Can you work while in pharmacy school?

[Spyris]

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I was just wondering who works during pharmacy school and how much do you usually make per year? I'm in a tight squeeze and I know I will need to work during my first year at UCSF. Those who are at UCSF, when do you get your permit to work with a pharmacist (not as a technician) and how much do you make per hour or year? Any advice on job searching and wages is much appreciated. I know that USC grants you a permit to work in a pharmacy after your third week of freshmen year, is that the same at UCSF? How do you guys fund your tuition, housing, and living expenses?

 

[emogrrrrl]

I'm not going to USC or UCSF, but if your government loans aren't covering all of your expenses you can get a private loan to take care of everything else. I've overheard people talking about this before while waiting in the financial aid office.
I may have misunderstood, anyone feel free to correct me if I am wrong.

 

[r_salis]

Does UCSF have a work-study program? The one at my school is great -- $15/hour, and the hours are very flexible. Many people work an hour here and there between classes, more when they have time.

 

[BMBiology]

Spyris, I am heart broken that you have decided to attend UCSF instead of USC. Although you have caused me many sleepless nights and indescribable pain, I am still willing to advise you regarding this matter.

Unlike USC, UCSF students do not receive their intern pharmacist license until winter quarter. That is almost a 4 month difference. Just think of the money that could have been earned during that 4 month period~! Let me do the math for you:

First year rate:
If you work 15 hours a week at Sav-on, Walgreens, etc:
15.00$/hour X 15 hours/week X 4 weeks/month X 4 months = 3,600$

If you work 15 hours a week at Kaiser,
16.22$/hour X 15 hours/week X 4 weeks/month X 4 months = 3,892.80$

That money could have been used to buy warm undies and socks because it is cold in SF. Although in the long run you will save some money by going to UCSF, I hope you will become pale and wish you were at one of the beautiful beaches in Southern California.

 

[futoi]

I've worked about an average of 20 hours/week while in pharm. school. It was probably less during the first year because of the classes we had to take...anatomy, physiology. but, it is doable.
not sure if it should be counted on as your main source of income, though. you may not be working the same amount every week, and there are all of those national conventions that you can attend, and they cost a lot.

 

[Tuck]

Not sure generally how much people make, in Oregon you can't get your pharmacist intern license until after your first year. However, the pay scale seems to be a bit better. Walgreens pays about $21-23 an hour and if you get on at Kaiser the pay is $27-33 an hour depending upon how long you have worked there. I have a friend at Kaiser who is making $29 an hour plus benifits, retirement, etc.

 

[BMBiology]

I should move to Oregon!

 

[Oneday_9]

I'm not going to USC or UCSF, but if your government loans aren't covering all of your expenses you can get a private loan to take care of everything else. I've overheard people talking about this before while waiting in the financial aid office.
I may have misunderstood, anyone feel free to correct me if I am wrong.

This is somewhat true, but what I found out is that even a private loan has to be approved by the school. For example, I think my first yuear with out of state tuition, the max allowed is 46 grand. So even if I get a 50K loan from citibank or sallie mae, it doesn't go through unless your school approves it. This is how it was explained to me.

 

[Oneday_9]

Although in the long run you will save some money by going to UCSF, I hope you will become pale and wish you were at one of the beautiful beaches in Southern California.

Hmm, I don't know how that view is from USC, but it is mostly looking out over downtown and the smog...gorgeous.

haha

Spryis, ya made the right choice, don't listen to this guy shamelessly plug his school! I'm not in a rush to get into the pharmacy, I want a good foundation before I enter it (i have the rest of my life). I doubt it matters, I'm going to try to get the work study thing going in the mean time.


🙂

 

[64microbus]

Spyris, I feel you. I'd rather not, but I'm going to have to work too. I Got this off the UCSF website:

You are eligible for internship licensure as a first year student. Applications are distributed to first year students during their first quarter at a special first year student meeting. Intern license applications must be filed by the end of the first quarter.

http://pharmacy.ucsf.edu/pharmd/students/misc/licenses/

 

[Oneday_9]

Spyris, I feel you. I'd rather not, but I'm going to have to work too. I Got this off the UCSF website:

You are eligible for internship licensure as a first year student. Applications are distributed to first year students during their first quarter at a special first year student meeting. Intern license applications must be filed by the end of the first quarter.

http://pharmacy.ucsf.edu/pharmd/students/misc/licenses/

Thanks for the link!

