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If You Want to become a Pharmacist
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A Day in the Life of a Retail Pharmacist
Thinking about becoming a pharmacist? Don't worry about it. They make some really good drugs for that, and with years of counseling, there is still some hope for you. Many people wonder what we actually do. You have come to the right place. I have been doing retail pharmacy for nearly 20 years. I started as a technician typing out prescription labels on a typewriter. For those of you who do not know what a typewriter is...look it up. You had to hit the keys hard because we only typed on stone tablets way back then! I'm going to explain what we, as retail pharmacist's do.
Okay, so what do we do? First of all, by a "retail" pharmacist I mean the pharmacist (or druggist, or pill pusher, or whatever you prefer) who is typically working behind that long counter at your neighborhood CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, etc. The raised platform we stand on has nothing to do with a superiority complex. We aren't better than you. But we do need to be able to see what the teenager in the family planning aisle is trying to stuff in his coat pocket. You can also usually identify us by the white coat they make us wear (which is usually covered in stains from cough syrup, printer toner, and that meatball grinder I had to eat while standing up). We have chosen to work in retail, rather than in a hospital or other clinical setting because of a mild form of insanity for which shock therapy has not yet been successful. Yes, you can start feeling bad for us now.
One question I tend to get asked a lot is: How hard is pharmacy school?
That is a good question. Unfortunately there is no single answer that would apply to every person. I can tell you that personally I found Calculus (a class needed prior to pharmacy school) to be harder than pharmacy school itself.
How hard pharmacy school is will depend a lot on how easily science comes for you and on your ability to memorize. Feel free to ask me any specific questions you may have.
We went to school (go Huskies!). I know it doesn't seem like it, but we did. And it wasn't easy. Sleepless nights spent memorizing the pharmacokinetics of fluoxetine, the chemical structure of Klonopin, the 32 million drug interactions for Warfarin, the innumerable side of effects of virtually every drug we dispense, and, oh yeah, learning why you never, never, never want to overdose with Acetaminophen. Not pretty. Anyway, back to my point, we did go to school. Today pharmacy students typically graduate with what is called a PharmD. It takes 6 years to get it, unless you enroll in one of several accelerated suicide programs (like the one at which I taught for a couple years).
So what do we do? To put it very simply: We...
(1) prepare the medication for you...and then
(2) we prepare you for the medicine (or try to at least...).
That's over-simplified...but it moves us in the right direction.
Preparing the Medicine for You
Now, for the most part, we aren't "compounding" the medicine from scratch. We know how, and we could, but it isn't necessary too often any more. Although I have created some pretty cool compounds for kittens, tonics for turtles, and a variety of other concoctions for some curious critters. We compound for people too. But really, for the most part, we are overseeing the process which involves:
1) Properly interpreting your prescription. Yeah, that's no picnic. Ever tried to read one yourself? That is why pharmacists are the most trusted profession. You have to trust us...no one else can read your doctor's handwriting! Apologies to any MD's reading this! But really, this is critical. While doing this we are assessing if the dose seems appropriate for the patient. People make mistakes, and so we are a "double check" on the system to try to ensure you get a safe dose of the right drug.
2) Evaluating your prescription in the light of your other medication or conditions. The fancy little term for this is DUR (Drug Utilization Review). If this is the only drug you have ever taken....thank you! My job just got easier. But now its time to wake up and smell the coffee! The fact is most people are on several medications (or OTC drugs) from their doctor. Not to mention the fact that they got 1 from their general practitioner, 1 from their heart specialist, 2 from their endocrine doctor, another from the surgeon, and now 1 more from the ER doctor they just saw. Do you think all of the doctors get together over coffee at Starbucks and discuss if the meds they are prescribing for you are going to agree with each other? "What's that Doug? You gave her clarithromycin? Yeah, that'll be fine with the indomethacin I have her on. Now could you pass the sugar?" I don't think so. Sure, hopefully they ask what you have been taking, but maybe you forgot something or maybe they might be just a little bit busy and neglect to check the chart. Whatever the case, the pharmacist is responsible to ensure there are no significant drug interactions between medications you are currently taking. So, please, please, please try to get all of your medications filled at 1 pharmacy. If you do get something elsewhere, make sure you let your pharmacy know before filling a new prescription.
While I am on the subject, can I ask one other small favor? Please don't get mad when we ask for your date of birth (D.O.B.) when you drop off your prescription. We want to write it on the face of the prescription for a reason. We are trying to ensure we are putting this drug in the right patient's profile. We could look it up...but that defeats the purpose. If we hear it from you, then when we look it up we can MATCH it to the D.O.B. in our system. Imagine if we can't quite read your name on the script, OR imagine if another patient might just have a name similar to or identical to yours. If we put it under the wrong name, and that patient happens to come in to pick up something else, they could potentially end up with your medicine! That is very, very bad.
3) Verifying the final accuracy of the product. Thankfully...did you hear that all you wonderful pharmacy techs...thankfully we have some really great technicians these days who handle much of the actual counting, filling, labeling, answering phones, shredding confidential paperwork....I could go on. But before any medicine leaves the pharmacy your friendly neighborhood pharmacist must give it one final blessing. We ensure proper labeling, verify the directions, add any precautionary statements, include relevant paperwork, and a partridge in a pear tree. Ignore the pear tree joke, the fact is we actually take this very seriously.
Preparing You for Your Medicine
This is the fun part. Not that double counting your Oxycontin isn't thrilling; but really, it loses the excitement after a week or two. The fun part of this job for me is communication. I like to talk and I like to teach. So counseling my customers on how to get the most out of their medicine is what really puts the enteric coating on my tablets...so to speak. Of course, the real challenge is to do this with a phone attached to my left ear, a prescription pad in my right hand, a customer asking me which aisle has the Cocoa Puffs, and a store manager reminding me to turn in my payroll figures for the week. Insanity? Yeah...but I love it. So be sure to ask us your questions...I'll be right with you once I finish un-jamming the paper shredder with my pocket knife (yeah...I really tried that...it was a bad day).
If you are interested in applying to a pharmacy school, there are several websites that you need to acquaint yourself with. Go to these sites and begin to read and explore them. They contain a large amount of very important and relevant information about applying to pharmacy schools.
1) The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
2) The Pharmacy College Application Service
For a more "step by step" article on getting into pharmacy school, see my article HERE.
Article Resources:
Prescription written in 1903..sorry..too old to fill!
10 OTHER THINGS I DID TODAY (Just for fun):
1) 15 minutes on the phone with an insurance company explaining that Mrs. Smith's ferret really did eat her antidepressant pills, and that is why she needs them filled early. By the way, the ferret was fine...happier than ever.
2) 20 total minutes of phone calls trying to track down when and where a particular drug-abusing customer got their last narcotic prescription. Then calling the prescriber back and informing the office that they were just the latest stop on this guys shopping trip. Cancelling the prescription, and then enjoying the moment when I tell them exactly where and when they got their last prescription filled (which they neglected to tell me about). I love the "deer in the headlights" look while they are thinking "how did he find that out???". My little secret. I could tell you, but then I would have to...well...you know.
3) Explaining to a well-meaning but misinformed customer that generic drugs really aren't just brand name drugs that people have returned or that have been collected from the deceased.
4) Patiently trying to help Mr. Jones understand that just because he is going to be taking his prescription for life...it can still run out of refills and needs to be authorized by his doctor.
5) Tracking down and transferring back a prescription for a customer who initially filled her prescription here, but then transferred it out to a pharmacy in Florida, who informed me that it was subsequently transferred to Colorado, which then I discover was cancelled and transferred to a pharmacy in Connecticut, who informed me that she actually has run out of refills. Ugghh. I should have just called the doctor to begin with...
6) Trying to explain to a new customer why we really need their insurance card, and the fact that it is "Blue Cross...or something like that...and I pay $5.00" really isn't quite enough information to go on.
7) Looking through a customer's profile that needs me to refill his "small, sort of yellow looking pill that he takes in the morning with his eggs and toast".
8) Explaining, for maybe the 20th time today, why we have to get a signature when the prescription is picked up, why it took 20 minutes since "we just have to put the pills in a bottle", and that I really don't know why they are out of 'tickle-me-elmo's'.
9) Telling a hospital resident that, yeah, you can't really put 10 refills on a Percocet prescription.
10) Sympathizing with my complaining technician about the fact that she is the only one who does any work around this place, the other techs all being too lazy to file the scripts from the night before.
Okay...so if you still want to be a pharmacist...awesome! I wish you all the best. It is a rewarding and challenging career. It will often drive you crazy...and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I don't want to be a pharmacist-- but I read this anyway and was glad. It was very informative and entertaining. (A suggestion, which can be easily disregarded: change the title to "Why You Don't want to be a Pharmacist."-- which might attract more readers.)
I have a friend who is a pharmacist, and he has become very disillusioned with the amount of paperwork that he has to handle. He enjoyed it much more when he had time to talk to his customers.
Also, I think ferrets probably do need medication.
If you have time to look at my hub about historic patent medicines, I would like to know what you think.
I also have one about side efects I don't want to know about.
I enjoy your articles.
good day! i am a fresh graduate of B.S.Pharmacy here in the Philippines. glad to read you sharings! smile
1st yr pharmacy student checking in!
Looking into becoming a pharmacist.
I've worked as a tech at a chain for 2 years, and now in pharm school. This is the job I know, and the job I want! Sadly, I don't think there will be jobs when I get out in three years.
hope to be a pharmacist. I was accepted at massachusetts school of pharmacy last year but got scared and declined the offer for 1 year then will probably reapply. I have a biology degree now. Grades indicated that I can do what is required to become sucessful at this school. But after reading some blogs about this school and how hard it is and how everything sounded so negative. I saw the cost and actually lost all confidence in myself. I am not afraid of any type of heavy work load but would like to know more about the curriculum. I had some tough subjects in college but graduated top 10 percent. Can anyone give me some positive info on pharmacy school will it be much harder than college was . thanks
I'm planning on becoming a pharmacist or pharmacy tech. My dad is one of those people who thinks it's just putting pills in a bottle. I tried to explain everything to him, but he just doesn't listen. I'm going to show him this post. It's very informative. Nice job.
I'm 20 years old, did average in high school
I am now interested in being a pharmacist.
I didn't do so well in science in high school and have not been to college since my graduation in 07. Is it too late for me?? and can I still potentially Do it?
Great, I feel more motivated to do it now.
and i had another question.
what do you mean by "several accelerated suicide programs"?
is it the "fast course/under a year" type of thing? should i avoid those?
Hi Im 20 years old and im so motivated to become a Pharmacist. I am currently taking pre pharmacy courses at a community college and i am trying so hard in my science classes but my grades are OK they arent perfect. I live in Florida and there are only 4 Pharmcay colleges here, I really want to become a Pharmacist but what if I don't get accepted into Pharmacy college my first year? What am I goning to do?? I know you might say try again but I really want to go now I don't want to have to wait another year and not have anything to do in the mean time. Any advice?
Hallo Mister,
I am thinking of being a pharmacist, i am 18 years old right now and i graduated when i was 16 from HS and i spent 2 years already doing nothing because i never know what i wanted to be. So that being said being a pharmacist is kind a hard any tips for what to do first? and do you have any good suggestions like what book should i start reading? like the books that you folks memorizes when you were in college that time.
great article! im currently studying to be a pharmacy technician (ill be done in july of this year yayy!) and I'm planning on becoming a pharmacist later down the road. One of my instructors told me that you can become a pharmacist with out going to the usual 4 year pharmacy school, she said you do this by getting a bachelors in pharmacy and you're considered a pharmacist but you don't have the title "doctor of pharmacy" which you get in pharmacy school. is this true?
This article was just what I was looking for! I appreciate you taking the time to answer all of these questions of your readers. I am a sophmore in highschool and have had a 4.0 gpa ever since I could remember. I am not genus, but I work extremely diligently to get what I want and work harder than most of my friends.
I am planning on taking a pharmacy tech class my senior year. It will be for two semesters, every day for two periods at a local technology colledge. I am very interested in the field of pharmacy but I will decide if it's something I want to pursue after the class. Until then will get highschool credit and training as a tech. Please don't take offence by this, but my question is whether or not lots of pharmasists end up addicted to the pills they distribute. I would love to be a pharmasist but the idea of getting adicted to pills scares me. Thanks for your time
i wanna be a pharmacy. im a high school student in CA (11th). im an english learner in my school(im Asian). ive been in the US for 2 years. people are always teasing on me because i have accent. i don't speak english well and sometimes im just being so stupid at english. do you think its possible for me to be pharmacist? i really want it because i love chemistry and math though im not good at both. i will attend to community college in 2years and tranfer to a UC. i know its gonna be realy realy DIFFICULT for me but i just love being a pharmacist. can you give me some ideas how to improve english cuz at school no one wants to talk to me because of my accent, and because i wasn't born in the US. please help me. i don't know what to do! :(
Your article was so insightful and I loved it! I have been looking into careers (I'm a sophomore at Uni) and I am interested in Pharmacy. What major is best or easier to study..bio? chem? I am a bit worried though because pharmacy school is expensive like at George Washington!! But Science and drugs are fascinating. Also, I'm kinda worried because I sorta have short term memory, and I know memorization is essential to be a pharmacist!! I really want to go into pharmacy but I don't want this to stop me:(
Hi, I'm an 18 year old graduating this year and I wish to become a pharmacist. My plan is community college, then UC, then Pharmacy school. My question for you is- Can I become a pharmacy tech while studying to become a pharmacist? Your advice is greatly appreciated :)
thank you very much.
i really want to improve my speaking, and reading. im good at writing though. :D
wow! I enjoy reading your article! I'm entering university this year and I got more confused whether I should really go for pharmacy..As compared to a retail pharmacist, I'm more passionate about compounding pharmacist..what would be your advice on taking this job in the future?
Hi Jason! Thanks for the article. Very insightful. I want to apply to pharm school this year but I'm confused and not sure where to start.
