPD Summary Record and CPD
£ 
Update CPD plan Plan
£ 
Submit Milestone 3 workplace appraisal
with reflective journal entry

1 For hospital interns not completing a PPR

2 For community pharmacy or hospital interns not completing a DUE

6 PSA Intern Training Program – Intern guide I © Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.
On completion of your PSA Intern Training
Program you will also receive a full postgraduate
qualification, the Graduate Certificate in Applied
Pharmacy Practice 10797NAT. You are not required
to undertake any additional units or assessments,
as the qualification requirements will be assessed as
part of the PSA Intern Training Program.
Orientation session
You must view the mandatory on-line orientation
presentation. This presentation provides you with
important information which will assist you during
your internship and prepare you for obtaining
general registration.
This orientation presentation is available as an
eLecture via the PSA Learning Portal.
Workshops
You must attend the two mandatory workshops.
Both these workshops span over two consecutive
days. You must contribute individually and/or be
actively involved in the group discussions in order
to successfully complete each workshop. If you do
not participate, you will be asked to attend another
workshop. Active participation in the workshops
form part of your assessments.
Workshops will be held in various locations across
Australia. Please contact your PSA Training Officer if
you wish to attend an interstate workshop and PSA
will try to accommodate your request. You must
register to attend the workshop sessions via the
“Workshops” unit on the learning portal.
It is highly recommended that you attend workshop
one prior to attending workshop two.
Module 1: Introduction and core
pharmacist knowledge
Pharmacy calculations
This module involves a multiple choice question
assessment. You must achieve 100% to be deemed
competent in this module. The assessment can
be repeated as many times as required in order to
achieve the required passmark within the specified
assessment period.
Pharmacist skills for complete
patient care
This module contains two online presentations,
followed by a multiple choice question assessment.
You must achieve 75% (with two attempts) to be
deemed competent in this module. The assessment
can be repeated as many times as required in
order to achieve the required passmark within the
specified assessment period.
PSA Intern Training Program – Intern guide I © Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.
PBS for pharmacy interns
This module requires interns to view the online
training on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
for Interns provided by the Department of Human
Services. After viewing the online training a
multiple choice assessment on the PSA Learning
Portal must be completed. You must achieve 75%
(with two attempts) to be deemed competent
in this module. The assessment can be repeated
as many times as required in order to achieve the
required passmark within the specified assessment
period.
Aboriginal cultural orientation course
This module is completed by enrolling yourself into
the Aboriginal Cultural Orientation course provided
by the Western Australian Centre for Rural Health.
The course comprises of five modules. Once you
have completed the course you need to provide
your completion certificate as evidence. On the
learning portal there is also links to state specific
resources to support cultural awareness regarding
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Module 2: Optimising patient
care
Optimal use of medicines
This module involves a series of multiple choice
and short answer questions. In the multiple
choice questions, you must achieve 75% (with two
attempts) and in the short answer questions you
must achieve 70% and not cause patient harm in
any of your responses, to be deemed competent
in this module. The assessment will be graded as
competent or not yet competent by a PSA assessor
who will provide feedback on your submission.
Public health education project
You may choose either a public health promotion
campaign or a public health presentation to
complete this component. The assessment will be
graded as competent or not yet competent by a
PSA assessor who will provide feedback on your
submission.
Wound care therapeutic update
This module will cover common wounds seen in
pharmacy, the management of these wounds and
associated counselling. It also looks at when referral
to another health professional is required. You must
achieve 75% (with two attempts) to be deemed
competent in this module.
7
Wound care case studies
This modules covers the opportunities created
upon a dressing request or purchase that may
indicate a wound problem and the opportunities
for engagement and service enhancement. You
must achieve 75% (with two attempts) to be
deemed competent in this module.
Module 3: Managing personal
work priorities & professional
development
Lead and manage team effectiveness
(BSBWOR502)
This module is the unit BSBWOR502 from the
Diploma of Leadership and Management BSB51918.
The assessment consists of two components – an
online quiz and a face to face workshop. You must
achieve 100% in the online quiz. The online quiz
may be attempted as many times as required to
achieve the required pass mark within the specified
assessment period. You must attend the workshop
assessment session that will be held as a part of
the mandatory workshop one sessions. This is
an assessment workshop that forms part of your
assessment to be deemed competent in this module.
Customer Service Management
This module is designed to build your skills, abilities
and experience to manage quality customer
service. Learn how to understand customers and
their pharmaceutical needs through sensational
service as well as how to set service standards and
train staff to meet and exceed those standards. You
must achieve a mark of 75% (with two attempts) to
be deemed competent in this module.
Emotional intelligence and workplace
relationships
This module is designed to help you learn how to use
emotional intelligence to increase self-awareness,
social awareness and relationship management in
the context of the workplace. You will also learn how
to establish and mange processes and procedures to
support workplace relationships taking into account
the organisation’s values, goals and cultural diversity.
You must achieve a mark of 75% (with two attempts)
to be deemed competent in this module.
CPD activities
To assist you to achieve your CPD requirements,
you will find a number of online CPD activities
available to complete via the PSA Learning Portal.
8 PSA Intern Training Program – Intern guide I © Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.
CPD record and CPD plan
You are required to develop and maintain a CPD
plan and attain 40 or more CPD credits per CPD
reporting year. You must submit your CPD plan
with evidence of CPD credits with reflections. This
is a requirement as a part of the Pharmacy Board
of Australia’s Continuing professional development
registration standard. Further information can be
found in the fact sheet – Continuing professional
development for pharmacists and pharmacy interns
at https://www.pharmacyboard.gov.au/Codes-
Guidelines/FAQ.aspx . Your plan and activities
must be relevant to your scope of practice as an
intern. Note that if you complete your internship
over more than one provisional registration period
you will be expected to meet the CPD registration
requirement i.e. 40 CPD credits and maintain a CPD
plan in each provisional registration period.
Multi source feedback activities
Multi source feedback is an opportunity for an
individual to receive feedback on their performance
from peers, managers and colleagues. It is designed
to facilitate feedback from a range of people that a
person works with. This gives the recipient insight
to how others perceive their performance and
helps them identify areas of improvement upon
self-reflection.
Several co-workers can be nominated then a
supervisor or mentor (preceptor) facilitates the
collation of the feedback to the individual.
In this module there are two opportunities to
receive multi source feedback. The feedback will be
specific to a topic provided. Templates are available
to facilitate the feedback. The feedback is then
collated and given to you by your preceptor. As an
intern you then need to reflect about the feedback
and make a plan of how you are going to improve
your practice based on this feedback.
Your preceptor and PSA Training Officer will be
reviewing your submissions to ensure that they are
appropriate and provide you with feedback regarding
your entries, which will be graded as competent or
not yet competent by your PSA Training Officer.
Operational planning
This online module is designed to build your skills
to develop and monitor implementation of the
operational plan to provide efficient and effective
workplace practices within the organisations
productivity and profitability plans. You will gain
skills to develop operational plans, plan and
manage resource acquisition and monitor and
review operational performance. You must achieve
a mark of 75% (with two attempts) to be deemed
competent in this module.

