S/O - Becoming a Pharmacist

[Anonymous]

I was just reading the thread about the woman who is debating over becoming a nurse or a doctor. A few people suggested anesthetist or pharmacist instead. I am having a quarter life crisis (I have no career), and have always leaned towards wanting to be in the medical field. However, I really don't have the time, money, or discipline to go back to a 4-year program and become an RN. Can anyone explain to me the process of schooling to become a pharmacist? What schooling is already needed (prerequisites), how much the schooling costs/how long it takes, how much they can typically make, etc. I am 26 and live in Massachusetts.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Check out Mass college of pharmacy and health sciences. I am an RN and know several people who went there and said it was a fantastic program.

However, from what I have heard it is a fairly intense program. Are you looking to become a pharmacist or just a tech? If you don't have the money, time, and discipline, I suggest becoming a tech.

[Anonymous]

Sorry should add that to become a pharmacist or something in that realm, it still usually requires a lot of schooling. Don't fall for the scams of lesser known schools with short programs. Often times, they are not taken seriously.

[Anonymous]

doesn't it take more than 4 years?

[Anonymous]

Depending on your background it can be done in 4 years. I think a tech makes sense for OP though, not an actual pharmacist. OP, i recommend doing some research. Frankly it sounds like you have no idea what you are talking about. At least google steps to becoming a pharmacist.

[Anonymous]

I heard from a pharmacist colleague that retail pharmacists (e.g., working at CVS) are often expected to put in long hours -- 12 hour shifts. It would be good to confirm some lifestyle considerations.

[Anonymous]

http://www.marketplace.org/topics/life/overdose-pharmacy-students

You are late to the party; if go this route, do it debt free or life will be... bad.

[Anonymous]

I've also heard from pharmacist friends that pharmacists increasingly need PhDs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've also heard from pharmacist friends that pharmacists increasingly need PhDs.

Are you sure they don't mean a Doctor of Pharmacy (D.Pharm)? That is a professional degree.

[Anonymous]

Pharmacists now are required to get a PharmD, which is the doctorate of pharmacy degree. It's not easy but doable. It is a long program, though, if you don't already have a bachelor's in pharmacy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I heard from a pharmacist colleague that retail pharmacists (e.g., working at CVS) are often expected to put in long hours -- 12 hour shifts. It would be good to confirm some lifestyle considerations.

Yes, and you are on your feet constantly. The job is stressful, too.

[Anonymous]

Hanna Rosin's "End if Men" has a great chapter on women going into pharmacy.