How did you prep for teh PCAT? Are there any tips that you can give us on how to prep for the PCAT? Sre there any good websites that you would recommend to us who are applying for pharm school this year?\
ohh haha i didn't know that..thank you so much!!!!
Thanks Jason!
Great article! Funny, too. I enjoyed reading it as well as your answers to these questions. I'm 20 yrs. old and am very interested in becoming a pharmacist. Thing is, even after googling website to website, I still don't really exactly know where to start! I know we shouldn't concentrate on the "what ifs", but as a human being, I can't say I'm not concerned. Without telling my life story, (I don't want to and I'm sure a lot of ppl. reading including you are like 'gosh, please don't') I did use to be a decent student. I got caught up with the wrong ppl., basically ditched 3 yrs of school and instead of getting my hs diploma, had to settle for a Certificate of Proficiency. Bottom line, am I in over my head? I know it's never too late, but.. I don't know. I just want a better future for myself and my family and my Future family. Am I fooling myself into believing I can really do this when I've missed 3 years of hs? I mean, I know I'm not incredibly incompetent or anything, but.. Like I'm reading it's like 37k/year for pharmacy school? And I know it's about a 6 year degree? And you have to be accepted in? How should I prepare for this? I don't come from a family with a lot of money; especially during these times. I really need a professionals advice. Where do I start? Should I go right into practicing in becoming a pharmacy technician first? Would it be a good idea to start by enrolling in ROP (regional occupational program) it might be a good option for me because they should be inexpensive and are relatively quick (3-12 mo?). Or should I enroll into a community college and take math and science classes first? I'm literally losing sleep just thinking about this. I just want a better and secure future for myself and do see myself somewhere in the medical field. Until now, I've just been floating around because of uncertainty and confusion. Pharmacy is really the only thing that interests me enough to start thinking about a comfortable, real future. Thank you so much for your help. I know I need it.
-Rita, CA
This has been the most helpful page I have read in regards of how to become a Pharmacist and also what an average day looks like for a Pharmacist.
My problem is diferent from others, I'm already currently enrolled at a Community College with a B average. The problem is that when I was young I made some poor choices and now I have an attached "Felony." One of my life time goals were to become a Pharmacist. I know it's not impossible, but it seems as it's 2x harder to find a job as a TECH, I was wondering how should I approach the local Pharmacist to seek a job as a TECH, like what to say and not say.
That quote, I hope eventually I'll be able to say that.
I've been dealing with the board of pharmacy for about a year, and after trips back and forth to the court and letters to the board of pharmacy they granted me a Certified Pharmacy Assistant valid for one year. So now I'm seeking to use that license, but it's been hard for me. I don't know how to approach the local drug stores or even the pharmacists and store managers.
I was wondering what is the most appropiate way to apporach them and what should I say when I tell them I'm pursuing a job there.
You have been so helpful. I use to go to church and stopped going for a long time, because I felt I was going for the wrong reasons, I thought it would let me forget my past, but it just haunts me more, no one in my church knows about my felony. I asked my current employer and got a recommendation letter and said I can use them as a reference.
My favorite thing about the reading was the "rewarding and challenges that come along this career." Which is why I felt this was a call for me as well.
this by far has been the most helpful site since ive looked into the Pharmacy field!
i know this is looooong but please someone help! i am so stranded in a sea of negative opinions. like everyone i need honesty.
my issue is "where do i start?" I too like Rita feel like my lack of High School success may hold me back. I know admissions into PharmD isn't based on HS grades but I'm worried that my lack of study habits and overall IQ will make becoming pharmacist a living hell. (even though I was an A, B, and sometimes C student)
Since high school, instead of pursuing college I became a bible student and so far Its perfect! if it were a course, I feel like id be an A+ student compared to high school (if that makes sense) but thats all Ive had to occupy my mind. Ive forgotten all my math and science! I remember nothing but the basics of mathematical division and the elements of water.
so which route to take???
1) should i warm up to the field by GOING to SCHOOL for pharmacy tech certification?
2) skip the tech and start the required classes for Pharm School?
3) Both pharm tech schoool aanndd pre-reqs at the same time? (two different schools)and [yess it might've be the dumbest q I ever asked]
lastly do you recommend becoming a Tech with out school? but to just study the books and get certified? will that give me enough knowledge to be successful in pharmacy w out knowing much about drugs?
Im so sorry for all the random questions. but its 2am and Ive lost too much sleep over this the past couple days, and I am just really uncertain about school. One thing I do know is that my drive and determination for becoming a pharmacist is beyond anything Ive ever want to accomplish in my life!!(next to studying the bible). I believe my drive and trust in God will sustain me for any goal I put my mind to.
thank you soo much for any questions answered!! thank you!
Great article. Is it absolutely necessary to get a job as a pharmacy tech to be accepted in pharmacy school? I'm going to a community college (to start), and I want to have as many advantages as possible since it seems like that would put me at a disadvantage. Does it matter if I'm a pharmacy tech, or could I do some other job in the pharmacy that doesn't require certification and it would still look just as good to pharmacy schools? Also, I'm 18 and just graduated high school - should I have started working at a pharmacy much sooner? I just began thinking about being a pharmacist and I feel like I've wasted some time by not already having a job in a pharmacy.
Thank you!
Loved your thoughts on being a pharmacist. I'm 22, and in my fifth year of college for a BFA in Photography, a stretch from pharmacy, but I started out in Mechanical Engineering, so I can't really stretch my interests much further. I had an interest in pharmacy back in high school but thought that engineering would be a better fit for some reason and never really looked into pharmacy school options. Now I am wondering if I should try going through 6 more years of school just to have a career change? I want to settle down and have a family in the next few years and I believe that I am capable of going to school at the same time. I just don't know if it's worth it. 11 years spent in higher education seems ridiculous?
On another note, I took 1 college chemistry course and did well, but this is all I have to go on as far as science courses go.
hi! we're 3rd yr pharmacy students in Philippines. we're now experiencing the start of hard part of pharmacy course. i wish we could get over this. ( and yes, we will!!:D )
this is a nice article. gives us something to look forward to and relate to. :)
Dear Mr. Pharmacist,
Like all the rest, I loved your blog and am fascinated by all your horror stories. I doubt there are any profession that doesn't entail having to deal with challenging situation or people though, so being a pharmacist isn't the WORST job in the world. In fact, it's one of the best since you get to help so many people! After reading all the comments above, it's surprising to me that a lot of young people are afraid to start preparing for pharmacy school. Heck, I'm 27 years old and I'm going through it :)
On this note, I'd like to hear some advice regarding gaining pharmacy experience. Back when I was in college, I did an internship class that enabled me to shadow pharmacists in a clinical setting. It's been 4 years, however, and I don't have any other pharmacy-related experiences to speak of other than that my line of work which involces clinical trial testing for drug validations. I've read up a lot of blogs stating that it's almost a necessity for one to have experience in a pharmacy setting and I've tried contacting retail pharmacies to see if I could volunteer for them. So far, CVS, Wal-Greens, and Rite Aid have all given me a solid "no". I wouldn't want to give up my job and go through the pharm tech route (no offense) since I have a ton of student loan debts to pay off and the wage it provides wouldn't help me with that situation. My question to you is where could I get the resources on which pharmacy/clinics would offer me a volunteering position? Since my interest is in drug development and biopharmaceutical track (I'm aiming for pharmD/MBA), would I still need to volunteer? Please advise!
Hi!! ok so i just graduated hs im 18 years old. I am extremely interested in becoming a pharmacist, but right now im a bit confused of how to even begin, i have not enrolled to any college. I am interested in entering one of the accelerated programs...i am guessing i would have to move to one of the few schools that actually have the program? but you say here that i should go to community college first? im sorry im just a bit confused. And also i currently don't have a social security, would that affect me a lot? if i cant work as a pharmacy tech i would definitely do community service in any local pharmacy if i have to.
Sorry the reason i ask you this is because i've heard or read that once a student graduates from hs they just apply to a pharmacy school and goes there for 2 years, then another 4 years for another school.
Ok thankyou. Another question is i don't have a social security yet or a work permit. I know that they look at your work experience...or just experience at all, like if you've worked in a pharmacy. i was just wondering if just plain community service would help? i would love to become a technician first, but is it possible?
I'm looking into becoming a pharmacist,BUT I would also love to have a big family one day..would this be too much of a job for that big of a family??
Pharmacy has interested me and I'm planning to pursue it as a career. I just wanted to know if pharmacy is a career that allows you to do other things -painting for example- and have free time with you life, or does the career absorb your life? I was planning on having a family and I want to spend time with my kids. Does pharmacy allow these things? (Sorry, I'm just really concerned!) :)
Do you have to become a pharmacy tech first? To become a pharmacy tech, you have to become certified, right? Would job shadowing be enough, because I'm not sure I can work as a pharmacy tech and handle school at the same time.
I heard pharmacy school is SUPERULTRA difficult. I'm a good student at my current high school and don't mind sacrificing time to study, but I don't have nerves of steel. I'm afraid the pressures of pharmacy school – and waiting for acceptance into one- will make me crumble. Is it really that difficult, or is it possible?
I really appreciate that you are answering these questions! There are not very many people I know that I can ask for pharmacy advice.
Well, I'm going to Columbus State University in Georgia (I know, no one has ever heard of it) for my first four years of college - pharmacy prerequisites included. I was looking to transfer over to UGA after I was done. They give prerequisites at UGA as well and I'm fearing I won't be chosen because I did not chose to complete prerequisites at their college. Does this happen often, or do schools usually accept transfers?
I just thought It would be more affordable to take my prerequisites at a university with a lower cost, but I certainly don't want to be hurt for it.
I am 41 years old; always wished to be in the medical field, but I couldn't for financial issues. is it too late to be a pharmacist?
thank you
I'm really confused. The university I'm going to next year is judged both good and bad by people in my area. The SAT entrance scores are really low as well as the GPA scores. I don't hate the university, and I'm sure those who don't take the education seriously will drop out after their core courses, but I'm so afraid that when I apply to a pharmacy school (and I'm positive the competition will be even more hectic in 6 years) that they will laugh at me. I don't want them to refuse me because of my university. Do you think becoming a pharmacy tech first will help my resume. (As you can tell, I'm a major worry wart!)
Hi! Great article! I think I need to share this with all of the people I know who think that pharmacists just hand out pills! I'm going into my 4th undergraduate year of school for my bachelor's in biochemistry and currently applying to pharmacy schools. I'm also trying to self-study for a pharm tech license before summer's over to gain more exposure to the field as I apply. I have a question for you. I know that as you go through schooling, you are rotated in a variety of different pharmaceutical settings. I was wondering how difficult it is to move around between different settings (i.e. retail, hospital, etc) after you have your pharmD?
Also, do you have advice to give to an aspiring pharmacist in terms of the application process and interviews? Like I said, I'm in the process of applying and it's quite daunting! I have a 3.7+ GPA but not too much extracurricular activities going on. I do volunteer at a children's hospital though. I decided not to volunteer at a pharmacy because it's mostly menial paper work without much learning involved. I'd rather have some patient interaction, which I get from my current position. I'm wondering if that will have any effect on my chances, because I know that many applicants have experience in pharmacy (whether as volunteers or techs or interns). That is why I'm self-studying to get a tech license, but I don't know if that's enough to convince them that I really do know that I want to become a pharmacist. Any tidbits of advice would be helpful!
Thanks for this great post!
Hello pharmacist :)
So here's my story..
I was accepted to a four year college but declined the offer because it didn't quite offer a major I thought might relate to pharmacy. So now I missed a semester of college but im making it up in summer..To get to the point..Im going to attend community college for two years and transfer to ucsd..Does going to a community college affect getting hired in a retail pharmacy after I obtain my PharmD?..Does it affect getting accepted to a good pharmacy school?
BTW!..Everyone tells me it will, and that I messed up giving up a four year..that when it comes down to getting hired I will be overpassed by someone with a better "education", but I'm in it for the kill to become a pharmacist one way or another..And either way they're not pharmacists!
Loved your article
Right now I'm a senior in high school, extremely interested in pharmacy. I was thinking about attending community college for 2 years and then transferring to usc and hopefully getting my bachelors in biology. My question is will this plan hurt my chances of getting into pharmacy school? I really don't want to attend a 4 year right after hs, mainly because of the expense (and not to mention pharm school)
Well USC's pharmacy school (which is what I'm aiming for) requires a bs degree, and I figured I'll major in bio and get those pre pharmacy classes out of the way. Thank you for your advice :)
Hi!I'm a junior in high school now, really interested in being a pharmacists, but I confused about do I really have to pick a college that has pre-pharm or I can also major in biochem?
I am so glad there are people like you to help out.
I'm planning to attend my local university for 4 years and get the prerequisites out of the way and then transfer to a school of pharmacy.
Thing is...I've got my path all planned and everything, but I've been told to be a pharmacist you have to LOVE Chemistry. And, well, I don't love chemistry. I like the sciences and learning about them, but my true passion remains in biology - not chemistry. I do want a career where I help people, but I just cannot handle the thought of dealing with blood and other various body fluids. Would it be wise to consider pharmacy if I don't love the subject it centers around?
The college I'm going to for undergrad offers honors courses. I was wondering if it would be wise to take them to look better for colleges of pharmacy I will be transferring to. I know science classes will be difficult on their own, but should I take the honor classes? Or should I take regular classes and try to find a job - like a pharmacy technician.
Are you sure it doesn't matter too much where you go to undergrad? I'm the top ten of my class at my high school (which isn't that big of a deal considering most at my high school are smart they just don't try). And I was planning to go to my local university. To some people in my city, the local university is 'a joke'. Of course I do not view it that way and I think it will provide a decent education, but most don't seem to think that and I'm a little afraid the pharmacy schools in my state will believe that as well. I'm just a sorry seventeen year old who can't really drive yet and is not ready to move out.
Plus my parents want me be at home for my first few years of college and that local college has the pre-pharmacy classes I need. And according to their website, the credits transfer to pharmacy schools in the state so...IDK.