People performance
Learn how to encourage high performance through
the use of key performance indications and
regular effective feedback only with coaching for
excellence. You must achieve a mark of 75% (with
two attempts) to be deemed competent in this
module.
Safe workplaces
Learn and understand your legal obligations for
work health and safety, and provide guidance to
help develop clear policies and procedures that
protect your staff ensuring that potential accidents
are foreseen and prevented. You must achieve a
mark of 75% (with two attempts) to be deemed
competent in this module.
Workplace appraisals with reflective
journal entries
You will be required to submit a total of three
workplace appraisals during your program.You
should work with your preceptor to complete
these appraisals at each Milestone. Milestone 1
represents 30% completion of your approved
supervised practice hours (547.2 hours). Milestone
2 represents 60% completion of your approved
supervised practice hours (1,094.4 hours). Milestone
3 represents 100% completion of your approved
supervised practice hours (1,824 hours). Your
preceptor is confirming their belief that you are
competent to practise as a pharmacist in the final
workplace appraisal.
PSA Intern Training Program – Intern guide I © Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.
All of the workplace appraisals also contain
reflective journal entries. This is designed to help
you think about the practice of pharmacy and
how your behaviour impacts on your patients
and others around you. There are seven reflective
journal entries to complete in total; two are a part
of Workplace appraisal one, three are a part of
Workplace appraisal two, and two are a part of
Workplace appraisal three. A topic is provided for
each of the entries.
Module 4: Delivering pharmacy
practice
PBA extemporaneous dispensing
assessment
PBA requires that you have the ability to prepare
extemporaneous products. This will be assessed in
your supervised practice site by your PBA-approved
preceptor. The required paperwork will need to be
submitted as evidence via the PSA Learning Portal.
NPS pharmacy practice review (PPR) or
drug use evaluation (DUE)
NPS MedicineWise is an independent, evidence
based and not for-profit Australian organisation
supporting the quality use of medicines. You
should take some time to familiarise yourself with
their activities, services and resources as they are
extremely useful for pharmacists.
Option A: NPS PPR
This option is applicable if you are undertaking your
supervised practice in either a community and/or
hospital setting.
In this module you will be required to review your
current practice for patients with certain conditions
compared with current best practice standards,
guidelines and pharmacist competencies. You will
be required to participate in this review and prepare
a report for submission. This task requires you to:
Enrol for the NPS PPR via the NPS MedicineWise
website at www.nps.org.au/cpd/professions/
pharmacists
9
You must select ‘Pharmacist – Intern’ in the relevant
field.
• PSA is not responsible for enrolling you into this
core component. It is your responsibility.
• You must choose a Pharmacy Practice Review
that requires you to complete 10 episodes of
care. Some clinical topics are available as “express
versions” which only require you to complete 5
episodes of care. You may choose to complete 2
different topics of these express versions.
• Once you have submitted the pharmacy practice
review you will be issued with a completion
certificate by NPS MedicineWise. This will be sent
to the email address, which you nominated upon
your registration.
You must upload this certificate to the PSA Learning
Portal.
Option B: DUE (for hospital interns only)
This option is applicable if you are undertaking your
supervised practice in a hospital setting only.
DUE aims to evaluate drug use to understand how
and why drugs are used as they are, and focus on
possible improvement to ensure the best possible
health outcomes.
First aid and CPR certificates
At the time of your completion, you must hold a
current and valid Australian First Aid certificate and
CPR certificate. HLTAID003 – Provide First Aid and
HLTAID001 – Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
are the most current certificates on offer. The First
Aid certificate may also be called Senior First Aid,
Apply First Aid or Workplace 2 First Aid. Note: you
will not need a separate CPR certificate if your First
Aid certificate is less than 12 months old.
Please contact your PSA Training Officer if you need
clarification on which certificate(s) to undertake.
You are not eligible to claim the associated CPD
credits for the completion of a new First Aid/CPR
certificate. You can claim CPD credits for an update
in a previously attained First Aid/CPR certificate.
10 PSA Intern Training Program – Intern guide I © Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.
Optional components
Get that job module
This module will support you in writing a quality
resume and preparing you for interviews by providing
you with tools and techniques to help you get that
job. You can also access this module through Module
3: managing personal work priorities & professional
