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How do you choose what kind of pharmacist you want to be? What are all the different factors you have to take into account?
I'm a high schooler who wants to pursue being a pharmacist after college. I excel at math, science, and art.
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4 answers
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Aqsa’s Answer
Choosing the right path can be tough, but you can make it easier by exploring each option step by step. Think about what you enjoy and what fits you best. Consider these questions:
1. What kind of work do you love? Do you like talking to patients?
2. Do you prefer a calm setting or a busy one?
3. Would you rather work in an office or a clinic?
4. Do you like teaching or explaining things to others?
5. Are you good at science and research?
6. Are you comfortable with technology?
7. Do you want the option to work remotely?
8. What salary do you hope to earn?
If you pursue an MBA after Pharm D, you can move into industry roles like business analyst or HR. Regulatory pharmacy is in demand now, and there are remote or hybrid jobs that help you balance work and family. Clinical pharmacy is a great choice if you enjoy patient interaction or the hospital setting. Learning about electronic health records and HIPAA compliance can also open doors to working as a virtual medical assistant.
1. What kind of work do you love? Do you like talking to patients?
2. Do you prefer a calm setting or a busy one?
3. Would you rather work in an office or a clinic?
4. Do you like teaching or explaining things to others?
5. Are you good at science and research?
6. Are you comfortable with technology?
7. Do you want the option to work remotely?
8. What salary do you hope to earn?
If you pursue an MBA after Pharm D, you can move into industry roles like business analyst or HR. Regulatory pharmacy is in demand now, and there are remote or hybrid jobs that help you balance work and family. Clinical pharmacy is a great choice if you enjoy patient interaction or the hospital setting. Learning about electronic health records and HIPAA compliance can also open doors to working as a virtual medical assistant.
Updated
Mary’s Answer
I originally worked in pharmaceutical industry research and then I decided to go into marketing research. Both involved a lot of travel and I was just starting my family so I switched careers and started working in hospital pharmacy and really loved that because it was more flexible for my personal goals. I found it much more rewarding, knowing that I was helping people get better who were very sick. I have since retired and I’m now working in HIV pharmacy serving a different kind of community, but it’s still very rewarding.
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Don't worry too much about deciding what kind of pharmacist you want to be just yet. Many people in pharmacy school or even those who are already pharmacists haven't figured that out. It's great that you already know you want to go into pharmacy while you're still in high school.
For now, it might be helpful to work as a pharmacy tech to get some experience and learn about the basics of drugs and pharmacy. Besides that, just focus on taking things one day at a time and aim to get into pharmacy school. Once you're there, you'll have plenty of opportunities to join groups, do internships, and connect with alumni and professors. This will help you learn more about different areas where you can work as a pharmacist.
For now, it might be helpful to work as a pharmacy tech to get some experience and learn about the basics of drugs and pharmacy. Besides that, just focus on taking things one day at a time and aim to get into pharmacy school. Once you're there, you'll have plenty of opportunities to join groups, do internships, and connect with alumni and professors. This will help you learn more about different areas where you can work as a pharmacist.
Updated
Yolanda’s Answer
The field of pharmacy has changed dramatically over the years. I have been a pharmacist for over 20 years, and even though I love what I do, I would not advise the future generation to go into pharmacy. I say that because now you have to do at least 2 residencies to be competitive. Plus there are so many pharmacy schools now, that the market is overly saturated. To get a job you may have to move to the out skirts where no one wants to be. I would seriously reconsider your path. But don't take my word for it. Research the profession. Speak to other pharmacists. I would look into becoming a PA or nurse practitioner. Less time in school, better pay, and they are in demand. If you really want job security, look into the mental health profession. Hope this helps. Wish you the best.