First I want to say how much I enjoy your humor. Secondly, I want to appreciate your sincerity in telling us what it's really like to be a Pharmacist from your day-to-day routine, which didn't AT ALL disillusioned me. A little about myself. I'm 32, my first degree was in the Arts and I'm now pursuing an Associates in Pharmacy Tech. I lived almost 10 years as a starving artist, I followed what was in my heart, that's the kind of person I am. But following what was in my heart also put me in these dire straits of constant unemployment, unhappiness with jobs, and feeling disoriented. I chose to do Pharmacy Tech because I need a job! Come to find out, my professor pulls me to the side the other day to recommend that I should become a Pharmacist. OK, I'm a good student, always have been, but I didn't ever have an inclination toward Science or Math, it was towards the creative arts.
I'm a big dreamer, I DREAM about new things in life, I dream about me going into this field and succeeding and traveling and doing and just being called doctor, it's amazing, it gets my adrenaline going. But I'm scared. Yes I'M TERRIFIED once I look at that curriculum. My background is in the arts!!! what am I doing????!! look at all that chemistry , OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ok...calming down now.
OK, well let's say I go into the program, I take all my pre-pharmacy courses. I just want to have a plan B ok?
I can't just dive into taking courses that are going to cost a fortune - I don't even know if Financial Aid can cover everything first of all - anyway, just in case I don't get accepted into Pharmacy School, what else could I do with those courses? What are my alternatives?
(ps. love the huskies!)
Hi there, i#ve really been enjoying your article so far. I'm currently in the process of figuring out what i want to do at Uni, and have increasingly become interested in this area. Please could you tell me the difference between a pharmacy and a pharmacology degree. a lot of the people ive been speaking to are saying not to do pharmacy at any cost, although i think the money would be great! please let me know what you think! also, i live in the UK if that helps in any possible way! thanks so much!!!
Great article! I am 22 and recently graduated in business. I feel that it is not a career that I want to pursue and suddenyl I thought of pharmacy. But entrance to PharmD programs here in Canada is really hard and it will probably take me 2 years just to get ADMITTED to a PharmD program. I am very discouraged and now I really don't know what to do. I know you can't really offer adivse but any word of encouragement would be appreciated. Regards!
I'm glad there are people out there with wit and knowledge, sharing it on the net. I enjoyed this article.
I have some questions:
-How is technology (new software, networks, hardware) changing a pharmacist's job nowadays?
-Do you see the potential for any of this technology to threaten future job outlook for pharmacists? How so or why not?
Hello! I thought your article was both hilarious and very informative to the many people who do not realize all the tasks and effort involved in being a Pharmacist. I am starting my 2nd year in Pharmacy School (Year 4/6 total) and I knew I wanted to become a Pharmacist since Junior Year in high school. From that point on all I heard from my family and friends was hey there's a pharmacist shortage and you will make a lot of money. They never actually knew what pharmacy was all about! I always hated that and yelled at them telling them to stop spreading the word like everyone else in this country that there is a shortage (because there isn't really one anymore already) and because although the money is great it's not nor should it be ever the sole decision for pursuing such a career. Now I have something (your article) that I can send to them all so they can become educated on what we do at least in retail situations. I'm focusing on clinical pharmacy and would like to pursue a 2-year residency with a teaching hospital in my future. Any tips or advice? Thanks again for such an awesome article, you have provided much inspiration for the new school year!
Hey Pharmacist! I am a senior in high school and i have been wanting to become a pharmacist since 8th grade...my SAT score is not exactly very high which means I will not be attending the college I want to go to yet...but the college i am probably going to end up going to, doesn't have a PharmD major as one of its majors...? so what do i study when im there? do i just take some random science/math prereq's there and transfer to a college that has a pharmacy school? help me! :)
i need to no what i should oready no if i am going to be a pharmarcist
I'm a high school senior, and I have A LOT of questions about becoming a pharmacist.
1) What kind of classes do you take and what do you major in? Because I heard from a friend you could major in chemistry or something like that.
2) How many years do I have to be in school?
3) What is the difference between a hospital and a clinical pharmacist?
4) What kind of school should I go to?
Thats all....for now.
And thanks ahead of time!
hey i got a felony in the army for awol is it possible for me to take my bored to become a tech or am I out of luck because of it
Hello I am an undergrad student and I guess I am having doubts about is this really the profession for me or am I wasting my time? I don't know if it is nerves because it is getting closer for me to apply. Somebody please help how did you know that this was right for you? I am scared what if I do something wrong?
Well thank you so much and yes I understand what your sayin but no I haven't worked in one it is hard tryin to get into one around here. But I will be shadowing one starting monday well I really hope that it comes to me.Again thanks
hi. so i'm confuse on what to do with my life. I don't want to stay in school for too long i'm ready to get out of school and start my life. The thing is i want to do something in the medical field. I heard medical school is really long so i didn't bother to try something in that area. Right now my major is optometry which i want to switch to pharmacy. I've been praying about it and i'm still confuse. So should i try pharmacy ? Is it easier to get than other doctor degree's? One thing i heard is that the pre requirements for pharmacy school is harder than pharmacy school itself is that true ?
Sorry for the long essay !
Im about to graduate high school. And i want to pursue pharmacy but I don't know which schools to go to. I heard we could go to any school as long as we take the certain classes such as chemistry,biology and so on. And then transfer to like a master school for pharmacy. But still, I don't know which school to go to. And what's the difference between pre medicine, pre pharmacy and pharmacy?
Thank you! :]
Currently I am a freshman in college; I am in an undecided "exploratory" major right now, but would like to go to pharmacy school. I looked at my state university pharm school, and printed their list of pre-requisites, but I am just so bamboozled! Should I major in a science to complete these prerequisites, since my school doesn't currently have a pre-pharm program? I thought maybe I can take summer courses to complete the list at my local college back home; or should I tranfer to a school with a pre pharmacy program? Any help or information will be appreciated greatly!
Thank You!
so the pre-requisites are harder than pharmacy school itself ?
is the PCAT really hard ?
and like Mike said r the pre-requisites harder than pharmacy school itself ?
I hope to read your future article on technology and pharmacists.
Here's another issue I ran across: http://www.wmnf.org/news_stories/pharmacist-on-hun...
That article brings up two issues (very similar to what I experienced in the video game industry):
1. Hiring of foreign expert labor (so as to keep costs down)
2. Pressure from big drug companies to work at a very high speed (with problems for accurate work and quality of life).
What do you think, is this a trend, has it always been there, is it rare or common?
Ok so I would really like to go nova southeastern which is an extremely expensive university in Florida . Are there ways to get fundin for the school such as scholarships ?
And the final year of pharmacy school do you only do training or internships ?
Why do some universities have less credits than others during your 4 years of pharmacy school ? Does tht mean it'll b easier n more manageable than the other university that require more credits
Thank you for your humorous bio of retail pharmacy! Very spot on. I have worked as a pharmacy tech for 9 years, completed college 10 years ago and now at 31 am decided that I want to attempt my Everest and become a pharmacist. When apprehensive about being intelligent enough, a friend stated: Look, when you run a mile there will always be someone faster and slower than you. Bottom line, you finished the mile. Reading your responses to the public's questions has been helpful to underline my goal. Thank you!
Thnx so much !
And in your opinion which professional year was the hardest and which one was the easiest ?
Greetings Phamacist,
I go through that everyday I love it! It made me laugh :)
Im 17 and i started working as a pharmacy tech at the age of 15. The pharmacist taught me a lot of things including the side effects and the generics. I have gained a lot of experience i LOVE the job and the enviorment most importantly helping others.. I've dedicated time and effort into learning everyday at my job. Yes, it can get crazy at time but i LOVE it. Bad news is im applying for college and would love to be in an accelerated program of 6yrs. But im not so much of a school person and im horrible at math but i love science its amazing. I don't sleep at night fearing i wont make it because everyone says its so hard. But i really want this!
Like me said
Which yr was the hardest and which one was the easiest and why ?
Thnx so much and I was wondering should I take anatomy and physiology 1 and 2 before the PCAT or could I just take the first one and do the second class after the PCAT ?
Hey thanks a lot for answering all these questions, it really helps a lot. I am currently a senior in high school living in michigan. I have been strongly considering becoming a pharmacist but I don't know if I can handle it. I have always been interested in science, however I have always been around a B to B+ average in my math and science courses. This is because I never really tried studying that hard. I am considering going to Ferris state university because they have a good pharmacy program and I don't have to grades to get into the University of Michigan, let alone their pharmacy school. i'd just really like some feedback from a person thats been through it all. thanks a lot!
(oh I have taken chemistry and got a B and am currently taking human physiology and have an A)
thanks a lot, this really helps. I jave another question, once you became a pharmacist how were the job offers? did you have to go job hunting? or could you pretty much choose where you wanted to work? haha
Good day Mr. Pharmacist,
My name is Ashley and I am a Junior Biology Student who just recently threw out the lifelong dream of medicine in hopes to live a somewhat more balanced work/home life as a Pharmacist.
Problem is...I live in Florida where you must get certification to even think about becoming a pharmacy technician. By the time I GOT the certification and a job in a retail pharmacy...I would only have a couple months working there when I actually apply for Pharmacy school.
I'm taking the PCAT in January and have a 3.3gpa (not terrible), but my question is...How does one prepare for Pharmacy school interviews when they cant say "Oh I was a tech first and did blah blah and it was amazing?"
I suppose, one would question...How do you know this is what you want without having physically done this profession, but Ive been reading blog after blog of information and talking to pharmacists about their professions ever since I made this decision.
I endeavor to be a pharmacist like you, who recognizes my job is crazy, but finds the time to speak to every customer and explain everything to them, and properly mop up after the physicians who don't realize they're prescribing improperly.
Is expressing my vicarious knowledge of Pharmacy enough?
Thanks :)
Good Morning !
I'm very concerned about my future when it comes to becoming a pharmacist. It's something I've always been interested in. I don't have very good grades from high school and I just graduated this past June 2010. However, I'm highly motivated in pursing this profession. Here's my game plan and please with your honest opinion, tell me if it realistic and possible.
1. I'm planning on taking up pre-pharmacy courses in Community College ( I'd say a University but because of high school, I doubt I'm qualified)
2. After two years of CC, transfer to a University with a pharmacy program of some sort.
3. Retrieve a bachelors degree and continue on to a School of Pharmacy to get my Pharm. D.
So.. what do you think please let me know If I've dug myself into a hole. I've never been so sure about what I want to do in life.
Thanks for your time and consideration.
i am 25 yars old have 2 kids and thinking to i want to be a pharmacist, but am i to late , and i amfrom different country english is my second language i am scared that this will be a problem, im plannin to get my AA 2 year degree and transfer to usf to pharmacy school,but im not sure if i can do it im scared if i get my AA then i wouldn't be acepted in a pharmacy school then what do i do, is tehre a faster way what should i do thanks
I think I was the first-- or one of the first, to comment on this article.
You have really followed through with helpful, thoughtful, and practical advice on this subject.
I admire what you are doing (though I rarely even take an aspirin).
What part of your job do you like the most, despite all the chaos that you have to deal with on a day to day basis? What or who influenced you choose to go into pharmacy?
I want to become a pharmacist, but i don't know if i "can" i like chemistry at times, but does that mean pharmacy might not be best for me?
ok thank you! I'm going to go for it! R.U. School of Pharm!! :)
Hi I go to a community college right now and I'm planning to transfer to a university for pharmacy, but I don't know what major I should put. For example should it be AA in Biology or AA in Chemistry? The community college I'm in right now doesn't have biochemistry.
:) I had to smile at the "plug" for the Asian student to learn a few passages in John :).. Great idea!!
Thanks for your post. I am reading anything I can regarding the world of pharmacy. I am a stay at home mom currently. I am 33 years old!! Nearly 34. How I wish that I had thought of this when I was younger. I took the trade school route and went for my cosmetology license. Being a hair stylist is great, being in sales for that industry is even better, financially. I just don't want to be held responsible for sales goals. Talk about stress! I think I would rather deal with all the crazy customers out there at a retail pharmacy than ever be held to a sales goal again. Pharmacy is attractive to me, because of the work hours that it offers and the pay incentive. I can't say that my first choice would be to work retail pharmacy. I feel that its a stable profession, one that my family can count on. I am NOT a pill popper. I don't even take meds for headaches. What interests me is the "science" of it.
My thoughts are to take the accelerated course they offer here in Las Vegas, NV. The local accelerated program here had over 1800 applicants last year alone and they only accepted less than 250. The competition is fierce! That is one benefit that my age has over the younger crowd, at least a percentage of the younger crowd. :) FOCUS! This is it. I have to get through it. One shot. Now, I know there are many studious and focused kids in the younger crowd. I will envy and look up to their initiative and drive.
Since you were actually an educator in the "suicide" course, do you know from an admissions stand point what they are truly looking for in a candidate for the PharmD progam? What sets one applicant apart from the other? I am sure plenty of candidates have excellent gpa's. Is it based solely on the personal interview? If I go speak to the admissions department for the PharmD program and ask these questions myself, will it give me an in? I am looking at either the College Southern Nevada or paying the higher cost at UNLV for my first 2 years. I wonder if it would matter, attending one over the other?
Thanks for always posting replies to the comments that catch your eye! I hope that mine is one that catches your eye! :)
Dear Pharmacist,
I thought your article was enjoyable, yet knowledgeable. I am currently a freshman at UT and am having some problems with my calculus class which is a prerequisite for pharmacy school. Soon, I will have to make a very tough decision if I should Q-drop the course. At this point, I am unsure if I am even able to pass the course. So my question to you, is how much do you think a Q-drop will affect my chances of being accepted into pharmacy school.
Thank you for your opinion!
hi i'm 24. 1st year of a pharmaceutical science degree in u.k. i have many offers to do pharmacy if i complete my first year well... the thing is i'm not very good at science..only some bits. but find my self getting better as the years progress.. i really want to study pharmacy as it a fulfilling job helping people out and the freedom to move around is attractive.. i'm not 100% sure if its the rite path for me.. any advice would be helpful.. thanks.