development.
Exam Support
Written exam preparation modules
The written exam preparation modules will support
you in your preparation for your written exam.
The practice exams have been developed to follow
the same format as the written exam and as such
will be time-limited and require a set passmark.
PSA has divided the multiple choice questions into
two modules, i.e. small portions of the larger exam –
the actual written exam has 125 questions in total.
You will receive valuable detailed feedback which
will guide you in the event that you select an
incorrect answer.
Additional calculations questions are also available
for you to prepare for the written exam.
These modules are an excellent resource for you
when preparing for the written exam. Also refer to
‘PBA exams – Written exam’ on page 11.
Oral exam preparation activities
The oral exam preparation activities can be
accessed by you and your preceptor via the
PSA Learning Portal. These activities are designed
to be conducted in a simulated exam environment.
PSA recommends you work through these activities
with your preceptor.
These activities are an excellent resource for you
when preparing for the oral exam.
Program evaluations
PSA values your comments and feedback regarding
your experience in the PSA Intern Training Program.
Program evaluations will be made available via
the PSA Learning Portal. Please take the time to
complete the survey so that we can continue to
improve our program.
Completion certificate
Your completion certificate for the PSA Intern Training
Program will be awarded to you on successful
completion of all core components and submission
of all evidence requirements in your Intern Portfolio.
You will require your completion certificate for your
application for general registration as a pharmacist
with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation
Agency (AHPRA).
On successful completion of the PSA Intern Training
Program you will have completed the qualification
requirements for PSA’s Graduate Certificate in
Applied Pharmacy Practice (10797NAT).
To receive the Graduate Certificate in Applied
Pharmacy Practice (10797NAT) you must also supply
PSA with your Unique Student Identifier (USI). This can
be obtained from www.usi.gov.au
You will be advised that you are eligible to receive
your certificate by your PSA Training Officer. You
will be provided with instructions on how to print
your Intern Training Program completion certificate
by your Training Officer. Your certification of
completion for the Graduate Certificate in Applied
Pharmacy Practice (10797NAT) will be posted to your
nominated mailing address within 5-7 working days.
Please ensure your program fees have been paid in full
prior to completing your program and your address
is current to avoid a delay in receiving your PSA
Intern Training Program completion certificate.
Credits into other
qualifications
To advance your career, we recommend you
complete PSA’s nationally accredited Graduate
Diploma of Advanced Pharmacy Practice
(10737NAT). You can apply for and recognition
of prior learning for three units; you will only
need to complete an additional nine units for the
qualification.
PSA Intern Training Program – Intern guide I © Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.
Supervised practice
You are required to complete a period of approved
supervised practice in accordance with the
requirements set out in the PBA’s Supervised practice
arrangements Registration Standard to be eligible to
apply for general registration.
The period of supervised practice is 1,824 hours in
the case of graduates of Australian or New Zealand
degree programs approved by the PBA.
The supervised practice is to include satisfactory
completion of the PSA Intern Training Program,
unless the PBA has given an exemption to this
requirement.
Further information is available at
www.pharmacyboard.gov.au/Registration/
Internships
Pharmacy Board exams
Written exam
The written exam is developed and conducted
by the APC on behalf of the PBA and is a
competency‑based exam.
To be eligible to sit for the written exam, you must
have completed at least 40% of your approved
supervised practice hours (729.6 hours).
The written exam is offered six times a year and is
delivered in all Australian capital cities. To register
please visit the Pearson VUE website at
www.pearsonvue.com/apc/
APC provides you with resources to support your
written exam preparation including, an online
tutorial, a practice written exam paper and answers,
reference materials, strategies and tips available
at www.pharmacycouncil.org.au/our-services/
examinations/exam-resources/
Format
The written exam consists of 125 multiple choice
questions to be attempted over a 3-hour period
including calculations, forensics and ethics, and
practice-based (clinical) questions.
Most of the questions refer to practice standards
and guidelines contained within current editions
of the Australian pharmaceutical formulary and
handbook (APF), and clinical information in the
Australian medicines handbook (AMH).
These texts are all available for purchase from PSA
at https://shop.psa.org.au/
11
Permissible reference material
