Key Compounding Pharmacy in Federal Way (530 S. 336th St.) took their last of four groups of high school students on a tour of the compounding side of pharmacology.

“So far, the students have raved about our tour, stating that it has been one of the best business tours that they have done this year,” Deanna Simons of Key Compound said, adding that the students got “to tour our facility, make lip balm, learn how to make capsules and creams and earn $200 for the best essay about compounding.”

Students also got first-hand looks at the various tools and processes that go into compounding, including an ointment mill, a capsule machine, and filters used in sterilization.

“It’s a good experience for those who never thought about a future career in pharmacy,” Simons said. “This also generated some interest from students who would like to job shadow or a possible summer internship in the pharmacy.”

“Compounding” is how trained professionals prepare customized medications to meet a patient’s specific needs, combining or processing ingredients into medicines that may not be available from mass-producing pharmaceutical manufacturers.