7 answers
Solah
Student
Hudsonville, Michigan
10
Questions
Asked
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What part-time jobs should I take as a high schooler going into pharmacology?
I am a rising senior (18y) and want to become a pharmaceutical physician. I want to take a part time job or intern at a pharmacy, but I do not have license for an official pharm technician. What kind of job can I do?
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7 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey again Solah, you're on fire!😎 I love that you're already thinking ahead about your future career and taking steps to get there — that's how you become a professional pharmaceutical physician before you know it!
Well, Since you're not yet a licensed pharm tech (no worries, you're just getting started), here are some part-time job ideas and internship opportunities that can set you up with the experience and skills you need:
1. Pharmacy Assistant or Aide
Even if you're not a licensed technician, many pharmacies (both chain and local ones) hire assistants or aides to help with tasks like stocking shelves, organizing prescriptions, and providing customer service. You'll be in the heart of the action, seeing how pharmacies run, and learning about medications.
2. Research Assistant
Look for local universities, hospitals, or research labs that focus on pharmacology or pharmaceutical sciences. A lot of them hire high schoolers as research assistants to help with data entry, lab tasks, or even basic experiments. It's an awesome way to get a taste of the research side of things.
3. Customer Service at a Health Store
Think of places like CVS, Walgreens, or other health stores where you can interact with customers, learn about over-the-counter medications, and develop basic knowledge of what pharmacies sell. It might not be hands-on with prescription meds, but you'll learn a lot about what goes on in the health world.
4. Internship at a Pharmacy
While you might not be able to work as a full-on pharmacy technician yet, some pharmacies may offer internship programs or shadowing opportunities where you can assist with simple tasks, ask questions, and learn directly from the professionals. It's an amazing way to get insight into the day-to-day life of a pharmacist.
5. Volunteering in Health-Related Programs
If you can’t get a paid job right away, volunteering in a health-related program or local clinic can also be a great way to learn about the field and build connections. Whether it’s helping in a hospital or volunteering for a health awareness campaign, you’ll gain valuable experience and show your commitment to your future career.
The key here is exposure — you want to get as much hands-on experience as possible, even if it’s in a less formal way. These types of part-time jobs will give you a sneak peek into the pharmaceutical world, and who knows? You might find a path that excites you even more!
Keep that passion burning, Solah. You've got this! Let me know if you need anything or even tips on how to find these opportunities. I am here for you, stay blessed and keep going!
there are plenty of online courses that can introduce you to basic pharmacy concepts, drug knowledge, and even the role of a pharmaceutical technician. Some programs offer certifications that, while not a full license, can make you stand out when applying for jobs or internships later. Why this is a game-changer: 1. Boost Your Knowledge: You’ll be learning foundational skills that will help you in any pharmacy-related job or internship. You'll also show initiative by taking this step early, which is always impressive to future employers. 2. Get Ahead of the Game: Some programs allow you to gain a bit of "practical" knowledge without waiting until after school or college. When you're ready to apply for jobs, you’ll already have a head start. 3. Flexible & Accessible: Most courses are online, so you can start them from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. Perfect for a busy high schooler! 4. Free or Affordable: Many of these programs are either free or really affordable, so you don't need a lot of money to get started, and you can use it as a resume booster in the future. Starting this now gives you a chance to dive into the field, gain knowledge while you’re still in high school, and even begin networking with professionals online. You’ll be ready when those part-time job opportunities come around!
shadow a pharmacist or volunteer at a local hospital or clinic. It’s super practical and will give you a firsthand look at the daily operations in the field you want to pursue. So, reach out to local pharmacies or hospitals and ask if you can shadow someone or volunteer. It’ll be a hands-on experience that will really help solidify your decision and give you a leg up for the future.
A third suggestion would be to start a blog or YouTube channel focused on pharmacy or health topics. This: Builds your expertise and knowledge while teaching others. Improves communication skills — important for any future career. Attracts a community of like-minded people and potential mentors. It's a fun and creative way to dive into the field while building a personal brand.