Any printed reference material is allowable in the
exam but current editions of the following are
recommended:
• APF
• AMH
• Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines
and Poisons (SUSMP)
• Drugs and poisons legislation (relevant
Commonwealth and/or state/territory Acts and
Regulations)
• PBA’s Codes and Guidelines at
www.pharmacyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines
• Supplying Medicines – What Pharmacists Need
to Know article at http://www.pbs.gov.au/
info/healthpro/explanatory-notes/section1/
Section_1_3_Explanatory_Notes
Results
Exam results are processed by APC. You must achieve
an overall result of at least 65%. However, you must
also achieve a minimum passmark in sections relating
to the National Competency Standards Framework for
Pharmacists in Australia 2016.
Results will be provided on a ‘pass/fail’ basis only and
will be posted on the APC website approximately
2 weeks after the exam. Results will remain online for
4 weeks and then will be removed.
APC will only offer counselling to unsuccessful
candidates who have failed the written exam three
times.
Oral exam
AHPRA conducts the oral exams on behalf of the
PBA in each state and territory on three occasions
each year. The oral exam is the final assessment of
your competence to practice as a pharmacist in
Australia. You are required to demonstrate that you
can apply your knowledge and skills competently
to situations which may be encountered in
daily practice.
To be eligible to undertake the oral exam, you must:
• have completed 75% of the 1,824 approved
supervised practice hours (1,368 hours) before the
commencement date of the scheduled oral exam
period.
• hold a current pass in the written exam prior to
the oral exam application closing date. A pass in
this exam is valid for 18 months from the date of
passing that exam.
12 PSA Intern Training Program – Intern guide I © Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.
Application forms for the oral exam must be
received at the AHPRA office in the relevant state or
territory by the closing date. Late applications will
not be accepted. You will be informed by your local
AHPRA office in writing of the date and location of
your oral exam after the application closing date.
You must apply to sit the oral exam in the state
or territory where you undertook your approved
supervised practice.
More information is available at www.
pharmacyboard.gov.au/Registration/Internships
Format
The oral exam consists of:
• Part 1 – Medication knowledge and counselling
(10 minutes)
• Part 2 – Primary healthcare (10 minutes)
• Part 3 – Legal and ethical practice (5 minutes)
• Part 4 – Problem solving and communication
(20 minute time limit and open book).
In each of these situations you must consider
items such as dose, interactions, indications, side
effects, legal aspects and counselling points.
Examiners must be satisfied that you have a good
understanding of practical and legal matters, that
you can demonstrate sound professional judgment
in dealing with common practical situations, and
that you would be able to practise with care and
prudence.
The average period taken to complete the
assessment is 45 minutes, although this may vary.
Results
The results are ratified by the PBA or its delegate.
This may occur some days after the exams. You will
be advised of your results by mail, and you will
be advised of the date that results will be posted.
Results will not be given by telephone. AHPRA
offices are not to be contacted with queries
regarding the early posting of results.
Unsuccessful candidates will be invited to attend an
exam review meeting to review their performance
at a time determined by the examinations officer.
Housekeeping
Relevant forms are available in the Resources
section of the PSA Learning Portal. Further details
on PSA Training policies and procedures can be
found at https://www.psa.org.au/career-and-
support/qualifications/rto/
Change of workplace and/or
preceptor
You must inform both PSA and AHPRA if you
change your workplace and/or preceptor at any
time during your internship. This includes breaks in
employment such as:
• Ceasing work and in the process of securing
another worksite.
• Taking personal or annual leave of more than two
weeks from your employer whilst undertaking
the PSA Intern Training Program.
You will need to advise PSA in writing by
completing the Change of workplace and/or
preceptor form and submitting it via email to
training@psa.org.au
You must have a site of employment to continue
with the PSA Intern Training Program.
Visit www.pharmacyboard.gov.au/Registration/
Internships for the relevant documentation required
to be approved and updated with AHPRA.
Payment
Within 30 days of enrolment you must establish
your payment method with us. This can be:
• Payment in full
• Direct debit payment agreement over 6 months
Change of contact and/or
payment details
You must inform PSA if you change your contact
details (address, phone number, email address) in
writing by emailing training@psa.org.au
If you have changed your payment details, please
complete the Change of payment details form found
in the Resources section of the PSA Learning Portal.
Please submit completed form to training@psa.org.au

