“Community pharmacy bridges the gap between healthcare and daily life, making quality care accessible to everyone.”

This four-week schedule is designed to provide pharmacy students with a structured learning experience in a community pharmacy setting. It covers key competencies such as medication dispensing, patient counseling, pharmacy operations, and professional development.

*Additional Notes:

• Students are encouraged to maintain a daily journal reflecting on experiences and challenges.
• Flexibility is key—students may participate in additional activities based on store needs.
• Participation in corporate initiatives (e.g., health screenings, adherence programs) may be included.

Day 1-2: Introduction & Workflow Basics

• Welcome and pharmacy tour
• Review of CVS policies, HIPAA, and patient confidentiality
• Introduction to workflow: prescription intake, processing, and verification
• Overview of pharmacy technology (e.g., ScriptPath, RxConnect, inventory systems)

Day 3-5: Dispensing Process & Inventory Management

• Hands-on experience with prescription filling and labeling
• Understanding inventory control and medication ordering
• Introduction to controlled substance regulations and record-keeping
• Observing prescription verification process with pharmacists

Day 6-7: Patient Counseling & Customer Service

• Shadowing pharmacists during patient consultations
• Role-playing medication counseling scenarios
• OTC medication recommendations and identifying red flags for pharmacist intervention
• Effective communication skills for patient interactions

Day 8-10: Immunization Training & MTM Services

• Introduction to CVS’s immunization program and eligibility criteria
• Hands-on experience preparing vaccines (under supervision)
• Observing pharmacists administering vaccines
• Introduction to Medication Therapy Management (MTM) and adherence programs

Day 11-12: Insurance & Billing Processes

• Understanding third-party billing and insurance processing
• Resolving insurance rejections and prior authorizations
• Patient assistance programs and affordability options

Day 13-15: Pharmacy Metrics & Workflow Optimization

• Key performance metrics (wait times, adherence rates, customer satisfaction)
• Strategies to improve workflow efficiency and reduce medication errors
• Understanding the business side of pharmacy and leadership roles

Day 16-17: Problem-Solving & Clinical Decision-Making

• Case studies on medication therapy interventions
• Addressing drug-drug interactions and contraindications
• Managing difficult patient interactions and ethical dilemmas

Day 18-19: Student-Led Activities & Feedback

• Independent patient counseling with pharmacist supervision
• Conducting a mini-presentation on a pharmacy-related topic
• Providing recommendations for workflow improvements

Day 20: Final Evaluation & Wrap-Up

• One-on-one feedback session with preceptor
• Self-reflection on learning experiences
• Discussion of career goals and next steps in pharmacy practice
• Certificate of completion (if applicable)