Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare industry, the demand for Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) interns is growing rapidly.

As the healthcare sector expands, the need for skilled individuals who can navigate and manage the complex world of pharmacy benefits is on the rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What does a Pharmacy Benefit Management intern do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager looking for the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of Pharmacy Benefit Management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Pharmacy Benefit Management intern job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern Duties and Responsibilities

Pharmacy Benefit Management Interns provide support to professionals in managing and operating aspects of pharmacy benefits for various health insurance plans and providers.

They are involved in a variety of tasks involving data analysis, prescription drug pricing, and process improvement.

The intern’s duties and responsibilities include:

• Assisting in the development and implementation of pharmacy benefit plans
• Researching, collecting and analyzing data related to drug usage, costs, and patient outcomes
• Understanding and applying principles of managed care pharmacy and healthcare delivery systems
• Participating in the evaluation of pharmacy provider network adequacy
• Assisting in formulary management, including evaluation of drug utilization, cost trends, and clinical effectiveness
• Supporting the development of pharmacy benefit management strategies to control costs
• Assisting in the management of vendor relationships
• Helping in the creation and maintenance of procedure manuals and training materials
• Collaborating with other team members on special projects and initiatives
• Complying with all federal and state laws and regulations related to pharmacy benefits

 

Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern to join our team.

This position involves working closely with our pharmacy benefit management team to learn about and contribute to the management and coordination of prescription drug benefits.

The Intern will gain exposure to pharmaceutical cost management strategies, customer service techniques, and regulatory compliance requirements.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist in the analysis of pharmacy benefit data and report on findings
• Learn and apply strategies for managing prescription drug benefits
• Help in coordinating with pharmacies and insurers to ensure effective benefit administration
• Support the team in maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements
• Contribute to customer service by resolving queries and concerns related to pharmacy benefits
• Participate in various projects aimed at improving processes and systems
• Assist with administrative tasks as needed

 

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Pharmacy, Healthcare Administration, Business, or related field
• Interest in pharmacy benefit management and healthcare industry
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel
• Able to work independently and in a team environment
• Must be detail-oriented and able to multitask

 

Benefits

• Internship stipend
• Opportunity for practical experience in a corporate healthcare setting
• Potential for academic credit, dependent on university guidelines
• Mentorship and networking opportunities
• Potential for full-time employment upon graduation

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern
• Work Environment: Corporate office setting
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Pharmacy Benefit Management
• Stipend: Competitive stipend provided, amount based on university guidelines and candidate qualifications
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Internship, part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and why you are interested in this internship to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern Do?

A Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern typically works for a Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) company that serves as an intermediary between insurers, pharmaceutical companies, and pharmacies.

The intern’s role primarily involves assisting in managing prescription drug programs to ensure the plan sponsors get the best value.

This includes helping to develop formularies (approved drug lists), negotiating discounts with drug manufacturers, and processing and paying prescription drug claims.

They work closely with pharmacists, Pharmacy Benefit Managers, and other healthcare professionals to gain insight into the prescription benefit management industry.

Their roles may also involve researching and analyzing data related to drug utilization, costs, and patient outcomes.

The intern also assists in the coordination of various pharmacy benefit management projects and may be required to present findings to the team.

They may be tasked with reviewing pharmacy claims to identify trends, potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

In addition, they may also assist in the planning and implementation of clinical programs aimed at improving patient health and reducing healthcare costs.

Gaining experience in regulatory compliance, understanding the healthcare landscape, and developing problem-solving and analytical skills are key aspects of this role.

 

Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern Qualifications and Skills

A Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern should have the skills and qualifications that are necessary for a successful internship, such as:

• Basic understanding of pharmacy operations and pharmaceutical care, including drug interactions, side effects, dosage instructions, and therapeutic outcomes.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate drug usage, perform cost-benefit analyses, and aid in the formation of pharmacy benefit management strategies.
• Good communication skills to interact effectively with pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and pharmacy benefit management team.
• Ability to comprehend and follow pharmaceutical literature, medical terminologies, and healthcare regulations.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and keep track of information.
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in tasks such as data entry, analysis, and report preparation.
• Proficiency with computer software, particularly pharmacy systems and Microsoft Office Suite, for data analysis and presentation.
• Customer service skills to assist in resolving queries and issues related to pharmacy benefits.