You should also ensure a copy of the PSA Intern

Training Program Agreement is provided to your
new preceptor and employer.

Your PSA Training Officer will arrange for extensions

and/or resubmission of core components if required,
e.g. preceptor assessments, workshop participation.

PSA Intern Training Program – Intern guide I © Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd. 13
Application for special
consideration and extensions
You must apply to PSA for special consideration and
extensions prior to the activity or assessment due
date for any of the below circumstances:
• Absence or non-attendance at the mandatory
workshop one or two.
• Extension of due date for assessments
(including online modules).
• Intention to defer the PSA Intern Training Program.
• Other (to be discussed with your PSA Training
Officer before applying).
Any request for special consideration and
extensions must be made in writing to your PSA
Training Officer by completing and submitting the
Application for special consideration form.
If you do not submit the relevant core component
within the date specifications (as outlined on
the key date calendar), and you provide a late
submission without submitting an Application
for special consideration form, there may be a
delay in the assessment of your submission. Your
PSA Training Officer will liaise with you and if
an adequate and reasonable explanation is not
outlined, then you may be required to resubmit an
alternative assessment at a later date.
It is your responsibility to back up your work
regularly. Loss of files is regarded as evidence of
unsatisfactory file management skills and is not
grounds for any special consideration and extensions
when core components are being assessed.
Re-attempts
If you receive a result of unsatisfactory for an
online module (e.g. Optimal use of medicines), or
other assessable components (e.g. Public health
education project), you will be provided with
additional opportunities to undertake re-attempts
in order to achieve a satisfactory result.
In the instance whereby a PSA assessor has provided
you with an unsatisfactory result, your PSA Training
Officer will be informed and will make arrangements
with you for the nominated re-attempt.
14 PSA Intern Training Program – Intern guide I © Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.
Refunds
You can choose to withdraw from the PSA Intern
Training Program at any point.
All withdrawal notifications and requests for refunds
must be in writing via the Course withdrawal form to
your PSA Training Officer and must include:
• name, address and contact details
• course details
• reason for the withdrawal and request for a refund.
In the event a refund is given, you will receive a
letter with the following details:
• date of refund
• amount of the refund
• reason for the refund.
This letter will also be placed in your intern file.
No refund will be provided after access to course
materials has been granted, either online or print
based.
Disciplinary action
Reports of unsatisfactory progress, discipline issues
or other related matters relevant to the PSA Intern
Training Program may be provided to the PBA at any
time throughout the program if required.
Behaviour that is considered to be in breach of the
PSA Code of Ethics for Pharmacists or outlined in the
AHPRA’s National Board Guidelines for Mandatory
Notifications at www.pharmacyboard.gov.au/
Codes-Guidelines will result in your removal from
the PSA Intern Training Program and a report being
submitted to the PBA.
Submission of assessment
You are advised to revise and edit your work before
submitting for assessment. You cannot resubmit
work for the purpose of re-assessment once it has
been submitted.
Preceptors
You should work closely with your preceptor
throughout your internship. Your preceptor is
your first point of contact for any problems you
encounter. However, you may also contact your PSA
Training Officer for assistance.
Your preceptor will receive a preceptor guide and
access to valuable resources through the PSA
Learning Portal to enable them to support you
during your internship including:
Mentors
You might consider organising a mentor to support
you through your internship. Mentors can provide
you with advice and act as a role model, or can just
be someone to talk to. Contact with your mentor
may be by email or telephone, or you may have
meetings with them – it is entirely up to you.
In choosing a mentor you should look for someone
who has skills and knowledge in areas you may be
lacking, or who can provide you with support and