Dear Pharmacist,
Thank you for writing this article. too often i see pharmacists get written off as just "pill-poppers," so thanks for shedding light on the realities of the profession!!
I'm 30 (which i HOPE isn't too old to begin) and have just resumed school again after the economy collapse killed my job. you may have already answered these questions, but if you could confirm that i'm doing the correct steps, it would be enormously helpful.
1) I started off by consulting 5 universities, in the science departments, in regards to pharmacy and they all gave me, hands down, that pharmacy is an excellent field to pursue.
2) I checked into a community college, and have registered for pre-reqs transferable to the pharm school i'm interested in.. I'm taking a few additional electives just to boost my GPA as well. (what is the typical GPA to fall within? i thought it was 3.5, but not sure)
3) I am registering for pharm tech classes this spring (for networking, logging hours, and experience).
Reading this, it makes sense to me, but like some others on here, I sometimes have my doubts, but i know that mindset won't help. Could you tell me if i'm approaching this with the correct frame of mind? or is there a better way? any info would be greatly appreciated because it's gnawing me.
Many Thanks
Thank you so much!! I really needed to hear that!! It really helps to get feedback from someone knowledgeable and already in the field!!
Hi again! I wanted to update the blog followers on my decision on whether or not to drop my calculus course. My advisor advised me to stick with the course if I could pull a C-(my university operates on the +/- scale). My professor reassured me (since he knew my circumstances and there is a calculus curve) that I would be able to pass with a C if I could pass my final. After an emotional roller coaster, I decided on the last class day it was in my best interest to drop the course. I felt I had a slim chance of passing the final. I tried my absolute best and it was just not enough. I made the mistake of taking M408C(accelerated 2-part calculus) when I was not ready for it. Next semester, I am enrolling in M408N (3-part calculus for science majors) and I will give it my best fight! I hope this does not discourage any future pre-pharm students. Remember, "C is for continue!" :D and remember, "Know your limit".
Hello, Your blog is wonderful. The Godly advice found is such a blessing. I'm currently applying for pharmacy schools and would like to specialize in compounding. Does anyone know of any schools that would accomplish this goal?
Thank you for taking time answering questions to curious students like me! I am senior in high school and have applied to University of Chicago at Illinois as chem major. I decided to become a Pharmacists after looking at lives of great pharmacists like you who help out others through their profession. And I have 3 questions regarding Pharmacy career.
1. I am a person who loves to move around and make trips to different places. So I was wondering if being a retail pharmacist would be right choice for me
2. And is there difference between hospital pharmacists and retail pharmacists in that sense?
3. Also,would you still recommend going to community college even if you can enroll in 4 year college in the first place?
thanks a lot for the blog is really has helped a lot of students around the world.
i am currently a first year biotechnology student, i will like to change to pharmacy soon, i just wanted on your advice on which BOOKS to read so far as to increase my general knowledge about pharmacy and be familiar with the terms in the industury.
Thanks a lot in advance, keep up with the efforts of helping students, i am truly grateful indeed.
I've been following this page for a little while, and I appreciate all the attention you've given answering people's questions. This has been a great resource to me in deciding whether to pursue pharmacy. Here's my story: I'm 24 years old, and I've attended college on and off since finishing high school, where I had great grades. However, in college, I've changed schools and majors a few times, and haven't put my best effort forward. I think that because I struggled with figuring out what I wanted to do, I didn't have motivation, so often times I'd take classes just for the heck of it and because I knew I didn't want to quit. I have plenty of credits though, and would just need my science prerequisites before applying to pharmacy school. I know I can pull good grades if I just put my mind to it. My question is, will pharmacy schools look past a weak academic background if they see improvement and motivation? I've also recently obtained the PTCB certification and am looking for a job as a technician now. I know that would help my case as well, but I am having trouble finding openings anywhere. Any advice on finding a tech job? Thank you in advance for your help!
I have a question with regard to being a "certified" pharmacy technician. I've exhausted my research abilities on the web for an answer to this.
"What is the difference between a Certified Pharmacy technician, and a CPHT?"
When viewing the salaries on both (US median income of a certified pharm tech-$48,000.00, CPHT-$23,000.00) there is a bit of variance involved.
I figured maybe the years of experience/employment would be a factor into that, but not much of what i researched supports that fully.
Some info I found stated that Pharm techs tend to make more working in a hospital, adding that "the more you can do, the better off you'll be."
Not that Pharm Techs make a lot (which is not meant as a slight to anyone), but as a student, every little bit helps.
Could you please shed some light on this for me? Thanks in advance.
I have a question. I graduated with my bachelors degree in bio medical sciences from a university. I am applying to pharmacy college. My question is do they look at my gpa at the university or do they look at my gpa, in pre-pharmacy courses AA degree.
What is with the PCAT, It is not easy..
My 24 yr. old son has an under graduate degree in bio-chemistry from a highly regarded NYS SUNY college.
After working many years in a pharmacy and most recently as a pharm tech (he can't support himself on that salary!)desperately wants to become a pharmacist. He loves the people contact and I have had nothing but compliments from friends who have encounter him at the drug store. Right now he's been in his room for about 24 hr. after taking the PCAT for the second time...the only thing he'll say is "It was brutal". His overall GPA in High School was mid 90's but in college he partied a lot and it took him 5 yr. to complete.
Aside from working in the pharmacy he's also taking under graduate courses again on-line to boost his college GPA and getting A's.
Is there any stategies you can suggest to increase his odds of getting into pharmacy school aside from acing the PCAT? Are there "oversea" schools like there use to be for medical students that couldn't get in the US? He's smart enough...are there other jobs related to this field that he could explore that could use his people skills and smarts?
Im just about to finish a community college for a liberal arts degree which is not much but I really want to be a pharmacist, I am only 19 at the moment but very confused. Living in New York, there are a lot of good schools ask for a 3.2 GPA or above but I am only 2.5. I really want to be a retail pharmacist but I cant find a school or the required majors and courses I need to take better yet I cant even find the right school for me. Is there any possible advice you can give me. I know I can do this and score higher then a 2.5 GPA, Im just lazy in a community college. Also how long would i have to study to become a retail pharmacist?
I would apply to pharmacy school this summer but I am lacking shadowing/volunteering/extra curricular. So I am hoping to spend this upcoming year doing all of that. BUT this is where the confusion comes in. Anyways maybe you could clear some of it up.
1. Retail pharmacies won't let you shadow them. (Does this mean I can only shadow independent pharmacists? But isn't that a liability to them also? )
2. Once you get your Pharm Tech License, pharmacies won't let you volunteer for them anymore. (So it's not possible to do both?)
Is this true? What else would you suggest i do? I understand that they first look at your GPA and then your extra curricular activities so I need some help with what I could do to fulfill this "extra" component of the application.
Thanks a lot for all What you've been doing, through reading your posts, I found answers to lots of questions i was stuck on.
There's Actually a big problem preoccuping me, allow me to share it with you.
I have an associate degree in Mathematics, from a foreign country, witch has been evaluated to a 2.3 Gpa, I wanted to be a pharmacist and since last year i've started taking classes at a community college, and so far i've got a W from my calculus I and a C from gen chem 1; i'm desperate about my chances to get in a pharmacy school, what advices can you give me
Thanks for your advice and your sincerity
When applying for pharmacy school, do they look at the overall gpa, from all the courses i've taken in Usa and overseas, or just the one of Usa Courses?
Best advice I can give you Baxter is to go to another Community college, and start from a clean slate, that means, like a freshman, not a transfer student, and then work hard to get a high gpa.
Hi, I'm 18 and graduating hs in a few months. I've wanted to become a pharmacist for a long time but now I don't know if it's really for me (im lost). I thought I was sure, now I'm not. It wasn't an easy road to decide on being a pharmacist - my mind swtiched from pediatrician, to ped dentist. I recently dropped ap stats to be a TA bec I was so overwhelmed by all my responsibilities i chose to let go of some. So that meant i had to inform all the colleges i applied to that i dropped a course (UC Irvine, Davis). I'm scared that, that took me outta the race. And i know chem is a big part of pharm but its not my best subject. How will that affect me? Im planning on being a tech then go to pharm school at UCSF. Ive shadowed a pharm and thought it was interesting. Ive also interned at different depts at hospitals and a dental office. Idk what to do anymore bec im just confused. Pls help! Advice/consolation would be greatly appreciated...pls help, i need it!
Thanks, I'm so glad to hear that from an experienced professional. I guess I'm just doing what I do best - overthinking and freaking out. I'm doing my best. And I'm working on enjoying life more. Thanks again :)
But, how do you think dropping Stats will affect my application to UC? And the chemistry?
I appreciate your help and consideration.
Amazing article! I am currently a technician for Walmart, and I see what Pharmacists go through every day! It's gruesome! Keep up the good work, sample some of those Xanax every once in a while .....(just kidding!)
I'm 17 and in my junior year of HS I became interested in becoming a pharmacist in my H Zoology class. I mainly became interested because I got good grades in my H chemistry class and it just all made sense to me and I enjoyed it. It just clicked even with a teacher who didn't teach at all. I'm generally a B student and have passed AP world history and AP Lang and composition. I'm a natural writer and I enjoy chemistry. My problem is I read that math is an important part of the pharmacist repertoire. I was generally good at math up until trigonometry, which I had a C. And I am now taking stats. I'm scared because I don't think I have what it takes to be successful in a calculus class or any other complex math. Biology was okay for me but am much more interested in zoology so my second choice of occupation would possibly be a bioengineer, though I was very much set on pharmaceutical work but am now not so sure.
I am 37 and am in pre-pharm classes with hopes of starting pharm school in summer 2013. I worked as a Project Manager for over 10 years. never enjoryed it, and now the industry is saturated with no work. I have always wanted to be a pharmacist but life happened (married w/ two kids) and had to work hard. We are saccrificing for me to be able to do this but I know once I finish, I will be able to give us the future we realy want in a job that I want and can be proud of. I do have a couple questions for you.
1) Can you give some advice or summary of the PCAT. Is it more a well rounded test of education or is it directed more at sciences?
2) In the retail field, are you a manager that has to worry about the store's issues outside of the pharmacy and it's personel?
Last of all, I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your post and how it is very considerate of you to answer so many posts. You are an inspiration for those of us who aspire to be Pharmacists and for those of us who wish to not only be successful but let our faith be a part of our everyday life.
hi my background is bsc in comp sc and i wanna be pharmacist now i am 30 u think it worth it as my field is gone down no jobs
Hi Pharmacist!
First off let me say that I really enjoyed your wit throughout your blog. It made me laugh often and made it a light read. I also really appreciate how you've used this bog as a missionary field as well, which I find really encouraging. I do have a question for you. I am a 3rd year biology major at a big university and am doing well. I thought of going to med school and was actually signed up for the MCAT before I realized that I don't like blood, am going towards doctor because my friends are, and that being a doctor is not compatible with the working part time mom I want to be in the future. I have plans to call a pharmacist in the next day or so and get a tour of what a pharmacist does, but I would also appreciate what you have to say is most interesting about your job and before you became a pharm-tech how you knew it is what you wanted to do. What type of classes can you compare pharmacy to? I really enjoyed organic chemistry and have heard pharmacy compared to that course. I'm not scared of the work or the amount of time Pharmacy school would take, but what worries me is the "after,." I fear pharmacy will be boring and leave me unsatified with my job. Please let me know your opinion. Thank you!
I'm studying pharmacy,,my mistake,,wish me luck anyway :DD
Hi there, im currently studying 2nd year pharm in new zealand. luckily for us here it's only a 4 year degree (and it's a bachelors degree). However the work is still very tough and stressful. to be honest I don't want to be a pharmacist. But it took this degree anyway because it is a stable career and I don't really know exactly what to do. I do love chemistry though. Should I continue my BPharm degree or should I change to a bachelor of Science?
many thanks :)
HEY pharmacist im really curious... about what your high school grades were like back in the day?
Well, another aspiring -maybe- pharmacist here. My main career goal for the past couple years has been dental hygiene. But recently, due to all of the chemistry and biology prerequisites, I realized I love Chemistry...and I'm good at it too! So I'm considering a PharmD program. However, I am young and engaged to be married this summer and in the future I would like to have a family. Is it possible to be a part-time pharmacist as I raise a family?
Also, your description does, oddly, sound appealing to me. I'm worried I'd be to squimish as a hygienist.
Hi there! very nice article :)
I currently going to a Community College in hopes of transferring to USC someday. Which major would you recommend for undergrad? Which will help me more in pharmacy school : Bio or Chem? ( I don't think I can handle biochem lol.)
Although my GPA is high, I kind of feel discouraged because I'm having trouble with Calculus, is there going to be a lot of math involved in pharmacy school?
Lastly, i just want to know if working as a pharmacist is a lot of times repetitive work like everyone says. I really want to pursue being a pharmacist, but a part of me is scared that I will be stuck doing work that I don't enjoy.
Hello, I'm back! Thank you for your response to my first comment. I did find a job as a technician (fellow walmart associate) and have been there for almost two months. I really like it, there's a lot to learn and days seem to fly by so fast.
I wanted to offer some advice to others here going the community college route for their prepharm. Check with the pharmacy schools you want to apply to before registering. I want to go to Albany College of Pharmacy so I can be near home, but found out that they don't accept transfer science courses. Also the only way I would be able to do their PharmD on the Albany campus and not at Vermont is to complete undergrad there. So I'm trying to get in for this fall. Good news about that is I wouldn't have to worry about getting in somewhere else for the next two years. But I am basically losing a year in the process. I hope I can get in. So to everyone, I advise doing your research on which courses you've taken will transfer. Jason, wish me luck. I will keep you updated. Thanks again!
hi i m saeed yousaf and i m from pakistan i have completed my doctor of pharmacy in 2009 and i have 2 yrs experience in a marketing but now i came to uk for MSC Pharmacology so i want here a job in pharmacy but i m not register here as a pharmacist so can i work as a pharmacy technician?
hi , i like this article even i am not a Pharmacist , i am an engineer by the way my sister is Pharmacist . thanks
Hi. It's a great article. I'm living in Thailand and I graduated bachelor from business school when I was 20. I have spent two years being spoiled and doing nothing. Before I can get myself back on track, and started thinking really hard about my life. I have had the idea that I wanted to be a doctor back then, but it's not possible (really difficult) since throughout my childhood I studied international program, and in my country you required a thai program to enroll into a med school. Then after being jobless for a while, it suddenly hits me that I'm always interested in the drugs composition and I can still become a pharmacist. Don't misunderstand this, pharmacist is not a second option since I think it is even better than doctor in many ways, such as, flexible working time, and being able to open up my own store without having to spend my whole life in a hospital, etc.