 

Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern Experience Requirements

For the role of Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern, students are generally required to be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in Pharmacy, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.

While there is no formal work experience requirement for this role, prospective interns should ideally have some practical exposure to pharmacy operations or healthcare management.

This can often be gained through academic projects, volunteer work, or part-time roles in healthcare facilities.

Candidates may also be expected to have basic knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, healthcare systems, and policies, which is usually gained through their ongoing education.

It would be beneficial if the candidates have some experience in using healthcare management software and data analysis, which they may have gained through their coursework or previous internships.

Finally, interns should have strong communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work in a team, which can be developed through various extracurricular activities and team projects at school.

 

Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern Education and Training Requirements

Pharmacy Benefit Management Interns are typically pursuing a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, health administration, or a related field.

They should have a basic understanding of healthcare delivery systems and pharmacy benefits management.

Coursework in medical terminology, health policy, and healthcare management would be beneficial.

Interns are expected to have strong analytical skills and be proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

They should also have excellent communication skills as they will be interacting with various healthcare professionals.

Some positions may require the intern to be enrolled in a PharmD program or a Master’s degree in healthcare administration or public health.

Interns are not required to have a certification, but having one in healthcare administration, public health, or a related field may be beneficial.

The role is designed to provide hands-on experience and therefore, on-the-job training is provided, allowing interns to apply the theoretical knowledge gained from their academic studies.

Continuous learning and staying updated on the latest trends in the pharmacy benefit management industry is also important.

These learning opportunities can come through attending seminars, workshops, or additional courses.

An internship in pharmacy benefit management is often a stepping stone to a career in healthcare or pharmacy administration.

Hence, the focus is on developing practical skills, gaining industry knowledge, and building professional relationships.

 

Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern Salary Expectations

A Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern can expect to earn an average salary of $15.00 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual earnings may differ depending on the duration of the internship, the geographical location, and the company offering the internship.

 

Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern need?

Pharmacy Benefit Management Interns should have good analytical skills to interpret pharmaceutical data and make recommendations.

They should also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with health professionals, customers, and team members.

Familiarity with pharmacy regulations and basic knowledge of drug utilization is also important.

Lastly, they should have good organizational and multitasking skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

 

Do Pharmacy Benefit Management Interns need a degree?

Yes, Pharmacy Benefit Management Interns are usually students currently pursuing a degree in Pharmacy, Health Management, or a related field.

This role serves as a stepping stone for students to gain real-world experience in the pharmaceutical industry and understand the workings of pharmacy benefit management.

 

What should you look for in a Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern’s resume?

Look for a background in pharmacy or health sciences, showcasing their foundational knowledge in the field.

Any previous internships or work experience, even if not directly related to pharmacy benefit management, can demonstrate a commitment to a career in healthcare.

Knowledge of healthcare regulations, and skills in data analysis, are also beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern?

A good Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern is curious and eager to learn.

They should be able to adapt quickly to a fast-paced work environment.

Good interns are also team players who can collaborate with others to achieve common goals.

They should have a strong interest in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, and the ability to problem-solve complex issues.

Lastly, they should demonstrate professionalism and integrity, as they will be working with sensitive information.

 

Is it difficult to hire Pharmacy Benefit Management Interns?

The challenge in hiring Pharmacy Benefit Management Interns lies in finding candidates with the right mix of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills.

It is crucial to provide a clear and detailed job description to attract suitable candidates.

Offering a structured internship program with mentorship and learning opportunities can also help attract high-quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve demystified what it truly entails to be a Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern.

And surprise?

It’s not just about dispensing medications.

It’s about safeguarding health and improving patient care, one prescription at a time.

With our comprehensive Pharmacy Benefit Management Intern job description template and real-world examples, you’re all geared up to make your move.

But why stop here?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precision-crafted listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every prescription managed is a part of the bigger healthcare picture.

Let’s build that healthier future. Together.