Military Pharmacy?

Question

I want to become a pharmacist and am considering the military strongly. I thought I read that they enter at the rank of an 0-3, is that true? Could anyone also give me a predicted career path (such as scope of responsibility and time to advance in rank). Also, could anyone tell me about any scholarships that the military would provide, and what are the largest military pharmacies (for each branch). Thanks for all that answer.

Thanks for all who have answered so fr (except Phil,who surely doesn't know what life in the military is about and the people who serve), but I think that I am right with at least entering at an advanced pay grade (saw a pharmacist profile at www.airforce.com, and the pharmacist was a captain with only 2 years). Any specifics on what a 20 year career path (like the advancement in rank and responsibility). I thank you path2631 for suggesting to try to do contract service (which i reesearched and found that they make 100,000),but I would want to join actually in the ranks money wouldn't really matter because the service would be good enough for me, and I could make that much whenever I would get out. And anyone who knows what are the largest pharmacies, I would be very appreciative.

Answer 1

I doubt if you would go in as an O-3 you promotion would be like any other officers starting as an O-1 then progressing upward they use a lot of pharmacist assistance so you might find the promotion even slower. I would ten to think that finding the right pharmacy on the civilian side would pay higher. I knew some that worked in hospital that were making great money. You have to remember you only getr military scale on the outside you can go the going rate, I would do a lot of research before join the military in this field. I worked for a drug store where the pharmacy made a little and worked with a man who wife worked at a children hospital at nights who made big bucks. You could even try the Veterans Adminstration and see what there pay is/ During the day the always have 8 or 9 working then whatever the night shift is per hospital

Answer 2

I'm not sure of the largest pharmacies. Re read your source, I've see pharmacists with the rank of 0-1. Your predicted career path will no doubt depend on your decisions while you are in the military. The time advancement in rank is generally 2 yrs to 1Lt. and then 4 yrs to Cpt. (this is what I know about the Army side). Your best bet is to talk with a recruiter.

Answer 3

with an advanced degree( Masters or Doctorate) you could conceivably go in as an O3, but more probably, O1 or O2.

Advancement is pretty much the same across the board for all Officers.. Time in Grade at first and promotions being pretty much automatic as long as you aren't a screw up, but long about O4, you have to start showing you know what you are doing and be recommended by your peers for advancement.

Answer 4

from one John to another. Even if you are an O-3 (which you would enter as), you will be making roughly half of what you would be as a civilian.


DO NOT do it. Even if they pay for all your tuition, you will end up getting screwed!

Answer 5

a similar as being a pharmacy tech contained in the civilian international. you'll fairly spend maximum of a few time, filling prescriptions for retired military individuals. bypass on your community drug keep and watch what the techs do back contained in the drugstore. that is a similar job. you'll help the pharmacist filling prescriptions.

Answer 6

If you have your bachelors degree then yes

Yeah phil, that's all we do in the military is stomp down doors, idiot, do some research moron!

Answer 7

I hate to disappoint you but if you go into the military you're going to be stomping down doors in Baghdad and building military bases.