Well, Since you're not yet a licensed pharm tech (no worries, you're just getting started), here are some part-time job ideas and internship opportunities that can set you up with the experience and skills you need:
1. Pharmacy Assistant or Aide
Even if you're not a licensed technician, many pharmacies (both chain and local ones) hire assistants or aides to help with tasks like stocking shelves, organizing prescriptions, and providing customer service. You'll be in the heart of the action, seeing how pharmacies run, and learning about medications.
2. Research Assistant
Look for local universities, hospitals, or research labs that focus on pharmacology or pharmaceutical sciences. A lot of them hire high schoolers as research assistants to help with data entry, lab tasks, or even basic experiments. It's an awesome way to get a taste of the research side of things.
3. Customer Service at a Health Store
Think of places like CVS, Walgreens, or other health stores where you can interact with customers, learn about over-the-counter medications, and develop basic knowledge of what pharmacies sell. It might not be hands-on with prescription meds, but you'll learn a lot about what goes on in the health world.
4. Internship at a Pharmacy
While you might not be able to work as a full-on pharmacy technician yet, some pharmacies may offer internship programs or shadowing opportunities where you can assist with simple tasks, ask questions, and learn directly from the professionals. It's an amazing way to get insight into the day-to-day life of a pharmacist.
5. Volunteering in Health-Related Programs
If you can’t get a paid job right away, volunteering in a health-related program or local clinic can also be a great way to learn about the field and build connections. Whether it’s helping in a hospital or volunteering for a health awareness campaign, you’ll gain valuable experience and show your commitment to your future career.
The key here is exposure — you want to get as much hands-on experience as possible, even if it’s in a less formal way. These types of part-time jobs will give you a sneak peek into the pharmaceutical world, and who knows? You might find a path that excites you even more!
Keep that passion burning, Solah. You've got this! Let me know if you need anything or even tips on how to find these opportunities. I am here for you, stay blessed and keep going!
Dr recommends the following next steps:
You're back!!! :) Thank you so much for more amazing advice!!
Solah
Solah!! You’re too sweet! Did you kiss me or was it my ridiculously long advice? 😅 Well, Glad to be back—and even happier to share more advice with you. Can’t wait to see what questions you throw my way next! Stay blessed dear!
Dr H
Nadine Maayah
Student (aspiring geneticist)
18
Answers
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Nadine’s Answer
Pharmacy Cashier/Clerk – Assist customers, organize inventory, and help with administrative tasks at a local pharmacy.
Pharmacy Assistant – Stocking, labeling, and organizing medications.
Hospital Volunteer (Pharmacy Department) – Some hospitals offer volunteer programs where you can assist with non-clinical tasks in the pharmacy department.
Medical Scribe – If you're good at typing and note-taking, working as a medical scribe in a clinic can help you understand prescriptions and patient care.
Retail Associate at a Pharmacy Chain (CVS, Walgreens, etc.) – Many pharmacy chains hire associates who work closely with pharmacists and learn about over-the-counter medications.
Research Assistant (Lab or University Program) – Some universities and research institutions allow high school students to assist in research, which can be helpful for understanding drug development.
Pharmacy Assistant – Stocking, labeling, and organizing medications.
Hospital Volunteer (Pharmacy Department) – Some hospitals offer volunteer programs where you can assist with non-clinical tasks in the pharmacy department.
Medical Scribe – If you're good at typing and note-taking, working as a medical scribe in a clinic can help you understand prescriptions and patient care.
Retail Associate at a Pharmacy Chain (CVS, Walgreens, etc.) – Many pharmacy chains hire associates who work closely with pharmacists and learn about over-the-counter medications.