6
• A PSA Training plan. help in your program or work life.

UP TO
• Guidance on how to review reflective CPD CREDITS Talk to your preceptor if you think you would like
GROUP 2
journal entries, and workplace to have a mentor as they may be able to suggest a
appraisals linked to 1,824 hours of suitable person.
supervised practice.
Find a mentor now! Join the PSA Mentoring
• Complimentary preceptor training course (6
Program at: www.psa.org.au/mentoring
Group 2 CPD credits).
• guidance on the preceptors role in the public
Personnel
health education project and multi source
feedback activities. Content developers
• Oral exam preparation activities
Developers are required to be qualified and
An open and strong relationship between you experienced in training and assessment and/or
and your preceptor is essential for a successful pharmacy (e.g. registered pharmacist).
internship. Communication pathways must remain
open and clear. Assessors
Conflict resolution PSA prides itself on contracting highly experienced
professional pharmacists and other qualified
Any conflict between you and your preceptor
assessors who undertake regular training to ensure
related to the PSA Intern Training Program should,
that you are being assessed and trained to the
in the first instance, be dealt with at the site of
highest standard.
approved supervised practice.
All contact with assessors should be made through
If the issue is related to the PSA Intern Training
the PSA Learning Portal or through your PSA
Program and cannot be resolved by you and your
Training Officer.
preceptor, PSA can provide guidance on identifying
an appropriate mediator to assist with resolution. Facilitators
This mediator may be a PSA team member or
PSA appoints facilitators to run the face-to-face
nominee. Confidentiality will be maintained by all
workshops in our program. The facilitator’s role is to
participants in conflict resolution activities.
ensure that the workshops run smoothly and that
Should mediation be unsuccessful in resolving the all interns participate (i.e. contribute individually
issue regarding the PSA Intern Training Program, a and/or are actively involved).
Resolution Panel may be formed.

This panel will investigate the conflict and

attempt to resolve the issue related to the PSA
Intern Training Program in a manner acceptable
to all parties. If the panel determines that there
is a discipline issue involved, the procedure for
disciplinary action will be instituted.