The thing is that I studied science back then in my high school and took an GCSE O'level examination, I scored A in Biology, A in Human Biology, A in Chemistry, and a in Mathematics, but I can barely remember anything now. Besides I'm already 22. It would take me another 6 years to graduate if I can enroll into the school. Do you think it's a good idea? I think I'm a little too old and I'm afraid that I can't study since I have left the science field for long, and this field is really difficult. But a part of me still want to give it a try. I'm really confused that I'm making the right decision or not, or I'm just being stupid.
Hi, I read this article and I love it! I even started to read all your comments and since I've been looking for someone to give me advice about being a pharmacist I think you're the perfect person to ask! I'd like to ask about your studying habits back when you were studying to become a pharmacist. How long did you study per night? And can you describe how studying affected your social life and hobbies? These questions are really important to me, since I'm scared of being that person who drops out of college :(
Hi, I really like the advice you are giving and i had a quick question. I am 25, Graduated with a 2.8 and currently have a Bachelors of Communication. I was never very serious about school until recently when I have had an awakening about life. I have not taken many of pre-req classes for Pharmacy. In your opinion, if i went back to school and did well on the pre-req courses, would that be enough to get me into a pharmacy program or will my non science major and low GPA forever hold me back?
Thanks a bunch! I really appreciate you answering all my questions! I currently work at a company full time for the last 1.5 years. I am highly considering quitting and going back to school full time in the fall. Thank you for the advice.
I have been a retail pharmacist for 16 years.Switched chains a few times,very stressing. Now I am without a job with no prospects. I just heard about that guy Mr Cropp who was convicted of killing that 2 year old 5 years ago.I am sure even you have made mistakes, I have. So now I am pretty sure I will try another job. I would tell people that if you have any kind of anxiety issues, stay away from hospital or retail.What do you think?
Hi, I work for Walgreens and I am in the pharmacy all the time helping. I am interested in becoming a pharmacist, but don't know what the best major to take up in community college to start off. Can you please help me with this. I am currently taking A&P courses right now. Are they necessary. Thanks in advance.
Hi Im 20 and start my undergrad classes Sept 6 2011. I'm going to my local community college then transferring to University. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your experience at pharmacy school and undergrad? Do you have any tips for studying? I'm not the best math or science student so I'm nervous already about school.
I am a freshman at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. I am wondering how you got to where you are today. The biggest issue I have right now is getting the experience that I need to prepare myself for my rotations in Pharmacy school. I have applied to over 10 Walgreens, three Targets and many other retail pharmacies and have not been accepted to work as a Pharmacy Technician mainly because I don't have any experience to begin with. Even though I will be starting Pharmacy school this fall, I am wondering if the lack of pharmacy technician experience or just experience in general will be a drawback once Pharmacy school starts? How do I get my foot in the door (and actually work as a pharmacy technician or assistant)? So far, I have tons of volunteer hours in retail and in-patient pharmacies, but to employers that doesn't count as much. Any advice on how to be successful in Pharmacy school, how to obtain pharmacy experience, and any other related advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much!!!
Hi there!
I am currently a dispenser, and a year through my pharmacy tech course! Eventually I would like to become a pharmacist, the onlt thing is I live on the Isle of man and there is no uni here! I have kids and couldn't leave them to go to uni for 4 years! Are there any other options??
Are you still replying? I want to start moving in a pharmacist career direction but I'm not sure if it a good idea for me because of my criminal record. I'm 23 almost 24, and when I was 20 I got caught up in a firearms charge which landed me a class B felony on my record. I'm really hesitant to start putting so much effort into starting school to become a pharmacist and end up realizing no one will hire a felon for a pharmacist position. Do you know any info on background checks for this career field? Like what types of convictions would stop me from becoming a pharmacist? I was only convicted of "place to keep ammunition" and "possession of illegal magazine(clip)", my lawyer got the big charge droped which was "place to keep firearm(in my car)". Anything thing you could tell me that would help me out?
Hi, I really enjoyed your article. It was awesome to see you are still interested on working as a pharmacist and you have not get bored of. I am a first year student of a seven year BS/PharmD dual program. I'm sure it is a challenging career and actually my biggest challenge is the English, I'm a native Spanish speaker and I will attend to an English Pharmacy School, (NOVA South Eastern University College of Pharmacy). However, I trust myself and I know I'll do my best.
I have a little question for you...
I have heard that medicine doctors feel more important than pharmacists... is that true? I mean, I know that is not true, but really medicine doctors feel superior than pharmacists?
Dear Pharmacist,
I'm having an issue that, hopefully, you could shed some light on. Being that you're knowledgeable and have extensive pharmacy experience, I figured you'd be the best to ask. I've tried resolving this myself, but the only result i come up with is "I don't know."
I've recently become CPhT, but the trick for me is getting hired. I've sent out many online applications, but wondered if it would be better to apply in person. I've always preferred the direct approach (in-person) when applying for a position, but this field is different for me, and I'm not certain as to what would be best.
I would really like to work in a hospital environment, though i'm not against retail, and I understand that I would need to contact Human Resources on the matter, but my question is: would it better to apply in person, or should I keep it strictly online?
Do you have any tips that might help me in my endeavor? Are there any specific boards online that I should be looking at?
Many Thanks,
Dear pharmacist, u have a great post there with everything that one needs to know to be a pharmacist and also it's so nice of you to answer all comments since the day u posted this! Ya, let me introduce myself, i currently completed my year 1 in mpharm and would be proceeding to year 2 in Sept (fyi, it's a UK degree). But I have a problem, unlike most of the others who commented, i m just not into pharmacy. I think I have made a hassle decision and really regretted it. but i really wish that there's someone I can talk to and share my dilemma. Unfortunately, well no-one quite understands my feelings (or maybe I m just being too dramatic). I m quite lost n confused now in a way cause I really couldnt imagine myself in this industry after 3 more years... =(
Wow, I've been checking this posting every day for two weeks, waiting for my reply. Then you just skip my concerns.
Thank you, that's definatley a good direction to look for my answers, didnt know that there was such a thing as "state board of pharmacy". When I get in contact with them I'll share the info I receive about it. Thanks again pharmacist, I appreciate it.
Ive been looking into pharmacy school as of lately. Im not, however, very good at Oraganic chemistry. Will that ruin my chances of being a pharmacist? How much orgo is actually involved on the job?
Dear Pharmacist,
First I want to give you thanksgiving in allowing all of us to ask you questions, and also for the help you provide for so many aspiring to the field of Pharmacy.
I have a quick question (surprise surprise). After having received my certification, and having paid for my registration with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, I've managed to get some hits. I have been contacted by a few facilities, and they say the drawback for me, currently, is my registration status--it's not showing up. It should show as "Active."
This past Friday marks two weeks since I had registered initially with the State Board. When researching further into this (TSBP), the site said it could be an additional 2-3 weeks. My question is: how long, on average, would you "guestimate" the time frame is on becoming registered as "active?"
Is this extended period of time normal for registration? Should I contact the State Board via Phone (or would it be an effort in futility)?
This is all new to me, and I'm just wondering if there are any steps I'm overlooking.. Thanks in advance, I really appreciate it.
Many Thanks,
Studying4ever.... and ever.. and ever
WOW! That was a super fast! Thank you for the follow up! I know what's on my agenda for tomorrow morning :) Thanks again for all your help on the matter.
I nearly have a year left in high school and am trying to decide on if I realy want to be a pharmacist or if i want to get my M.D im pharmaceuticals reading this im not sure i took college prep chemisty as a sophmore and passed with a high B i enjoyed chemistry and its challenges once i understood how to do it> my situation could you give me some advice on what to do? i would like to go to college for 6 years or less but stil make alot what are my options?
hi :) im thinking about being a pharmacist when i go to college (im only a sophmore) but are there any special classes i should do in high school ?
So im 28 years old and I went to college majored in Education well family and human services.... I am now interested VERY interested in becoming a pharmacist. I took no science classes at all... Will I possibly have to start the undergrad process all over again? Is it going to take me more than 4 years to become a Pharmacist? I was thinking about becoming a cashier in the Pharm department at walgreens or cvs and moving up from there to phram tech and then going into Pharmacy... Is that possible ? what would you recomend I do .... Help Please :/
Im a 4th year pharmacy student in England! wondered if you knew if the profession was much different in the states to ours
Thanks so much thats exactly what I did today and they said the degree i have doesnt matter just gotta possibly take some science class at a community college to get the pre reqs and then apply... I am so excited!!! is there anything you wish you had known then that you know now?
hey, my name is justina and im 17. i was wondering if i could take pharm tech classes at this age. I was hoping you could help.
hi pharmacist! :)
i really enjoyed your article..... it was nice to read something that was kind of light-hearted and fun about being a pharmacist after the 10 or so negative i have read!
so... i am 23 years old and a stay at home mom of a 4 year old and a 1 year old. i've been contemplating about being a pharmacist for a couple of years now.
just a few problems though....
i didn't get the best grades in highschool. I will do my best in the pre-requisites for the pharmD program and am quite confident that i can get much better grades now, since i having a family of my own has given me the drive and direction that i never had as a highschooler.
Are good grades in pre-req's enough? I don't really have all that much time to go to volunteer or get a job as a pharm tech because of the distance from the big city and where i live (and not to mention time commitment to my family and gas money!)
Do you think it is wise for me to pursue this endeavor at this time?
Hello, this was an amazingly informative, and hilarious writing piece. I am a sophomore in high school and want to become a pharmacist. This year I am in pre-ap chemistry and health science in hopes for preparing to become a pharmacist. Do you have any suggestions for me? (:
Hi, I just want to say that I really enjoyed your article. It was very humorous but insightful as well :) I am a student at a community college and my goal is to get a degree from UCLA in bio-chem and ultimately get a PharmD from USC. However, I would like to know, what would be the best degree to get to go to USC? Do I need to major in bio-chem or can it be something else? Students applying to UCLA with a bio-chem major are exceeding the available space that UCLA has. I was thinking that maybe a less popular major would make my chances of getting accepted to USC higher. Thanks for everything!
Hi, I really want to be a pharmacist. And i'm a freshman in high school, what classes should i take..and is it really hard to be a pharmacist..i really want to be but really nervous and afraid of the hard work that will come....
Hi, i just graduated from high school recently and just last week i passed my state license for Pharmacy Technician i went to a small trait school called The Pharmacy Professionals and all i need to do is my 160 hours to get my license. I never thought i would end up doing this, but i dont wanna stop now. im planning on taking my National test soon and moving up. But i still dont want to stop there, my goal is to become a pharmacist but i got sucked up in my course that i didnt sign up for college, what are some good advice you can give me to continue on becoming a Pharmacist in the future? Thank you! loved your article.
Good day,
I really enjoyed you article. I also love that your taking time to answer all the questions. You are awesome!!!
Okay, here is my dilemma. I'm 33 yrs old and have been a part-time student on and off for the last 6 years. I have always been interested in pharmacy. My grades in sciences are A-B but math is my downfall. I still have quite a few courses to go. Sometimes this frightens me because I wanted this for so long. Now I feel as though its too far out of my reach. Anywho.. my question is..
I was accepted to a Pharmacy Tech program at my local community college. If I obtain a pharmacy tech certificate do I still have to complete more prerequistes to enter a pharmacy program? Or will the tech certificate and exprerince be enough to get accepted.
Also pharmacy techs get paid peanuts. Their starting salary according to salarywizard.com ranges from 24k to a median of 29k.
I loved this article :)
I am applying to pharmacy next year and I think I will get in (in canada). The problem is that I REALLY don't want todo retail pharm...I want to do one-on-one talking with patients in hospitals, ext. I think I would die if I had to work at wal-mart or shoppers for the rest of my life, most customers treat pharmacists like cashiers. (from what I have seen anyway). Do you have any insight on pharmacy jobs outside of retail? Thank you:)
hi :)
i need an advice , i am a 3rd year pharmacist student and i need to know if there are any courses or training i should take ?? to get an experience before actually working in the field
thanks :)
This was really good :) I am 31 years old and worked as a pharmacy tech when I was MUCH younger. However, I am thinking about returning to school but feel like I am too OLD :) (and too scared for that matter). This was really encouraging and I will continue to pray about what to do. God Bless.
I am 22 years old and I want to become a pharmacist. I was trying to become a pharmacy tech but did not get any luck. I was told to give an exam. How is it possible to work as a pharm tech without giving the exam? I am currently taking the prepharm courses at a CUNY college and have plans to go to pharmacy school next year (fall 2012). However, I believe I will not be done with all the prerequisites in time (spring 2012). Does it mean I do not stand a chance to pharmacy school? I do not want to waste another year. If I do not get in, what other options do I have?
Im 28 years old and I want to be a pharmacist... do you think its a bit old to be trying to pursue this career? I would have to take the prereqs and it looks like it may take 4-6 years to actually do this even thou I have a degree and its in Education ... do you think its a waste of time?
Hey pharmacist!
