I'm 14, and interested and becomming a pharmacist. What are the first steps I should take?

Question

Okay, I don't *really* want to be a pharmacist. The greatest thing that could possibly come into my reach would be the oppurtunity to be an author, and that's not going to happen. I don't think my familly would like that. So, I've chosen pharmacy! Whooohooo?

And, how do you think that would come about? I know, "I'm too young to be thinking about THAT". Truly, I know the retorts that one might come at me with, but I like to plan ahead.

What activities should I get involved in, and what classes should I take sophomore year? I'm planning to apply to U of T, if that helps. What's the competition like there? What do they like?

Thank you for telling my how to come about counting pills for the people who I'm entirely uninterested in!

Maybe I'm being a little cynical. I'm not usually whiny. Bad day? Irrelevant.

Thanks.

Answer 1

The steps to becoming a pharmacist are:

1) Apply to college, since you are interested at a young age, go with a 0-6 year program school

2) If you decide not to go with the 0-6 years program, then you must apply like most prepharm students

3) 3-4 years of undergrad

4) 3-4 years of pharmacy school

5) When you are done, you are done, you become a pharmacist the day you graduate and when you are license then you can start getting the pharmacist salary of anywhere between 75-150k per year!

http://ww.pre-pharm.info

Answer 2

Take as many AP classes as you can handle and take Chemistry Honors one year and Chemistry AP the next year. Do well in all your math and sciences. Volunteer at a hospital or at the pharmacy counter of the supermarkets. Tell them about your interest in the career and I'm sure they'll be happy to help. You are definately not too young to be planning ahead. i myself started all the searching during my freshman year, but now I'm slowing down in order to enjoy the rest of my high school years. Do all your planning now so when everyone else is stressed out, you'll be as calm as a clam! I think for becoming a pharmacist you need to do 4 years undergrad in chemistry or pre-pharm and then a 4 year or is it 2 at a school of pharmachology.
(I too once explored this as a career choice, but then I failed my chem final and got a B- in chemistry... so I changed my plan. Don't be afraid to change your plan either if you decide that it's not what you want. but honestly go for it... it's amazing pay... but you'll work nights weekends and holidays.)

Answer 3

You have to take Chemistry and love science/math. Do not become a Pharmacist if you don't want to be. I also wanted to be an author, but I agree, it's hard to make a living off of it (unless you are JK Rowling!). Therefore, I chose Journalism. I am a 12th grader and in love with writing for the school newspaper. Maybe you should give that a try?

Remember, don't choose a job for the money. Choose something that you are passionate about. I hear that in college we will be able to see all sorts of jobs and it will be a little easier to decide then.

Just worry about getting good grades, doing community service, and being involved in activities for now!

Answer 4

Seriously consider double-majoring in college. You can pursue both your pharmacy and writing ambitions. Or minor in English. Write for student publications and join the writing club. Whatever you do, just don't give up on your writing dreams. You will regret it later. My parents had placed unnecessary expectations on me when I was younger that kept me from pursuing what I wanted academically. Your parents, like mine, will get older one day and look back and regret it if you're unhappy in your career. You will regret it much, much more. I understand the guilt though, so pursue both and see what happens. Who knows? You can be a pharmacist and still write your books and write freelance articles or something in your spare time until you feel comfortable enough to write full-time.

One more thing - your question shows that you're highly intelligent and you have a sense of humor. Use that to your benefit and work hard to pursue a good adult life for yourself.

Here's a link that will offer more info on pharmacists. If you want to look at other professions, you can use the search box at the top right-hand corner:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos079.htm
Info on writers and editors:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos089.htm
Links for how to become a pharmacist:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=how+to+become+a+pharmacist
Good luck.

Answer 5

For high school, take the standard college prep science/math/health career courses. Most colleges in the U.S. won't accept you until you have at least 2 years of college credit.
I'm not quite sure which U of T you are talking about. I know of several which have pharmacy programs.