Research Assistant (Lab or University Program) – Some universities and research institutions allow high school students to assist in research, which can be helpful for understanding drug development.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Mina
Bright Komor
Nurse
260
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
Despite not having a pharmacy technician license, there are numerous opportunities in the pharmaceutical field. Some of these include Pharmacy Assistant/Clerk, Delivery Driver, Hospital or Clinic Volunteer, Medical Office Assistant/Receptionist, Laboratory Assistant, and Retail Positions in Health-Related Stores. Pharmacy assistants handle non-technical tasks such as greeting and assisting customers, operating the cash register, managing inventory, answering phones, and maintaining cleanliness. Delivery drivers may also be available, providing exposure to the pharmacy environment. Hospitals and clinics often have volunteer programs, offering exposure to various departments, including the pharmacy. Other relevant jobs include Medical Office Assistant/Receptionist, Laboratory Assistant, and Retail Positions in Health-Related Stores.
To gain valuable experience, networking is essential, such as talking to guidance counselors, visiting local pharmacies, and reaching out to friends or family members in the healthcare field. Highlighting relevant skills, such as strong work ethic, attention to detail, and interest in science and medicine, is crucial. Volunteering can be a great way to gain experience and build a resume, even if paid positions are limited. Focusing on transferable skills, such as working with the public, handling money, or organizing information, is also beneficial. By taking these steps, you can gain valuable experience and build a strong foundation for your future career as a pharmaceutical physician.
To gain valuable experience, networking is essential, such as talking to guidance counselors, visiting local pharmacies, and reaching out to friends or family members in the healthcare field. Highlighting relevant skills, such as strong work ethic, attention to detail, and interest in science and medicine, is crucial. Volunteering can be a great way to gain experience and build a resume, even if paid positions are limited. Focusing on transferable skills, such as working with the public, handling money, or organizing information, is also beneficial. By taking these steps, you can gain valuable experience and build a strong foundation for your future career as a pharmaceutical physician.
Absolutely love reading this :) thank you so much!!!
Solah
Asees Bajwa
caregiver, medtech
2
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Asees’s Answer
If you’re thinking about going into pharmacology, try to get a job that puts you around medicine or healthcare. Working in a pharmacy as a clerk or tech (if they’ll train you) is a solid move since you’ll get to see how prescriptions are handled and how pharmacists work. Even if you can’t get into a pharmacy yet, jobs in customer service, like at a grocery store or retail, are still useful because pharmacists need strong people skills. Volunteering at a hospital is also a good way to get experience if you don’t mind not getting paid. Basically, anything that helps you understand how healthcare works or builds your communication skills will help you in the long run.
Sara Solomon
Doctor of Pharmacy Student
15
Answers
Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Updated
Sara’s Answer
You're doing great! Most retail pharmacies, like Walgreens and CVS, only need you to have a pharmacy technician trainee license from your state. They even help you get it and handle the application when you get hired. With this license, you can help dispense, fill, and sell prescriptions while working with a pharmacist. I began my journey at Walgreens during high school, and it really boosted my success in pharmacy school. I hope this encourages you!
Thank you so much for the advice!!
Quick follow up question! So I searched online for more on the trainee license and they're offering courses to have it. Do you think it's better to get the license first and apply for a part-time job or the other way around?
Solah
Caleb Lindsey
Medical Scribe
20
Answers
Bloomfield, Indiana
Updated
Caleb’s Answer
Hi Solah,
Thank you for your question.
In my opinion, any job that allows you to build strong interpersonal communication skills and critical thinking are worthwhile pursuits as you pursue becoming a pharmaceutical physician. It may not feel like it, but any retail/food service/teaching job can be instrumental in building those skills.
To build scientific lab skills and scientific reasoning, I would look into research assistant positions in chemistry and biology labs. You can often find these by looking on the faculty pages of local universities and reaching out to professors there to inquire about research opportunities. An idea I just had actually would be to look into jobs/volunteering at a local science museum, as that puts you in a situation where you would have to know specific details about a scientific topic and communicate that to an audience that may not have that knowledge. This experience should mirror the types of interactions you have as you educate patients as to how to properly take their medications and what side effects to be wary of.
You could also try looking at local training centers/community colleges to pursue a pharmacy technician certification if you are able to.