This was a great post. I've learned quite a bit from reading all of this. I'm just about to begin my junior year of high school and I have been looking at pharmacy. I have been researching it quite a bit over the last couple weeks. From everything I've read I think I would really enjoy the experience. I'm currently in two college courses (Psychology & Composition). I have been doing well and I love the experience. I plan on taking two more classes next semester. Then 4 each semester my senior year. It seems I could take a few chemistry classes. I was wondering if that would knock off some of the prereqs needed to get into Pharm School? I've read it is a bit tougher to get accepted as a transfer student, so I am looking into transferring to the University of Toledo when I graduate high school as a sophmore. Which sounds exciting. I would take a year or so there and then apply for there Pharm school. I wanted to know your thoughts on this? I'd be only 20 but applying for Pharm School. Would this be to soon and lower my chances of getting accepted? I'm a little confused on the whole college scene. But learning alot. Thanks
Thanks you are right and not to mention 4-6 years from now I will have an awesome job and making a good amount of money.... Thanks you are awesome!!!
hello sir,
i think you have come like an angel to me today.
I am going to take a major decision. I am in the third semester of pre-pharmacy and I am really confused about pharmacy school. In the two semesters of biology 1 and 2 i have reached a conclusion that I am a failure at it. I score A's in chemistry but Bio has always been B and even C :( . I wanted to change into BS in chemistry bu my parents want me to consult to pharmacists whether Biology is involved a lot in pharmacy. Please tell me how deep does the curriculum go in Biological aspect in pharmacy school. Should i think of re-considering my major if i can't score good at biology or don't like doing it? help please.
@ pharmacist,
thank you o much sir...I think my parents were right ! it is just some weak points you have to face up as a challenge and just get through it! I think I will just try to get through such classes as nicely as possible but keep my main aim to get into the pharmacy school!!!
I've been emailing the pharmacy division at UT and they said they have a 2+4 program with some prereps. So I'm hoping I can knock off a few of those in my post secondary then I'll only have one year before I can apply! very exciting!
Pharmacy guy,
I have always been interested in chemistry and math and medicine. I wanted to do something with medicine that had nothing to do with blood which is why i wanted to become a pharmacist. I am taking classes in pre-pharmacy and am going for my pharmD but wanted to have a job getting experience as maybe a pharmacy tech, but the only problem is, is that mostly you have to be certified to have the job. Should i take classes as well as the classes i am taking to get that certification to get the experience?
great news!
I contacted UT and they seem to be very excited about my post secondary and are going to send me a list of classes I can take to shave off some of the prereqs! I'm really excited.
im a matric student and im interested in studying pharmacy next year.. i wanted to know if i apply for it and after the 6years if i can work in a lab actually making the medication? if not wat do i have to study to do dat? thnx in advance.. btw ur post about pharmacy was reali helpful
Great hub. As a nursing student the Pharmacology classes I am currently taking are personally enough for me..... and the mechanism of action of this drug would be what!? Yeah we sometimes look like deer caught in the headlights. So to all you Pharmacists out there keep up the good work!
I have been wanting to become a Pharmacist for quite some time now. I'm currently a senior in high school, and I have been taking extra science classes to help me prepare for college. :)
Hi hub,
so im on my 12th year planning to go into pharmacy . ( im in highschool )
im going to do a bachelors of biochem , and i have a few questions :S
1) Can i become a pharmacist after studing biochem for my bachelors ?
2) Im not sure so i was wondering if you could tell me which other careers there are that i can look forward to with biochem in bachelors
3) how high does my average in highschool and how high does my biology and chemistry need to be from grade 12 in highschool ?
3) and i was wondering if after my years in pharmacy, when i am done, can i easily hold a pharmacy by my own hands ? or even create a pharmacy in another country ?
thanks so much .
Thanks for your insight on retail Pharmacy. Now I am very glad I didn't chose that path - it sounds terrible boring and repetitive. How do you keep your sanity?
I am a junior in college and I have taken a while to decide on my major. I was thinking of finally deciding on chemistry and later on into pharmacy. I wanted to try and get a job as a pharmacy technician in the state of Illinois and I have no certification yet. Is there something that I can do to help me get a job as a tech without any previous experience or certification? Do you recommend any retailer that may help me prepare for the test and become certified?
wow, I am glad I stopped by to read your story. I am still hesistating whether I should go into Pharmacy. i am a 25 year old female graduate high school in 2006 and slacking off until now. My dream is to be a pharmacist. However, i'm a slow learner. Oh can I ask you this, is there a career in the pharmacy field where I can do research drugs that can cure untreatable diseases such as cancer? if so, what is that position called?
Hello Pharmacist,
i am currently sophmore in highschool, and am taking pre-AP Chemistry. It is by far the most interesting course i have EVER taken, and i know i want to persue a career in it. next year i will be taking AP (college)chemistry. But after that my school offers no more chemistry courses after "AP chemistry", and i was wondering what other courses i could take that deals with things you need to know (besides chemistry) that would prepare me for working in the pharmaceutical field.
Also, does the 4 years of college you need to get a bachelors degree contribute to the six years needed to get pharm degree?
Also, after you get your degree, how easy is it to get a job as a pharmacist?
also, do you need exsperience as a intern at a phamacy to get a job a one? or just a degree?
also, is it possible to get a intern job at a pharmacy in highschool? to see if its really what i want to do, and so i can get a feel for it?
BTW, great article!!
I am interested in applying for Pharmacy this year hoping to become a hospital pharmacist. Can you suggest anything i could read that would look good on a personal statement and would be a good background read. I've looked on amazon and places but everything seems to be aimed at people who already have a degree in pharmacy i'm looking for something a little less complex just as some background information. Thanks :)
hi, i'm currently looking into becoming a pharmacist and i'm wondering what kind of communication class you would recommend to take. my school offers small group communication, public speaking, interpersonal communication, and a basic introduction to human communication. I was planning on either working inside of a hospital or somewhere along those lines....
hi i am a A level biology and Chemistry student i also study Psycology at A level. when your applying for uni do they look at your GCSE results or more on your A level results. I got an A in Chemistry and a D in biology is that good enough.thanks
Hi! I'm 27 and I'm a pharm tech student I make amazing grades(highest gpa in every class and every academic list known to man)and I never thought that I would love this line of work this much and now i'm thinking about becoming a pharmacists. I'm married my husband is in the army and we have 2 kids under the age of five, do you think it's possible for a mom ( whose determined..very determined) to add more to an already busy life. I hear that the classes are pretty intense I'm a little intimated by that and I feel like I'm too old. Oh and p.s what do you think about jobs like Walgreens who offer to pay for portions of school tuition's is it worth it?
I am an international student in the united states. Currently i am attending a community college in California. I am so lost about about what i want to do. I was just considering different careers and pharmacy is one of them. After reading your article, i am REALLY considering it and want to go for it. However, i am not sure how to get there. i know the pre requisites and all but it is just soo confusing if i need a bachelors degree before entering the pharmacy school or not? And if yes then in what? Can i enter into the pharm D program right after meeting all my pre requisites (please say yes!!)? And when is one suppose to appear for the test the PCAT? And since i am an international student am i eligible for those accelerated programs? currently i am taking few of the pre requisites i.e phy 101 chem 110 and others. so should i take the higher levels of chem in a community coll or after transfering to a university like the 200 level chemistry courses?
I'm in my first semester of college and seriously considering pharmacy. My biology grades in high school were in the high 90's. I'm OK with chemistry, but don't love it. I am taking precalculus and finding it pretty challenging. What does the actual job of pharmacy require, on a day-to-day basis, as far as chemistry and math skills are concerned?
I figured that this job could be the one for me because I have good oral and written communication skills, like bio, and enjoy teaching and meeting new people. I'd also like to work part-time once I become a mother.
Thanks for your time!
Hello, I really want to become a Pharmacist but I am doing poorly in my science programs in university in Ontario and I have to drop out. I really don't know what to do or if there are any other options available to me. I feel like I have no other options to become a pharmacist because I am doing poorly in science. Would going to college first help then transferring to University science programs again? Please help, I am so worried and I've lost all hope in myself.
Thank you
im a student in high school and i want to be a pharmacist, i want to start studying from now so what are the subjects i should focus on?
Hi there,
GREAT article. Very interesting and entertaining to boot. I gotta admit though, I was a little dissapointed in something. please dont be offended, Im going to go on a rant. ;)
2) 20 total minutes of phone calls trying to track down when and where a particular drug-abusing customer got their last narcotic prescription. Then calling the prescriber back and informing the office that they were just the latest stop on this guys shopping trip. Cancelling the prescription, and then enjoying the moment when I tell them exactly where and when they got their last prescription filled (which they neglected to tell me about). I love the "deer in the headlights" look while they are thinking "how did he find that out???". My little secret. I could tell you, but then I would have to...well...you know.
I am surprised at the lack of compassion here. And listen, I GET IT - I know its frustrating as HELL to you guys to have to deal with this crap on a daily basis. I AGREE its totally wrong for people to do this.(I got addicted long after I was on pain meds not because of pain meds but because of a combination of a crappy situation in my life, all the pain I was in, and a doc who was jacking me up to insane doses of dilaudid - at one point he had me taking 30mg SR 3x day :O I know now thats way way too high, but i didnt then - even now, im only 29) I get all those things and that it makes it harder for the ones who need it. What I also get in my situation, and from having been there, is that every.single.time. I had to do this because i literally COULDNT get into a detox,(they will not take me ever because of my concurrent health and pain issues - ridiculous) Couldnt get methadone(2 year wait list) Couldnt get into pain clinic (3 year wait list)(Canada) and doc wouldnt help(naturally) I cried afterward, and sometimes quietly in an aisle as i did it. It didnt feel good to be trying to pull things over on the pharmacists who were always so good to me. Of course, it didnt feel good to be coming off 90mg of dilaudid a day, cold, with no help and all these health problems. The point I guess Im trying to make is not all of us addicts are the sketchy dealer out to make a buck...some of us were legitamite patients or just someone down on their luck who made a bad choice and cant find any other options. Its terrible to me that there should be a wait list to get treatment for something that kills so many people. But it leaves you with no other choice, at least when you are poor - ive been disabled for five years on your eqivalent of SS.
I get the feeling you are an awesome pharmacist, and that this may be just tounge in cheek - i just want you to know that some of us dont want to be doing those types of things, and that we often cry BECAUSE we know you take glee in bringing us down - because we just wish you would reach out a hand and help deep inside...we wish ANYONE would.
Please keep being awesome ok? :)
Recovered Addict #56743556
What level math skills does this job require?
Hello, I really enjoy your blog. I have been a registered technician for almost 5 years now and I see myself working in retail pharmacy until I retire. Right now I have a few months to go until I graduate with a bachelors in health administration and health science. I would like to go to pharmacy school, therefore I found a university that can offer me the required pre-pharmacy courses once I complete my bachelors degree.My question is what are my chances of getting into a pharmacy program with just the pre- requisites rather than having a bachelor in biology or chemistry? Thanks.
what is a more useful degree to have before applying to pharmacy school, chemistry or biology? and do rankings in pharmacy school matter, is it better to go to the top ranked pharmacy colleges or are they all the same?
hello, i just graduated this year and want to do the pharmacy cource at uni.. but if they didnt accept me, what course should i do at uni to transfer to pharmacy ?
hello mr pharmacist
i am a year 12 student now and im having my HSC exams soon,im interested to be a pharmacist but im not satisfied with my results. my question is if i couldnt do pharmacy is there other cources i can do and then transfer to pharmacy???n
thank you
Hi, I'm in my first year of undergraduate college and I want to get a bachelors in chemistry, then move on into pharmacy school. Do you think this degree would be good preparation for pharmacy school?
I loved your article! it was very helpful and gave me a great insight into a typical day of a pharmacist. I also want to become a pharmacist but i practically just wasted the last 5 years and have no college credits. I just turned 24 and i just wanted to know if you think that its too late to start now from scratch? I live in miami so the closest pharmacy school I have its in Ft Lauderdale but its way to expensive and i cant really afford it so i dont know if its just better to go become a tech first and then keep studying?? What would I need to become a tech?? Im soo confused!!! I appreciate any help or advise you could give! Thanks for the great page :)
I am doing my prepharmacy at a four year college before I transfer to a pharmacy school. However I am wondering what happens if I don't get accepted to pharmacy school? What other options do I have? What other majors I can choose with my pre-pharmacy courses. I want to graduate early and get a job if I don't get accepted to pharmacy school.
Hello, I'm currently a freshmen in college, and just suddenly considered the PharmD program. I am VERY interested in biology, chemistry, math, and pathology. Those subjects that are my forte. But just like the average college student, I have so many interests...that are the contrary (ESPECIALLY music). I was going to pursue a BS in genetics, and before that I was considering other majors too. I wanted to fulfill a minor in Japanese and Music before I get into pharmacy school (if I really do eventually pursue pharmacy). I don't HAVE to apply to pharmacy school in 2 years right? I was thinking of spreading things out, and stay as an undergraduate for 3 years (fulfilling my minors), and maybe take courses in biochemistry that would also help me have a better chance in getting accepted to pharmacy school. Is that perfectly fine?
I'm in 8th grade and I am interested in becoming a Pharmacist what classes should i take in high school to reach that goal.
Thank you for your post and your generosity in answering questions! I'm 40 years old and have been on the pre-pharm route for about 6 years now (completing pre-req's and B.S. in biology). I am one class away from finishing with a 3.9 GPA and lots of extra-curricular activities, including volunteer work at CVS and the local VA hospital. I know that I would get into a good pharmacy school if I applied. Even though I know I will enjoy the work a PharmD degree will open up for me (I enjoy teaching and also helping people with their health), I am currently single (no boyfriend) and hope to be able to marry and have kids one day (preferably biological ones, though if that doesn't work out I'd be open to adopting). I know I'm probably over-planning for the future, but I was wondering if you could offer any advice to me on whether I should take the plunge and get into debt with a PharmD program (I still have to spend the next year studying for the PCAT before actually applying), knowing that this decision will basically force me not to be able to start a family til after school is over and after I spend a few years working full-time to pay off my loans. I cannot see myself having kids while in pharmacy school (unless my husband would be willing to be a stay-at-home-dad!). The other option is to not apply to pharmacy school and do a more flexible option (a "free" PhD maybe), which would not prevent me from having biological kids should I meet a person I love and God would want for me to marry. There are no guarantees, of course, that I'll meet a "soulmate" in the next 7 or 8 years, though. And if I didn't go to pharmacy school just because I wanted to have the option of having biological children, I'd be so disappointed (to say the least), and wish I had gotten a PharmD. I know a PharmD is the best degree to get for the kind of life and work I want to do for the rest of my life, but, like you, I feel like being married and raising kids is a much higher calling than being a pharmacist. So I don't want to sacrifice one for the other. I've been thinking about this so much that I've tired both myself and my family and friends with questions and deliberations. So I was hoping that you would be able to come with a fresh and objective perspective on my situation/problem. Thanks so much for reading this long message, and for helping with any advice/counsel you may like to give!!
