What to expect for someone aspiring to be a pharmacist?

Question

Between becoming a doctor or a pharmacist, I have decided to become a pharmacist and I would like to know what to expect when going into pharmacy.

I'm going to try to get into Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy in Rutgers New Brunswick

Answer 1

I used to be in a pharmacy program (I later switched to biology to teach). Expect tons of memorization, tough exams with tricky questions, long lab hours, quizzes during every lab session; the program lasts at least 6 years full-time (you are required to earn a pharm D.) The textbooks and classes are expensive. As far as the job, one of my friends is a pharmacist. On minimum, they are required to work 50 hrs/week or more (no overtime pay). Drug stores (particularly popular chains such as CVS), pay the best, but the hours are very long (approx. $80k). Hosptials pay less (approx. $50-60k), but the hours are less and this makes it easier to have a life outside of work. My friend later decided to work at a hospital to work less hours. The job itself is not hard work (you're basically following instructions & mixing formulas). Computer helps to alert you (and the patient) of any potential interactions or other warnings of a drug.

Another interesting thing to note is that physicial assistant students often take several of the same classes as pharm. students, but must maintain a higher GPA. (3.0) Pharm. students have (usually) no minimum GPA requirements. PA's earn as much as pharmacists for less time (about 2 years).

You must love math and science, including calculus, organic & inorganic chemistry, physics, etc., as well as helping others, to thrive in either programs. Earning a high average makes it easier to find a job after graduation.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The average salary for community is over 100k, and for hospital about 90k.
It's a lot of work, but it is worth it.