Is there anyone who is a pharmacist who can give me advice about going to pharmacy school?
613489
im a pharmacist ..i can tell u that pharmacy studies are not only boring but very hard as well!\nif u dont "love" this field ..u will have hard times ...however , the rewards are great after graduation ..good luck !
706812
There are many paths you can take.\nIf you are still in high school, you can apply to a six year pharmacy program, and be done with your application.\n\nAnother route, the more common one, is to first take 2-4 years completing prePharmacy prereqs.  They are a lot of science courses.  Check with school of choice with exact courses.  You will have to take the PCAT for most schools.  This exam is only offered about 3 times a year.  You will start applying the fall before you intend to matriculate.  Most schools use PharmCas, a common application.  The school will contact you with their secondary applications and later interviews.  If accepted, you will know normally by the end of March by the latest.
905857
Pharmacy is more chemistry oriented. For medical, you will have to take it to know which medications to prescribe, but the majority of your studies will be biology and anatomy.  Try speaking with a counselor at your school, they can help alot =]
435796
Complete list of Pharmacy Schools in the United States of America\n\n1 Albany College of Pharmacy-Albany (NY) Private\n2. Auburn University-Auburn (AL) Public\n3. Butler University-Indianapolis (IN) Private\n4. Campbell University-Buies Creek (NC) Private\n5. Creighton University-Omaha (NE) Private\n6. Drake University-Des Moines (IA) Private\n7. Duquesne University-Pittsburgh (PA) Private\n8. Ferris State University-Big Rapids (MI) Public\n9. Florida A&M University-Tallahassee (FL) Public\n10. Hampton University-Hampton (VA) Private\n11 Howard University-Washington, (D.C. ) Private\n12. Idaho State University-Pocatello (ID) Public\n13. Loma Linda University-Loma Linda (CA) Private\n14. Medical University of South- CarolinaCharleston (SC) Public\n15.Mercer University-Macon (GA) Private\n16. Midwestern University-Glendale (AZ) Private\n17. Midwestern University-Downers Grove (IL) Private\n18. Nevada College of Pharmacy-Las Vegas (NV) Private\n19. North Dakota State University-Fargo (ND) Public\n20.Northeastern University-Boston (MA) Private\n21 Nova Southeastern University-Fort Lauderdale (FL) Private\n22.Ohio Northern University-Ada (OH) Private\n23.Ohio State University, TheColumbus (OH) Public\n24.Oregon State University-Corvallis (OR) Public\n25.Palm Beach Atlantic University-West Palm Beach (FL) Private\n26.Purdue University-West Lafayette (IN) Public\n27.Rutgers University-New Brunswick (NJ) Public\n28.Saint Louis College of Pharmacy-Saint Louis (MO) Private\n29.Samford UniversityBirmingham (AL) Private\n30.Shenandoah University-Winchester (VA) Private\n31.South Dakota State University-Brookings (SD) Public\n32. South University- Savannah (GA) Private\n33. Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville- Edwardsville (IL) Public\n34.Southwestern Oklahoma State University-Weatherford (OK) Public\n35. St. John's University-Jamaica (NY) Private\n36.Temple University-Philadelphia (PA) Public\n37.Texas A&M University-Kingsville-Kingsvil... (TX) Public\n38.Texas Southern University-Houston (TX) Public\n39.Texas Tech University HSC - Lubbock-Lubbock (TX) Public\n40.University at Buffalo -Buffalo (NY) Public\n41.University of Arizona-Tucson (AZ) Public\n42.University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences-Little Rock (AR) Public\n43.University of California - San Diego La Jolla (CA) Public\n44.University of California - San Francisco-San Francisco (CA) Public\n45.University of Cincinnati-Cincinnati (OH) Public\n46.University of Colorado Health Sciences Center-Denver (CO) Public\n47.University of Connecticut-Storrs (CT) Public\n48.University of Florida-Gainesville (FL) Public\n49.University of Georgia-Athens (GA) Public\n50.University of Houston-Houston (TX) Public\n51.University of Illinois - Chicago -Chicago (IL) Public\n52.University of Iowa-Iowa City (IA) Public\n53.University of Kansas-Lawrence (KS) Public\n54.University of Kentucky-Lexington (KY) Public\n55.University of Louisiana - Monroe-Monroe (LA) Public\n56.University of Maryland - Baltimore-Baltimore (MD) Public\n57.University of Michigan - Ann Arbor-Ann Arbor (MI) Public\n58.University of Minnesota - Twincities-Minneapolis (MN) Public\n59.University of Mississippi-University (MS) Public\n60.University of Missouri - Kansas City-Kansas City (MO) Public\n61.University of Montana-Missoula (MT) Public\n62.University of Nebraska Medical Center-Omaha (NE) Public\n63.University of New Mexico-Albuquerque (NM) Public\n64.University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill-Chapel Hill (NC) Public\n65.University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center-Oklahoma City (OK) Public\n66.University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh (PA) Public\n67.University of Rhode Island-Kingston (RI) Public\n68.University of South Carolina-Columbia-Columbia (SC) Public\n69.University of Southern California-Los Angeles (CA) Private\n70.University of Tennessee Health Science Center-TheMemphis (TN) Public\n71.University of Texas - Austin-Austin (TX) Public\n72.University of the Pacific-Stockton (CA) Private\n73.University of the S
1080206
I don't know about taking a class online, maybe try and call one of the schools that does it and advertises all the time on TV they probably have online classes or may know of one.....If you get a job with a pharmacy a lot of times they pay for your training and tech test...although it is a LOT easier to get hired if you're certified....Good luck...also look at www.ptcb.org that is the Pharmacy Tech Certification Board...Thats all you really need to do is take the test...the "schooling" is a crock of shit.
1180631
I can't help you with the Virginia State part, but I can help with the OSU.\n\nI'm not in the college of pharmacy, but I do know the University as a whole.  It is really great.  Really friendly, outgoing, and fun people.  A lot of time is spent enjoying the sun in the spring when we get a break from the rain and you're always welcome to join a game of Frisbee, baseball, football, soccer, whatever.\n\nYou may get a really cool advisor who is totally willing to help you with anything and there are some really really awesome teachers.  If you do go here, Dr. Greaves' human sexuality (hdfs 240) is the most popular class on campus and the best one.\n\nThe campus is beautiful and perfectly manicured.  I don't recommend coming here if you have strong allergies though.  Also, remember that OSU was originally an agriculture school so on occasion you'll wake up to the "farm fresh" smell!!!\n\nOoooooooSsssssUuuuuuuuu! OSU!!!\n\n*Edit*  One more thing, OSU is a very liberal University.  We do have a strong conservative club if you're into that...but just be prepared.  Also, we're very political.
1002976
Demand for pharmacists is high, and programs are competitive. Why? Pharmacy is a great career for someone who excels in chemistry and science. The pharmacists I know enjoy flexible hours, high pay, great benefits, and some satisfaction from helping people. They have worked for pharmaceutical companies from sales to management, for private pharmacies and government, and have as little or as much work as they prefer. A family member is a retired pharmacist and has opportunities to travel and relieve another pharmacist to vacation. He stays and works for a few weeks in a small towns with only one pharmacist; the locations can be in all types of climates, from plains to tropics. I'm sure these are only a few of the many career opportunities for pharmacists, like in research, drug development, and even teaching other pharmacists.\n\nThe female pharmacists I know feel it is the absolute best career for a woman--they have high pay, flexibility of hours, and good working conditions. Each has her own family, has time with her kids, works only as much as she wants, and still brings in a sizable pay check. \n\nDrawbacks are few. They do have to work some weekend and night hours, and especially when just starting their career they have had long shifts. The required education will have you in school for 5-6 years, and that means tuition expenses. However, none of the pharmacists I know regret for one second their decision, nor the expense and work to get licensure. \n\nStudy your sciences, work hard to make excellent grades, and talk to some pharmacists where you live. They may have tips that could help you reach your goal.