This article was hilarious!! I am currently working as a tech. I had gotten accepted into USP's pharmD program but couldn't get a loan to go. Hopefully once I get some of my student loans from my tech schooling down I can go.
Dear Jason,
First of all, I would like to thank you for this informative yet comedic article. It truly is inspiring.
I am 16 years old and I am a junior in high school. I live near Los Angeles, CA and I am really confused and overwhelmed about the path of pharmacy but it really and truly is my dream and passion.
I just really want to clear some stuff up:
1. Do you have to be good at math? What is the math that is required to enter into a PharmTech or and Pharm school. I am currently taking Precalculus, but I am doing so average and barely hanging on a thread with a C.
2. If I do choose pharmacy as my path after high school, what is the best situation to follow: The 6 year Pharm.D or the 4 year BSPharm?
3. If I recieve the BSPharm does the time shorten to recieve the Pharm.D later?
4. How is the lifestyle after I get a job? (House, Marriage, Kids, etc.)
5. And I know this shouldn't be my main concern and I should not be asking it but how is the salary. (I really don't care but it would be nice to know)
6. Does the school matter? Do all schools perform the same? Are all schools treated the same?
7. Is there anything now I should do while still in high school and free from the over stressful world of adult hood and more school to prepare/engage/motivate myself become a pharmacist?
8. I am scared to talk to my neighborhood pharmacist because they always seem so busy and stressed. I really want to talk to a Pharmacist first hand and learn what is truly is like in their day.
Sorry to bombard you with this post of mine, but I really need some answers and some motivation.
Thank you so much!
Paulo Valderama
Hi Jason,
Thank you so much for offering your thoughts. My parents think I should go ahead with pharmacy too, and not be concerned with the other issues. I'm definitely leaning toward going along this route, and am praying for direction too. You're doing a admirable work here on hubpages!
I'm currently a second year biotechnology major with a 3.0 gpa and I'm currently working to get it back up higher. I've been trying to figure out what I want to do and pharmacy seems more suitable for me because I'd rather interact with people that sit in a lab, isolated all day. What major do you think is suitable to be accepted into a pharmacy school or would biotechnoloy be ok? Also, what is the gpa generally required for admittance into a pharmacy school? Thankyou!
Hi I was just wondering if UW is really hard to get into? I think it is the best pharmacy school in washington and plan on going there after two years at scc. Also I woul d like to know if pharmacy manager then assistant pharmacy director then pharmacy director are plausible goals for me with my eventual six year degree? Thanks in advance and I loved your article! God bless all:)
Hey Jason,
Hey Jason!
I am a community college student planning to transfer to a university in Fall 2012. I was going for a BIOCHEMISTRY major, but I encountered a couple of universities that offered majors such as PHARMACOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY and PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES. Are these majors better than biochemistry in terms of preparing me for pharmacy school? What do you think?
Thank you! :D
What got you interested in pharmacy? Why did you choose it instead of, say, med school?
Hi I'm a pharmacist here in the Philippines my question is do you know the step's in applying as a pharmacist in the US? Can I apply as a pharmacy tech for the mean time? do you know anyone who sponsor pharmacist from the Phil. to the US? thanks
Im in school now to become a pharmacy technician, but im currently enrolled in the diploma program. Would there be any advantage to my career if I were going for my associates degree? Eventually, I want to work as a chemotherapy pharm tech. Is it a good idea to switch my degree?
ive heard so many negatives about the over saturation of the pharmacy job market due to new scchools opening up, more grads etc. I have a BS in Biology, a great gpa, and good experience in the field. I think it sounds like a wonderful career if it wasnt for all the negativity ive been hearing regarding the job market for new grads and how hard the retail chains are pushing pharmacists. do u think new pharm d's will still be able to get jobs upon graduating in 4 or 5 years? and do u think
your article was very informative and intersted. i am 16 and a junior in High school. i go to a techincal high school and i take culinary, Ha i want to take up Pharmacy ( far from food right ?) and i just took my PSAT's... My question is Where do i start ? i realllly want to get away to college but im torn , do i go through a four year program, or start as a tech ? and if i do do a four year program.. what should i major in ?? Please help i really want to do this Thankss !
I am in my senior year of environmental engineering...but have found I enjoy organic chemistry and biology more than other topics covered in the major. I am currently wishing to enter the medical field and have a biomedical engineering research position at a nearby institution. I'm trying to make the choice between continuing on for a masters in biomedical engineering (which career options seem very hit or miss depending on the city), a pharmD (which seems to expand on my interests in O-chem and biology while honing in on my organizational skills) or an MD (likely following with pathology). My biggest concern is job opportunities: I think I could achieve any of the paths school wise. Do you have any thoughts?
Hi Pharmacist! Read your article and loved it:) It gave me a good idea what of Pharmacist actually do behind that big counter! I have one question though
I did tons and tons of reading and some say that students have to complete 2 years of undergraduate study and then 4 years of Pharm school. However, I read elsewhere that they require 4 years of undergraduate study and 4 years of of Pharm school.
Would it be ok for a student to apply at a Pharmacy school with a 2 years behind them or is it better with 4 years?
I was researching PharmD program online and I found your blog. Thanks for posting it and still offering advice to readers after posting.
I had a bachelor degree in information system. It sounds like a good one because I am in the silicon valley. However, it's a degree from a foreign country and so it doesn't carry much weight in the US.
So now, I'm working as journalist for a local weekly but it's an unpaid internship. I have secured a slot at one of the top journalism master's programs in the US but the tuition is too high. So my total debt, if I enroll, will be somewhere between $50,000 to $75,000 for less than a year of education. Imagine paying back all that with a reporter's wage! And in this economy, given the already shrinking news industry, even graduating from a top j-school can't guarantee a job.
So I am really worried. I looked at Dept. of Labor's published data and found pharmcists get decent salary. Since I have to take out loans for school anyways, do you think it would be a better investment to go to community college, complete the prerequisites, and then finish PharmD at a state school than going to a private school for journalism?
By the way, factoring age, I am in early 20s. So I guess it's not to late to go to PharmD program or medical school, right?
Hello there :)
I am currently studying a BSci degree, majoring in pharmacology. I'd just like to know the difference between pharmacy, pharmacology and medicinal chemistry in terms of career opportunities. I am actually interested in the drug development side of things.
many thanks!
I am 33 years old and hold a BS in biochem; my gpa is 2.3 I also took graduate courses for one semester and decided to go into pharm school. I have applied to three accelerated pharmacy programs LECOM/MCPHS/SUCOP. My question to you is due to the pharmacy profession oversaturation how much an PharmD/MBA will help. On another note my relatives suggested Nurse Practitioner might be a better choice as far status and salary. But I am more passionate about studying pharmacy. Any suggestion?
i joined the Hubpages because of this article :) i'm a fresh graduate from school of pharmacy, so it was interesting to read this :)
hi, i have done my pharmacy technician online through Penn foster and now i want to become a Pharmacist! is it possible for me to apply at universities with those results?? plzzz i need help... great article
I am thinking about becoming a pharmacist.
I am currently a senior in high school and I wanted to know if you absolutely have to love science to be a pharmacist.. I am really bad at science and do not enjoy it at all but really want to be a pharmacist...
I'm a junior in high school, but I am very interested I. Pharmacy already. I have a 3.8 GPA and I am very good and interested in math and science. What do I need to know to be a pharmacist and do you have any advice on anything that I should do in high school to prepare for being a pharmacist?
Im a highschool student, and im thinking to become a pharmacist. Do you know what colleges offers good pharmacy programs?
One more question for you: I know there are 2 different "paths" you can take as a pharmacist: One being in the Rite Aid type setting and the other being in the hospital. I've heard you have to (or should) complete a 1-2 year residency in pharmacy to work in the hospital. Do you have any thoughts on how these two lines of work are different? I've heard the residencies tend to be fairly competitive.
And how often do pharmacists have to work overnight shifts? I wouldn't mind working overnight sometimes or some weekends, but I certainly wouldn't want that to be my entire life.
I am 25 years young and have been working in Long Term Care Pharmaceuticals for 6 years. I am almost finished with my classes to become a medical assistant. I am wondering about a career as a pharmacist, will my medical assistant course allow me to start my 4 years at Pharmacy School or will I still need 2 years of pre-reqs? I consider myself to be pretty smart but as a mother of 2 little girls I am worried about the time needed to put in to an education that lengthy and in-depth. Any suggestions??
what has to be your GPA if you want this job???????????
I admire your truthfulness and thorough knowledge of the profession. Few years ago I tried to gain admission to a few medschools and was rejected; now I am aiming a doctorate degree in pharmacy hoping to make it through. Now when it comes for interviews; the admissions committee like to know why i chose to enter that field. Do you think it sounds strange if i say i like science...i like drugs....and i like caring for ppl.
Why are there more women pharmacists than males pharmacists?
Also since it's anonymous blog I feel more at ease asking this question. I know of a foreign pharmacist who studied pharmacy in Haiti and worked there for years until things got out of control and now came to the USA and worked as a pharmacy manager at CVS Caremark in Boynton Beach FL making over 150k/year with no loans. He did not have to go back to school just took the NAPLEX pharmacy test and get his licensed. I went to school here in the USA and can't even land a job so I am thinking going back to school to earn a degreen in pharmacy but each pharmacy program tuition cost is over 100k for accelerated and traditional. What's your thought on that?
Im a junior in high school and plan on taking dual enrollment classes to start me on my way to become a pharmacist. Many have told me although the pay is good, the job isn't worth it. I can see you think differently but im still lost on where to start. You would think the faculty at the schools would be of some use when it came to this but they havent the nearest idea on what i need to start with or what its like.
good day
i am a 2nd year pharmacy students, i am really looking forward to become one of the reliable and trusted pharmacist here in the Philippines..
thanks for sharing your knowledge..
good day
i am a 2nd year pharmacy students, i am really looking forward to become one of the reliable and trusted pharmacist here in the Philippines..
thanks for sharing your knowledge..
I admire your truthfulness and thorough knowledge of the profession. Few years ago I tried to gain admission into medschool and was rejected; now I am aiming a doctorate degree in pharmacy hoping to make it through. Now when it comes for interviews; the admissions committee like to know why i chose to enter that field. Do you think it sounds strange if i say i like science...i like drugs....and i like caring for ppl.
Hi Pharmacist!
Great piece and great additional comments from all others! One question, just started at a retail pharmacy and began doing the finial check on the scripts that get thrown my way. Any suggestions on how to check such as the order or flow in reading over the script and comparing it to what's in and outside the bottle? They don't teach us this in pharm school! Thank you for all your insight! Jonathan, PharmD
Your article was very funny. I have always found pharmacy interesting. My dream is to become a pharmacist and then possible pharmacology one day. I want to make my dream happen. If you could give me some advice, that would be fantastic. I graduate high school in 2012. Since 2010, I have been doing a program that allows me to take all college courses. What does this mean? For the past year and a half I have taken only college level classes at a state university. I feel that this gives me a very nice advantage. I am approaching the end of my second year quick, and to be honest, I'm incredibly nervous. So many questions. What major, where to apply, how to do this, how to do that? My GPA is very good and I love science and math. Could you give me some advice on a major to pick? How to study for the PCAT, tutors, websites, etc. Shadowing, anything good... How hard is it really to get into pharmacy school. I have never been this scared in my life and it would be awesome if you could help me or refer me to someone. Thank you Mr. Pharmacist
Thanks in advance for your insight. I am 33 yrs old and I have 11 yr old boy; hold a BS in Biochem/Chem. I am hoping to gain admission to Sullivan University College of Pharmacy in Kentucky it is my first choice one b/c of their dual pharmD/MBA and two rent seems really cheap there unlike my homestate worcester MA; my question to you will i be able to get enough loans to cover my rent/food/gas all expenses in addition to school tuition. I am terrified just thinking how am i going to attend school for three years w/o a full time job (still hoping to work part time. I am a single mother with no child support.
please help!
thanks so much
I heard youve to take calculus or cal 2? If I got a B in precal, can I make it in those two levels T.T
Thanks Pharmacist for the couple of tips for checking scripts! When do you think your piece on, "tips for new retail pharmacists," going to be published? Can you let me know if it's going to be up on a website? Again, thank you!
I'm A hs student in Canada currently enrolled in the IB program.What kinda marks do you need to get accepted to pharm school,and what kinda marks do u need during pharm school?do u just need to pass the class or do u have to get 90s or are 75s acceptable?
I just got an email from a pharmacy school regarding missing courses in order for my application to be considered completed: public speaking, A&P...I have taken so many classes in writing and discussion so I am really annoyed to see them asking me for public speaking class, does it need to say on the transcript public speaking or can it be any class as long as you do presentation and discussion in front of the students. Also i took A&P at a community college but on my transcript it's called bio112/122 lab included; but each pharmschool insisted of me from me to submit or tell them when i am planning to take it; I am starting going crazy with their nonsense request but still I want to gain admission. I graduated since 07 can't afford to take out loan for one course or two.
Please help!!!
hey this is a great article and it gave quite much info, hats off.. what i wanted to find out was if i do only 1year of a-levels instead of the full 2years, am i legible to apply for the full pharmacy course with thaat?? and what if i have done a Pharmacy technician course? will that help me??
plz help, im really lost and i dont know what to do and i have never done sciences> Plz help me!!
hi pls i need advice am a nigerian and graduated with a cgpa of 2.3 in human anatomy can i study pharmacy in the u.s pls advice on what to do
I enjoy reading your blog. I have a few questions for you if I may:
Who do they consider part of the admissions committee?
