Inpatient Pharmacy Internship

Avera pharmacy interns in Sioux Falls, SD, work in multiple practice settings, including the hospital, behavioral health and ambulatory care. Students in this program learn how to administer medications to patients in the inpatient unit at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center. If you have an interest in applying or any questions about this unique educational opportunity, please reach out. Complete a brief online form to request more details.

Program Highlights

Students in this program gain hands-on knowledge of pharmacy operations while working as an integral part of the team. The internship follows a progression of activities that align with pharmacy school curriculum for a structured learning experience. Other benefits include:

  • Direct application of pharmacy curriculum into practice 
  • Exposure to a variety of practice settings and patient populations
  • Networking with other interns, technicians, pharmacists, and leaders 
  • Leadership role opportunities 
  • Residency preparation and CV building experiences
  • Structured learning experience

Curriculum Year by Year

Each student is paired with an intern experiential leader who serves as a mentor and resource. Additional mentorship opportunities occur while you assist with a PGY1 (post graduate year one) pharmacy resident research project. Pharmaceutical care interns also have an opportunity for specialized roles focused on adverse drug reaction reporting, scheduling or administration. 

First-Year Students

Pre-pharmacy and P1 pharmacy students work within inpatient care teams during the internship program. Interns are responsible for having medications available when a nurse needs to administer it to a patient. You’ll receive hands-on training in sterile compounding while becoming closely familiar with USP 797 and USP 800 standards.

Second-Year Students & Beyond

P2-P4 interns are trained to complete patient medication histories and provide patient medication education prior to discharge for anticoagulant therapies. P3 interns have an opportunity to work in the ambulatory care setting, connecting with patients on lab value interpretation and medication dose adjustments under the supervision of the ambulatory pharmacy team.

Internship Experiences

Here’s what previous interns have said about our inpatient pharmacy internship program:

I enjoy working with the pharmacists, technicians and other interns on the day-to-day. I also enjoy the problem-solving learning opportunities that Avera provides through med rec and lead shifts. Additionally, as the representative and challenges with my classmates to bring recommendations to leadership.
- Elizabeth Danielson, PC Intern

I love working in the central pharmacy at Avera for the great experience and guidance I receive! I feel so much more confident in my decision to pursue pharmacy. It is a great environment and very rewarding for SDSU students.
- Sophie Spier, Pre-Pharmacy Student

My experience as a pharmacy intern at the Avera McKennan Inpatient Pharmacy has provided me with a dynamic and enriching experience, blending clinical experiences with exposure to administrative opportunities. As the administrative intern, I have gained valuable insight into formulary management, policy development, and operational workflows. On the clinical side, I enjoy working with patients to optimize their medication histories, assist with anticoagulation management services and collaborate with pharmacists, technicians and other interns. My pharmacy internship has strengthened my understanding of the vital role hospital pharmacy plays in patient care and has enhanced my critical-thinking abilities.
- Colton Hansen, P4 Intern

During my internship at Avera, I’ve had countless opportunities to apply classroom knowledge and principles to real patients, ranging from medication reconciliations to attending code blues. The pharmacists and supervisors are always willing to create learning opportunities for students to explore their interest areas or new career paths.
- Tucker Wieneke, PGY1 Avera McKennan Resident

Interested in Applying for a Pharmacy Internship?

Complete this brief online form with information about yourself to inquire about our inpatient pharmacy internship program.


If you are a current employee of Avera or an Avera-managed facility, thank you for your dedication to health care and the patients we serve. You will not be contacted regarding open positions.

Avera is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.