PSA Intern Training Program – Intern guide I © Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd. 15
Frequently asked questions
Q. How many hours a week in addition to my approved
supervised practice hours would I be expected to dedicate to
the PSA Intern Training Program?
A. Between 4–8 hours a week. You will find icons that indicate
the time expected to complete core compoments on the
PSA Learning Portal.
Q. Do I have to complete the orientation session?
A. Yes. The orientation session is a mandatory component of the
program. It is available online via the PSA Learning Portal. Contact
your PSA Training Officer for more information.
Q. Are there any requirements for a PBA-approved preceptor?
A. The requirements for a PBA-approved preceptor
are documented on the AHPRA website by the PBA’s
Supervised practice arrangements Registration Standard at
www.pharmacyboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards
Q. Can I count any of the PSA Intern Training Program as
CPD credits?
A. In accordance with the PBA’s Frequently Asked Questions for
Pharmacy Interns – Continuing Professional Development at
www.pharmacyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines/FAQ/CPD-FAQ.
aspx, interns must meet the annual requirements during their
internship period which may not coincide with the CPD reporting
year.
You cannot count CPD credits for the completion of an initial First
Aid certificate. However, you can self-record CPD credits for an
update in a previously attained First Aid certificate.
You can also self-record CPD credits for the NPS pharmacy
practice review (PPR) or drug use evaluation (DUE).
Q. If I have a current First Aid certificate from overseas can I use
that for the program?
A. No. The First Aid certificate must be current and valid in
Australia, i.e. completed and obtained to meet Australian
standards.
Q: What is the code of the First Aid certificate we are required
to do?
A: HLTAID003 – Provide First Aid is the most current certificate
on offer. Note, in addition to the First Aid certificate, you
must also hold a current CPR certificate, HLTAID001 – Provide
cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Q. Should I keep a copy of my work that I submit on the PSA
Learning Portal?
A. Yes. It is strongly advised that you keep a record and copy of
your work submitted via the PSA Learning Portal.
16 PSA Intern Training Program – Intern guide I © Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.
Q. Does each assessment have to be typed or can it be
hand written?
A. Typed submissions are preferred in Word format. Please do
not submit your documents saved as PDF as feedback cannot
be provided by the PSA assessor. When uploading documents
please ensure that your full name and PSA Number is on all
documentation (e.g. cover sheets) that you submit.
Q. What happens if I don’t have access to a scanner? Can I
fax and/or post in my work, rather than upload it on the PSA
Learning Portal?
A. Yes. Please liaise with your PSA Training Officer outlining your
circumstances. They will provide you with the relevant fax or
mailing details to submit your work. Please note that the due
dates are still applicable if work is being submitted via fax or post.
Q. How long should my reflective journal entries be?
A. A guide on how to structure and write these journal entries is
provided in the PSA Learning Portal. There is no set word limit for
these entries however, each entry should be at least 50 words.
Q. How long does it take for my submissions to be assessed?
A. This is dependent on the type of assessment. For multiple choice
question assessments, the response is instant. For modules with
short answer responses or for project reports, assessment takes up
to six weeks.
Q. What happens if I need an extension for an assessment?
A. Extensions will be granted for extenuating circumstances only.
Applications for special consideration and extensions must be
submitted in writing prior to the assessment due date to your PSA
Training Officer using the Application for special consideration form
available in the Resources section of the PSA Learning Portal.
Q. Can another pharmacist sign off on my PSA Intern Training
Program assessments and workplace appraisals if my preceptor
is on holidays?
A. Yes. As long as the supervising pharmacist has general
registration and meets the PBA’s guidelines for being a preceptor.
The supervising pharmacist should provide their full name and
an explanation that the preceptor is on leave. However the final
workplace appraisal - workplace appraisal 3 must be signed off by
the PBA approved preceptor.
Note: This is not applicable for the PBA extemporaneous
dispensing assessment statutory declaration.
Q. Can another pharmacist sign off on my PBA extemporaneous
dispensing assessment reports and statutory declaration?
A. No. Your PBA-approved preceptor may delegate supervision
of extemporaneous dispensing to another pharmacist.
The pharmacist who supervises the product manufacture can
sign the individual product report(s) for the product(s) they have
supervised however, the PBA-approved preceptor must sign the
extemporaneous dispensing assessment statutory declaration.
In order to sign this statutory declaration, the PBA-approved
preceptor must be satisfied that the extemporaneous dispensing
has taken place, and in accordance with PBA procedures.
Q. Will PSA provide regional workshops if there is a
concentration of interns within a catchment area?
A. PSA will try to accommodate this request however, it is
dependent on the number of interns within the region and
resources. Please contact your PSA Training Officer.
Q. Can I attend a workshop in another state or territory?
A. Yes. Please notify your PSA Training Officer if you wish to attend
an interstate workshop. Your request will be accommodated
if there are spaces available as local interns are given priority.
Interstate travel is at your own expense.
Q. What happens if I am unable to attend or I am too ill to
attend workshop one or two?
A. Workshop one and two are mandatory components of the
PSA Intern Training Program. In the event that you are unable
to attend or are too ill to attend, you will need to contact your
PSA Training Officer to reschedule your workshop attendance.
You must provide a medical certificate in this instance. You will
also need to complete an Application for special consideration form
available in the Resources section of the PSA Learning Portal.
Note: You may need to attend an interstate session at your own
expense. Alternatively you may need to attend the next set of
workshops with the following intake of PSA interns approximately
3–6 months later.
Q. Can I count workshop one and workshop two towards my
supervised practice hours?
A. Yes. According to the Statutory declaration of weekly record of
supervised practice hours – SPWR-60 at
www.pharmacyboard.gov.au/Registration/Forms and provided
no more than 180 hours in total are recorded in any 4 week period
PSA Intern Training Program – Intern guide I © Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.
Q. Can I count the hours of attendance at my PBA written and
oral exams and First Aid certificate towards my approved
supervised practice hours?
A. No. These items have not been specifically identified in the
Statutory declaration of weekly record of supervised practice hours –
SPWR-60 at www.pharmacyboard.gov.au/Registration/Forms
Q. Am I eligible for the Continuing Professional Allowance?
A. The Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE) Allowance provides
financial support to assist pharmacists from rural and remote
areas to access CPE and professional development activities.
The allowance may be awarded to eligible practising pharmacists,
intern pharmacists, pharmacists preparing to re-enter pharmacy
practice in rural locations or professional educators travelling to a
group of practising pharmacists to deliver CPE.
The CPE Allowance is funded by the Australian Government,
as represented by the Department of Health, and is administered
by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. Further information available
at http://6cpa.com.au/rural-support-programmes/continuing-
professional-education/
Q. Am I eligible for any financial assistance for any out-of-
pocket expenses (i.e. travel and accommodation) associated
with attending workshops and exams?
A. Rural interns may be eligible for an allowance under the
Sixth Community Pharmacy Agreement called the Rural Intern
Training Allowance (RITA). Funding is available for eligible interns
to claim up to $1500 per financial year to assist with travel and
accommodation costs associated with compulsory intern training
workshops, training days and examinations. Further information
can be found at: http://6cpa.com.au/rural-support-programs/
rural-intern-training-allowance/
Q. Am I able to sit my written exam in another state or territory?
A. Yes.
Q. Am I able to sit my oral exam in another state or territory?
A. No. You must apply to sit your oral exam in the state or territory
where you undertook your supervised practice unless approved
by AHPRA.
Q. Does AHPRA’s Registration Standard: English Language Skills
apply to me?
A. Yes. AHPRA’s Registration Standard: English Language Skills
applies to all applicants for initial registration as outlined at www.
pharmacyboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards.aspx
Other questions
AHPRA has its own frequently asked questions for pharmacy
interns and preceptors available at www.pharmacyboard.gov.au/
Codes-Guidelines/FAQ
17
PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA LTD.
ABN 49 008 532 072