Are there all students in the accelerated PharmD program attend school only and no work on the side (whether 5hrs/wk)?
Do you make more money if you hold a PharmD/MBA versus PharmD (well besides career advancement what else can one benefit from getting a dual degree)
last question, can a student get money for living expenses in addition to cost tution; and what are the best loans who you recommend.
Thank you for your valuable time,
I am not sure if someone already asked you this before but what is the minimum GPA requirement in any PharmD school and is it true employers only care about whether you're licensed or not?
I noticed there are so many dual degree PharmD/MPH or PharmD/PhD or PharmD/MBA....what's that all about? Does it mean we are left behind for those with only a PharmD? Tx!
Lee again to be more clear is 2.0 the mark just like college and if someone fails one class does it mean they are out? then when applying for jobs do we need to show transcripts or is it only required license?
I have my interview tomorrow for my reapplication into the professional phase from pre prof...I was trying to prepare for the interview with some questions I found. Please can you give an example of what kind of issues with patients would call for a pharmacists immediate attention? and your article made me so so happy because the things you mention are exactly what I've always wanted to do. I've never been able to work in a pharmacy yet. Please can you give me any advice on how to go about in an interview.
Thank You :)
Thanks again for your reply. I mean what kind of ppl make the body of the admissions committee; are they pharmacy lecturers, doctors, admissions staff, formal pharmstudents or just anybody who's hired to be the gatekeepers?..
Is it true pharmacists have the highest suicidal rate? some say other healthcare professionals and others say pharmacist in particular?
Beside retail and hospital; can pharmacists work in an office? I am not too thrilled about being the front person at a CVS or Walgreens or at a hospital...
I am planning on going into pharmacy school and was wondering what major or degree is required. Thanks!
I was reading one of your latest responses to a blogger, "An MD calls and wants to prescribe omeprazole for a 6 month old child and inquires about appropriate dosing and compounding procedure".
I did not know if pharmacists are being consulted by doc on the dosage. Also can you elaborate on compounding procedure?
Thanks for your time,
Thank you for the feedback; very informative.
Hola farmacéutico!
I found your blog very informative and fun to read as well; but i can't help filling the chill when thinking how much debt one has to carry just to work in that profession; as a matter of fact any highly regarded profession such as doctors, lawyers...; is it worth it to take out 120k in loan ONLY to make 115k and pay it back for the next 30 years or so... Something does not sound right, I may never be able to own a house with that kind of debt, SIGH!
What has led you to pursue a degree in pharmacy; in your profile you mention you are a father would you encourage your children in that field? Also, if you weren't a pharmacist what other profession would you pursue or if you could start it all over would you rather be doctor$, lawyer, a politician, or a school superintendent, or better yet an investment banker?
Have a bless wkd!!!
Dear Pharmacist,
I just received an email from Dr. Facione the gatekeeper for college of pharmacy at sullivan university college of pharmacy in KY; requesting to take A&P and public speaking class in order to be considered. I am 33 yr old graduate student with a BS in biochem and some graduate-level courses in Vet&Animal Sci, would you suggest to attend a community college (tuition cost is impossible cause i can barely pay for my rent). I really hate their constant request for this and that.....
Can these courses be considered for public speaking cause that's all we pretty much did in the class. I welcome any suggestions and thanks in advance!
ENG 111 College Writing 1 3.00 C 2003 SPR 1.00
ENGLWRIT 112 College Writing 3.00 3.00 B- 8.100
ENGLWRIT 111 Basic Writing 3.00 3.00 AB 10.500
thanks for your reply and I apologize for any inconvenience. I have taken so many of these classes they just don't have a public speaking title course but that's what we did; research a topic and present/discuss in peer group. But I'll definitely for the course description as you suggested.
Here are some of the courses:
BIOCHEM 491H Sem-Senior Honors Seminar 2.00 2.00 C+ 4.600
EDUC 395Z S-Issues Intergroup Relations 3.00 3.00 A 12.000
HONORS 191D S-Dean's Book 1.00 1.00 B 3.000
Can a class dialogue be considered as public speaking; I have looked at the course description and the Edu395 is mainly dialogue; hope he waives it but i doubt.
Again thank you for your feedback!
Your article is just amazing!
I'm an Indian ,I've done Bachelors of pharmacy (4yr degree )and planning for higher studies in Canada .I'm interested in pharmaceutical analysis or manufacturing .But many of my friends and the education consultant have suggested me to choose pharmacy technician programme abroad as its the right step for pharmacist who wants to start their career abroad.But I knew nothing about what the technician do & and have started reading different articles and finally found the best one!!thanks for that!!I have few questions in my mind I hope I can get your valuable answers regarding this .
!)what are the requirements in order to become a pharmacy technician?I know something that ,I should get above 6.0 bands in IELTS before applying for particular pharmacy colleges.
2)whats the duration of that course?
3)which programme (i.e pharmacy technician or pharmaceutical quality assurance &quality control)
have good scope?
4)If I get an offer letter from particular college in Canada and finish off pharmacy technician
course with some good grade,Do I still need to give any further tests for getting a job in hospitals or retail ?
please do suggest me and your answers are so valuable for me to get into right path.
thanks in advance .
How do you manage your spiritual life and your profession?
Also, a good friend of mine just graduated in pharmacy and is not too enthusiastic of me seeking a degree in pharmacy; said NP has more respect and is more trusted.
I am really interested in becoming a pharmacist, but I also have a few things that are holding me back. I have phobias of shots and blood, and have heard a few stories from pharmacists that they see many disgusting things. Is this true and will I have to deal with my two fears to be a successful pharmacist?
Hi Pharmacist,
Thanks for the quick reply,I really appreciate it & sorry for any inconvenience ,as I'm having another question in my mind,please do clarify .
may I know which one of the programmes i.e either pharmaceutical quality control &quality assurance or pharmacy technician have wider scope in America?
eagerly waiting for your reply pharmacist
Thank you so much!
Dear Pharmacist:
How powerful a LOR from a former boss or professor versus a LOR from a licensed pharmacist, in another word how much weight do you think the admissions committee put on it if it's from a pharmacist?
Also, when you went to pharmacy school did you have to spend 4 years back then (not that I am suggesting you're old) but what was the length of the pharmacy program?
I was recently contacted by the Dean of one the pharmacy school I applied to suggesting that I need to take a couple more courses to fulfill the pre-pharm requirements. Does it make it special b/c the dean himself (the gatekeeper)contacted 'me' versus the admissions office sending me an email about missing courses; and should I used this opportunity to remind him of my desire to pursue a pharmD at the school?
Kind regards,
Dear Pharmacist,
What's your stance on prescription marijuana? If you were a lawmaker would you have the same opinion regarding marijuana users knowing what you know now?
Hai Pharmacist,
Thank you so much once again and I'm really glad about the information that you provide here in no time.Hopefully would be back to get the new stuff here and will be posting queries if have any later:)
Thank you pharmacist:)
Thanks for your feedback!
Good morning!
I anticipate my doctorate degree in pharmacy for the class entry 2012; my question to you what was your most challenging course when you attended pharmschool? What strategy have you used to successfully pass the classes?
I stumbled on your pharmacy blog; very informative. I think pharmacy is great profession one you don't have to deal with fluid/wounds and two you're kind like your own boss.
My question to you is; do you think at some point the high demand for the pharmacy profession here in the US will at some point shrink only b/c ppl travel all the way across the Canadian border to get their medications at a cheaper price; I myself have.
Thank you,
I received my invitation letter for an interview yesterday and I am practicing already what possible questions they might ask during the interview process and my mom came up with a good one.
What kind of problems that would need the pharmacist immediate attention?
How do you say no to a known drug addict using different aliases to get his/her meds? Will you get in trouble for report it? I have seen on tv they arrest several dr's for prescribing unnecessary pain killers to patients with no known diagnostic.
So I talked to my counselor yesterday about switching major from Graphic Design to Pharmacy. she said thats a big switch. a really really big switch
I am really interested in becoming a pharmacist, but I also have a few things that are holding me back. I have phobias of shots and blood, and have heard a few stories from pharmacists that they see many disgusting things. Is this true and will I have to deal with my two fears to be a successful pharmacist?
Thank you for the info!
Dear Pharmacist,
Why do some pharmacist schools do not use pharmcas web based appl rather ask direct submission to the school admissions office also require to send 2 photo passports along with completed application? Tx.
Do you think they might be biased just by looking the pics?
No, you are actually very handsome. And one more question is there a major difference in the pay rate for pharmacist and pharmacy manager?
Thank you!
I am a 21 year old pre-pharm major and I am torn. Please tell me what you think about comments like these posted on this forum regarding a career in Pharmacy... http://www.indeed.com/forum/job/pharmacist/Don-t-b...
My faith is telling me to pursue getting a PharmD but articles like these scare the crap out of me. My biggest concern is leaving Pharmacy school 100,000+ in debt and have difficulty finding a job and all the other issues people have bought up in that forum. I know you have a better look on what's actually going on so can you tell me if there is any truth in those comments.
The pharmacist at my local chain drug store started working there about 6 months ago. She's young and looked fresh out of college. She started out smiling, wearing makeup, straightening her hair and looking really nice when she came into work. Over the course of a few months, all of that changed. Now, she goes into work looking frazzled with fluffy hair, no makeup and a sour look on her face. I can tell she's angry every time she answers the drive thru, and I think it's because of the reality of what her job is actually going to be like for the rest of her life. She's probably stuck now because of large student loans and all of the time she invested in school.
Dear Pharmacist,
I am considering a career in pharmacy; I'd like to know how can one deal with the smell of the medications cause everytime I pass by a drugstore the strong odor nauseate me; how does that affect the health of pharmacists and pharmatech?
Is it perfectly ok to ask admissions committee how likely i'll gain admission if i complete their pre-pharm courses, let's say in addition to my BS i still need to take few additional courses to fulfill their pre-pharm requirements.
As a licensed Pharmacist what's your thought on MJ being giving propofol?
Do you have a better solution as to regulate addict shopping for their prescriptions meds?
Dear Pharmacist,
I have a history with hives; I suspected the first time I had it was due to a mix of multivitamin and drinking tea in addition being exposed to the ac/ never had before it; went to the ER was given a shot and was prescribed benadryl; almost a year later started feeling the symptoms again such as bumps in my arms and face and a little bit of itchiness. I am currently unemployed and does not have health insurance; should I keep taking benadryl before things get worst.
your suggestions are welcome!
Good day!
I gave my mom johnson baby tylenol w no known diagnostic or serious medical conditions; was told by an older co-worker it is a blood thinner that help prevent blood clot and stroke. My mom is a bit overweight and she is 67yr old.
Thank you for your reply!
Yes my bad; I meant to say baby aspirin can I still buy it for her even she does not have any major health issues? My mom has no health insurance so we try to take good care of her. (she is in solid shape though)
I am frustrated that I have to take out loan to fulfill two pre-pharm req; I hold a BS in Biochem but I never had to take A&P and macro; I'll be bumed out if I don't get in after all these sacrifices. Are there any options out there for me? not really into working in a lab and not thrilled working direct care so pharmacy seems a better choice but it's just too demanding....
Quick question, does one need a pharmD degree to become a pharmaceutical exec? and what do they actually do? Thanks!
Do you think if we make "free" prescription birth control available will that prevent or reduced teen pregnancy and less abortions?
Do you get judgemental when an older man presents before you for a refill on viagra?
How young is too young for HPV vac regardless boys or girls..
Thank you for your reply!
harsh reality for sure and I get frown upon when seing with my son; I am 33 years old but look like I am 19 or 20. I do not condone teen pregnancy either but I happend to have my son at 22 after years of sexual abuse from my teacher, not knowing I was pregnant at 5 months and was forced to keep the baby for religious purposes. Since then, I have never been able to date or been in a relationship so that's why I ask can birth control made avail with no prescription or free plan B to consumers.
b/c of shame, guilt of having a baby so early and out of wedlock; I come from a very religious background. I apologize for writing this on your forum as I intended to keep it open to questions related to the pharmacy profession. Is there a way to send my email not using this blog?
How can I convince my preceptor to let me change location for residency; I am currently doing residency at a retail chain w/ no pay but the work is killing. I wouldn't mind if it was paid but I am doing all the work where other ppl are slacking around?
I am considering a career in pharmacy but I do not want to work at a CVS or Walgreens (I just don't think I have the right personality to interact with patients) but still want to work in the pharma world; can a BS in Chemistry or pharmacology help me land a job in the pharma industry; will the pay be less since I won't be a pharmD? Tx.
How helpful are pharm techs? Aren't they sometimes know more than the pharmacists since they are the ground dog?
Hi There, i am interested in studying science at university, i didnt study science at high school however. can you recommend any short or online courses i could do in my own time to bring up to scratch to a high school equivalent understanding of science.
When asking for a recommendation letter is there a difference between "I waive my right to have access to this letter or I do not waive my right..."; I feel so uneasy about one recommender asking me to waive my right I am suspiscious a conflict of interest from her part. Les
Dear Pharmacist,
How much a pharmacist is expected to know about insurance coverage such as medicare part B, part A..etc.
Thank you
Can a pharmacist refuse to give flu shots? I am needle phobie but I was told pharmacists are expected to give flu shots as part of their job; shouldn't be nurses do that? I want to be a pharmacist b/c it fits my personality; I love science, I enjoy interacting with ppl and love taking care of others but poking ppl with needles is jut not one of them. Tx.
Tell us three great things to chose pharmacy as a career (already know about job stability, good income and flexible hrs.)
Tell us three things that are not so flattering about the pharmacy profession.
I would like to know as a female minority and immigrant, how much can my diverse background can help or hurt my application into pharmacy school; we need more bilingual pharmacists b/c each time I have to take my mom to fill out her precription.
Muchas gracias!!
Dear Pharmacist,
How many recom letters would you suggest; I got one from my pchem prof; my pharmD (friend)whom i conducted research with in college, and one from my long time supervisor. Do I need more? thanks!