Dr. Radhika 
Pharmacy University Interview Questions - Everything you NEED to know
What to expect from the Pharmacy University Interview?
Congratulations! You have made it to the interview stage. This is an exciting time for you as it means you’re one step closer to pursuing a career in pharmacy. However, it’s normal to feel a bit nervous about the interview process. Knowing what to expect can help alleviate some of that anxiety. Remember, preparation is KEY.
The pharmacy university interview typically consists of a panel of two or three interviewers. They may include professors, pharmacists, or current pharmacy students. The interview may last anywhere from 20-30 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the school.
What to Expect from the Pharmacy Interview
The point of the interview is for the admissions committee to get to know you better and assess your suitability for their pharmacy program. They will ask you questions about your background, experience, and motivation for pursuing a career in pharmacy.
These questions can be personality-based, skills-based, and may include ethical scenarios or situational judgment-based questions. This is to test your ability to think critically.
Having a structure will help you to prepare and tackle any scenario.
Prepare for the Pharmacy University Interview Questions
Research the school and program: Familiarise yourself with the university, their course structure, affiliated hospitals and clinics, opportunities for integrated learning, research facilities, values, and curriculum. This will help you tailor your answers to align with the program. They want to see that you have researched the course.
Review your application:
The interviewers may ask questions based on your application, so ensure you know what you wrote in your personal statement.
Practice answering common questions:
There are some common pharmacy university interview questions that you can expect. Practicing your answers will help you feel more confident during the actual interview.
Common Pharmacy Interview Questions
Personality-based Questions
- Tell me about yourself (Here, they are looking for a basic introduction, name, age, where you are from, anything unique about you, academic interests, social interests…)
Skills-based questions
(Teamwork, leadership, communication, understanding of empathy) - NHS Values-based questions
- Roles of a pharmacist-
(What do you understand about their roles, responsibilities, the standards they abide by)
Additional Pharmacy University Interview Questions
Here are some examples of questions you may be asked during the pharmacy university interview:
- Why do you want to pursue a career in pharmacy?
- What experience do you have in the pharmacy field?
- How do you handle stress and pressure?
- What qualities do you possess that would make you a good pharmacist?
- What is your understanding of the role of a pharmacist in patient care?
- How would you handle a frustrated patient who was unable to get their medication as the GP had not sent it?
- What are your long-term career goals in pharmacy?
Structuring your answer
When answering interview questions, it’s essential to structure your response in a clear and concise manner.
Here’s a helpful structure to follow:
- Start with an introduction that answers the question directly. Make your POINT
- Provide specific examples to support your answer.
- Conclude by summarising your answer and relating it back to pharmacy
Model Answers & Scenarios
Pharmacy university interview questions can vary a lot between different schools. To prepare yourself, run through different scenarios and practise answering questions.
Prepare examples that you can give for skills-based questions, practise with someone close to you, tutors, or admissions experts.
It’s always helpful to have model answers to common pharmacy university interview questions.
Additionally, ethical scenarios may be presented, and knowing how to approach them can set you apart from other candidates.
If you’re looking for more guidance on how to prepare for your pharmacy university interview, consider getting the Pharmacy University Interview Guide made by an Admissions expert. This guide will provide you with insider tips, model answers, and ethical scenarios to help you prepare for your interview with confidence.
In conclusion, the pharmacy university interview is an opportunity for you to showcase your passion for pharmacy and demonstrate why you would make a great candidate for the course. By preparing in advance, structuring your answers, and using available resources, you can ace your interview and take the next step towards your career in pharmacy.