NATIONAL OFFICE AUSTRALIAN QUEENSLAND TASMANIA

Level 1, Pharmacy House CAPITAL TERRITORY Level 2, 225 Montague Road 161 Campbell Street
17 Denison Street Level 1, Pharmacy House West End QLD 4101 Hobart TAS 7000
Deakin ACT 2600 17 Denison Street PO Box 6120 E: tas.branch@psa.org.au
PO Box 42 Deakin ACT 2600 Woolloongabba QLD 4102
VICTORIA
Deakin West ACT 2600 PO Box 42 E: qld.branch@psa.org.au
Level 1, 381 Royal Parade
P: 02 6283 4777 Deakin West ACT 2600
SOUTH AUSTRALIA Parkville VIC 3052
F: 02 6285 2869 E: act.branch@psa.org.au
Suite 7/102 E: vic.branch@psa.org.au
E: psa.nat@psa.org.au NEW SOUTH WALES Greenhill Road
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
BRANCH CONTACT DETAILS 32 Ridge Street Unley SA 5061
21 Hamilton Street
P: 1300 369 772 North Sydney NSW 2060 E: sa.branch@psa.org.au
Subiaco WA 6008
F: 1300 369 771 PO Box 162 E: wa.branch@psa.org.au
St Leonards NSW 1590
PSA5103

E: nsw.branch@psa.org.au