777419
Check out the University of the Pacific\nwww.pacific.edu\n\nThey are a small private university located in Stockton, CA. \nThere are about ~4,000 students and the pharmacy program is very well supported by the university.
904984
Yes, I'm planning on going to pharmacy school. Right now I work in a pharmacy as a tech. and both of my parents are pharmacists. It requires a LOT of chemistry and some doctors have told me that pharmacy school is harder than med school. But yes, it's very highly paid, especially if you were to go into retail pharmacy. You'll work your butt off but the money's worth it. Plus: there's a large shortage of pharmacists out there right now, so you'd never have to worry about finding a job.
901522
Actually it's between a Pharm D (Doctorate) and a Masters (RPH) if you want to work in the US as a pharmacist.  The B.S. will prolly on let you work as a Pharmacy Assistant under the direction of a Registered Pharmacist
580506
You need to know which state are you planning to practice pharmacy in the United States.\nI worked in the pharmacy for almost 3 years in California.  In the worst case scenario, you are most likely would have to take the four years of pharmacy, along with the exams.  In the best possible scenario, which I doubt would happen, you would have to take the exams and pass it.\nHere are the pharmacy contact for California only that you can call and ask for the information directly.  Each state vary the requirements.\n\nUniversity of California, San Francisco- (415) 476-2733\nUniversity of California, San Diego- (856) 822-4265\nWestern Health Sciences, Pomona (909) 469-5336\nUniversity of the Pacific, Stockton  (209) 946-2211
1122
There are a number of pharmacy related website with public information available.\n\nVisit the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) web site at www.aacp.org.  The site includes a "For Students and Applicants" section that provides information for both current and prospective Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) students.\n\nThe American Pharmacists Association (APhA) offers two sites.  For the latest pharmacy news, go to www.pharmacist.com.  For student-specific news, go to the APhA Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) web site at http://www.aphanet.org/students/\n\nThere are several other pharmacy associations that offer pharmacy student chapters and web sites.  See the list below.\n\nAcademy of Managed Care Pharmacy\nAmerican Society of Consultant Pharmacists\nAmerican Society of Health-System Pharmacists \nNational Association of Chain Drug Stores\nNational Community Pharmacists Association
268698
You don't need a bachelors degree to get in (depending on the school) but you do need 2 - 3 years of college.  Required coursed include biology, chemistry, calculus, anatomy, physiology, english, and other social science credits.  Some schools require you to take the PCAT exam.  This is a standardized test similar to the MCAT for med school but it is considerably easier.  Some schools also ask for letters of recommendation from employers, professors, etc.  Getting in can be tough, I believe the University I work for got 1500 applications for 140 slots.  Those aren't great odds!  We have a minimum GPA of 2.9 but most students have a 3.5 and up.  Because pharmacists are in high demand right now (it won't last) and most jobs pay pretty well (around $50/hour), lots of people want to go to pharmacy school, even people who already have careers (nurses, dieticians, etc.).  Once you get in, it can take 3 to 4 years to complete your education.  The first 2 to 3 years are in the classroom and the final year is spent "in the field" working in hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies like Walgreens.  Once you finish, you do have to take an examination but it is not all that difficult (>90% of grads pass).  There is also a state exam but it is pretty easy too.  Once you pass those tests and pay your fees $500 - $700, you are a pharmacist and can work in the state where you applied for licensure.  \n\nDuring the early years after graduation, pharmacists make a lot of money at the beginning while doctors and dentists may have to pay to open a practice or need more training.  I'm not sure about dentists but docs have to pay a lot for malpractice insurance (>$10,000/year); it is <$300/year for pharmacists.  Doctors who are highly specialized (surgeons, etc.) usually make 3 x or more what pharmacists make but it takes a lot longer for training.  Figure on about 4 years undergrad, 4 years med school, 3 years residency, 3 years additional residency, etc.  Could take a long time to make any money as an M.D.  Unlike pharmacy, you don't go to med school to be rich.  The bubble will eventually burst on pharmacy and pharmacists will need lots of additional training to be useful.  So, pharmacy may be lucrative now, but I would bet that it won't last.  After all, pharmacists make more errors than robots do!