Like my colleagues above me above mentioned, if you are able to find pharmacists/physicians who are willing to allow you to shadow them, that would be great experience for you to have, as that would show you the day-to-day workflow of a pharmaceutical physician. You can try reaching out to physicians and pharmacists in your area, basically saying: "Hi I'm Solah, I'm interested in becoming a pharmaceutical physician. Would you be willing to allow me to shadow you for a few shifts to see what a work day for you looks like?"
To summarize:
1. Look for opportunities to expand your interpersonal communication and critical thinking skills, even if they are not necessarily in a science/healthcare field (ANY EXPERIENCE IS GOOD EXPERIENCE). This will allow you to better communicate w/ patients in the future and may connect you w/ people who know of opportunities/people that can help you on your journey
2. If able, find a physician/pharmacist to shadow so you can get an idea of what a "day in the life" looks like in these fields. Also, try to look into local workforce development centers or community colleges that offer pharmacy technician certification courses.
3. Develop a learner's mindset. Healthcare and science are constantly evolving and changing, so developing a curiosity about what's new and exciting in science and healthcare will keep you up to date on the latest treatments backed by science to better serve your patients.
Thank you very much for your question! I wish you the best of luck on your pharmaceutical physician pursuits! If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out!
Thank you for your question.
In my opinion, any job that allows you to build strong interpersonal communication skills and critical thinking are worthwhile pursuits as you pursue becoming a pharmaceutical physician. It may not feel like it, but any retail/food service/teaching job can be instrumental in building those skills.
To build scientific lab skills and scientific reasoning, I would look into research assistant positions in chemistry and biology labs. You can often find these by looking on the faculty pages of local universities and reaching out to professors there to inquire about research opportunities. An idea I just had actually would be to look into jobs/volunteering at a local science museum, as that puts you in a situation where you would have to know specific details about a scientific topic and communicate that to an audience that may not have that knowledge. This experience should mirror the types of interactions you have as you educate patients as to how to properly take their medications and what side effects to be wary of.
You could also try looking at local training centers/community colleges to pursue a pharmacy technician certification if you are able to.
Like my colleagues above me above mentioned, if you are able to find pharmacists/physicians who are willing to allow you to shadow them, that would be great experience for you to have, as that would show you the day-to-day workflow of a pharmaceutical physician. You can try reaching out to physicians and pharmacists in your area, basically saying: "Hi I'm Solah, I'm interested in becoming a pharmaceutical physician. Would you be willing to allow me to shadow you for a few shifts to see what a work day for you looks like?"
To summarize:
1. Look for opportunities to expand your interpersonal communication and critical thinking skills, even if they are not necessarily in a science/healthcare field (ANY EXPERIENCE IS GOOD EXPERIENCE). This will allow you to better communicate w/ patients in the future and may connect you w/ people who know of opportunities/people that can help you on your journey
2. If able, find a physician/pharmacist to shadow so you can get an idea of what a "day in the life" looks like in these fields. Also, try to look into local workforce development centers or community colleges that offer pharmacy technician certification courses.
3. Develop a learner's mindset. Healthcare and science are constantly evolving and changing, so developing a curiosity about what's new and exciting in science and healthcare will keep you up to date on the latest treatments backed by science to better serve your patients.
Thank you very much for your question! I wish you the best of luck on your pharmaceutical physician pursuits! If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out!
Albert Giannone, M.D
Retired physician/former pharmacist
28
Answers
Center Moriches, New York
Updated
Albert’s Answer
I'm not sure what career in the pharmaceutical industry you're looking for, but it sounds like either a pharmacy technician, a pharmacologist, or a pharmacist. I'm not sure what is needed to become a pharmacy technician, but why not become a pharmacist? It pays well and you'll always have a job. It now requires six years of study at college level for a Doctor of Pharmacy degree though and you might not be able to make that kind of commitment or investment. Becoming as pharmacologist requires a PhD in pharmacology and the study pathway is even more demanding, So, if you're goal is pharmacy technician (which given the shortage of pharmacists is also a secure field) then getting a part-time job in a retail pharmacy in any capacity (preferably a big chain) while you're in school might be a good way to go. This could lead to further opportunities while giving you experience in working with people.