Hey all. Just wondering if anyone on here was a Pharmacist? I recently was accepted to Pharmacy school and was wondering if any past/current pharmacy students had any advice. Also, any info on finding scholarships etc would be greatly appreciated.

 

I think you can find much more advices at student doctor network

Studentdoctor.net

 

Hmm, I just checked and seems that there's no pharm forum. You might want to just check around...
good luck..

 

My friends call me the Pharmacist...

 

Holy $hit, you got into OU's PharmD program? Just asking b/c your from OKC.
Class of '97 (BS) and '99 (MS)
My buddy was in PharmD program while I was there. I'll see if I get you his info.

Anyhow, Congrats! It'll be the best 3 plus years you will NEVER get back, so enjoy it. Oh, and the job market will still be strong after your graduation. My buddy wasn't too smart, but he graduated and w/ starting salary > $75K plus, and that's in Oklahoma. With cost of living so cheap, he decided to stay there and just work off his student loan.

LT

 

Wow, wtf did he get a starting job w/ $75k salary?

 

I think that starting salary is probably higher than the average, but Pharmacists are well paid. I think they deserve it, because IMO, it's really boring and difficult (sorry, guys!).

I am starting Anesthesia School in September (CCRN, not MD) which is also a career with a pretty high starting salary. I have a colleage who just graduated from the same school, and Kaiser Permanente started him at over $110,000 right out of school.

I'm making around $64,000 as a CCRN, so the 2 years of Anesthesia School should be worth it for the increase in salary.

b00stn- Best of luck to you with your new career!!!

-Pete

 

Depending on WHERE you are a starting salary for a pharm (behind the counter at your local store) is usually mid-high 60s+ full benefits. Not uncommon to for them to be in the 80k-90k. However, you may be floating from store to store if you start retail. Good idea to be a part time pharm tech while in school to get in good with whatever retail your with.

Pharm D programs are usually 2 years pre pharm/ 4 pharm (1 of which is rotations).

Easiest way to get a Dr. title I know that...

 

I have some novel advice. . .just go to med school! Spend a few extra years in school, and get out being on top. As many years as the school is (4 years of undergrad, 4 years of med school, and 3+ years of residency), it is a pretty quick way to get to a position where you are your own boss, and NOBODY can tell you what to do. As an ER doc, I did 3 short years of residency specializing in Emergency Medicine and was finished. I started out making about $250k a year, working a 32 hour work-week. The money is the least of it though, (otherwise I would have been a neurosurgeon or radiologist.) I have an exciting, fun job, one that I actually look forward to going in to everyday. I am my own boss. The hours are great (although to be honest, most specialties have crappy hours. . .) You make decent money with pharmacy school, but it seems like it would be a boring job. Same with CRNA (nurse anesthetist), but with those jobs, someone is still over your head, telling you what to do. At the young age of 28, I am done with everything, with a great job, plenty of time off, and great money. I would recommend med school to anyone.
Just my 2 cents. . . .
--JS

 

docj, its funny you mention med school. I originally changed majors to pharmacy about a year ago from mech/aero engineering. Never even considered med school at the time but over the last year, it has started to look more appealing. I am now at a point that I want to go to med school, just when I go is the question. Where did you complete your med school at? I have been looking at OU's program but out of state would be a nice option to consider.

LT's S2k, hey thanks. My brother graduated from OU with a bachelors in Civil Engr a year and a half ago. Norman is a cool town. Where did your friend get a job at if you dont mind me asking? I know of two pharmacists that started at $96k straight out of school working at WalMart. Retail definately pays more but I am not sure if I would enjoy it more than a Hospital setting.