939448
not the best person to ask, but you can apply for a job at a retail pharmacy or any pharmacy.   there is a certification test that will probably help you get a job at the pharmacy.  there are sample tests and training books available.  depending on your background the test may be easy or hard.  6 month course to me sounds too long.  i believe there are classes at community college for test, but i also know people who got job with no certification and people who passed test without class or lengthy study.  remembering from long ago i believe test is math related, simple chemistry, a few drug name questions, aghhh ask someone else or see if you can get a sample test.  i knew someone recently who studied for test using book, she memorized many, many drug names and the drug name portion of test was fairly small. the book writer didn't do a very good job.\n\na requirement at pharmacy school for pharmacists is to be a tech so many of those people work there as well i believe.
896179
First, please be certain that you attend a college that is fully accredited by a regional accrediting association. There are other kinds of accreditation but this is the kind of accreditation you need to be able to transfer credits or have them recognized by an employer. You will find a list of these accrediting bodies at this site:  http://www.worldwidelearn.com/accreditation/accreditation-associations.htm\n\nYou will want to be sure that the college where you earn your degree in teaching is also accredited by NCATE - National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. For the education degree some of the courses, such as student teaching and teaching methods, will require interaction with students. You will find a list of colleges that are accredited by NCATE at this site: http://www.ncate.org/public/listofaccredinst.asp\n\nThere are several types of programs for a pharmacy technician.\nFormal pharmacy technician programs require classroom and laboratory work in a variety of areas, including medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy recordkeeping, pharmaceutical techniques, and pharmacy law and ethics. Technicians also are required to learn medication names, actions, uses, and doses. Many training programs include internships, in which students gain hands-on experience in actual pharmacies. Students receive a diploma, a certificate, or an associate’s degree, depending on the program. http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos252.htm#training\nSince your girl friend has expressed an interest in eventually becoming a pharmacist, I would suggest that she earn an associate degree so she can transfer her credits, which she could not do if she took a certificate program.\nYou will find a list of pharmacy schools at this site:\nhttp://rxinsider.com/schools_of_pharmacy.htm\n\nI believe you can see that the degrees you and your girl friend are interested in cannot be taught solely online, although you may be permitted to take a few general education courses online. You need to make a list of colleges in your area that offer the degrees you want. Then study their catalogs (you will probably find them online but if not you can call and ask that a catalog be mailed to you) and call and make an appointment with the admissions office of the colleges that seem to meet your needs to discuss your options.
835432
I can speak for the University of Houston.  My good friend graduated from there less than a year ago and got a starting pharmacy job at Albertson's for 96k with a 20k signing bonus paid over 3 years.  Those numbers sound good enough to me to pick that school.
533875
pharmacy is a great future, there are so many oppurtunities involved in it.  thats where im headed right now.  the program is tough but it is so worth it.  right now they say that in 10 years there will a shortage of about 50,000 pharmacists nationwide, which is a great number.  there is always a need for pharmacists, as long as there are medications and patients, the world will always need you, there isnt  a way for computers to replace you.  plus the money aspect is also a plus, the average graduate starts off at between 75-90,000 a year, all  depending on where you work, retail is more yet, but probably not worth it.  i work in pharmacy right now and am a student and i totally love it.  if your not sure try and get some experience in one to help you decide, but its definitely a good future.