 

[neonam11]

Hmmm, sorry I missed this post. Spyris, you will get your intern license at the end of first quarter. Yeah, it takes some time to do the Live Scan and have the paperwork approved by BoP. By the way, just because you get your intern license early, it does not mean that you will instantaneously get a job at Walgreens or Kaiser. If you want to work, I advise you to turn in your application early, say October, because it will take the recruiters and hiring manager some time to get back to you anyway. Hopefully, by the time you fill out the necesary forms, get hired, do the drug test, you will have your intern license. Just explain to the manager that you can start in late December.

I think that a first year intern at Walgreens is paid around $14.50-15.00, correct me if I'm wrong someone. If you work at Walgreens, the hours are variable; my classmates work anywhere from 4-11 hours per week. If you work at Kaiser, I think there is a minimum number of hours you have to work. We occasionally get e-mails from Joel Gonzalez, our recruiter you might say, and upperclassmen on job openings.

 

[bananaface]

In WA $15 is about what you make as an intern at Walgreens. I don't know why Oregon would pay so much higher. Do those companies make students sign a contract to work for them for a certain amount of time after school is out?

 

[Spyris]

Hmmm, sorry I missed this post. Spyris, you will get your intern license at the end of first quarter....

Thanks neonam11! I will see you this fall! 👍

 

[Tuck]

No, there are no specific company requirements. I believe it has to do with the fact that a pharmacy intern in Oregon is actually a licensed position and the requirements are more stringent to acquire that license. Consequently, the pay scale is in accordance with the expected responsibilites, or so I surmise anyways.

Just googled for a sec and came up with some past job postings. Here is the URL if anyone is curious.

http://www.rxjobfinder.com/state.cfm/ID_OR/

 

[bananaface]

Tuck-

Pharmacy Interns in WA are also required to be licensed. What requirements are there in OR aside from admission to pharmacy school?

 

[UCSFpharmgirl8]

Hey Spyris...I also worked during my 1st year...actually I started working as of September....before school started. Since I was already working at Walgreens in Southern Cal as a technician....all I had to do was get transferred to a store up here. Also....the store was paying me intern rate....since I was a 1st year pharmacy student and I was filling out the application...despite the fact that I wouldn't receive my intern license until December. As a 1st year student...I worked approximately 2 days per week...average 15 hours per week...earning $15 an hour. Like yourself...I need to work to cover my personal expenses...and have extra cash to do whatevers. Hey do u know spanish???? If so I may be able to find you a spot for Walgreens...I have some hook ups 🙂

 

[BMBiology]

Spyris, I hope you know I was only kidding. I am sure you will gain a one of the kind education at UCSF. Please let me know if there's anything I can help you with.

 

[Tuck]

I am not sure of the full scope of requirements, but in OR you are not able to work as a pharmacy intern until the completion of your entire first year of school. Although that kind of sucks for those that want to work during their first year, it also helps in that you can make a lot more money in the summer. In most cases, if you work diligently anyways, you can pay for your next year of school from what you make in the summmer, which significantly cuts down on student loan debt by the time you graduate. Not to mention, at $25 an hour you can make a $1000 a month and only put in basically 10 hours a week. I know several people who are doing this right now and the vast majority of their employers are very flexible with their schedule.

 

[DrugMan]

I was looking at Touro's daily schedule and it seems almost impossible to work, study and go to school. The average day is from 9am to 5pm. If anyone have any suggestions on work and school halla back 😀 I'm all ears.

Touro COP
c/o 2009

 

[jemc2000]

I was looking at Touro's daily schedule and it seems almost impossible to work, study and go to school. The average day is from 9am to 5pm. If anyone have any suggestions on work and school halla back 😀 I'm all ears.

Touro COP
c/o 2009

Work on weekends.

 

[xtiffyx]

If you don't have to work, then don't do it. I know my GPA would be much better if I didn't have to work. When I go to Pharmacy school next year next I am only going to work 10 or fewer hrs. Work as much as you can in the summer and save up so you have money for the school year to pay for your bills.

 

[TrojanAnteater]

yeah I was planning (because i've been told it's what most people do at first) is interning on weekends, even maybe just 1 day a week.

 

[ZpackSux]

I worked every weekend at a hospital from for 3 and 1/2 years while going to USC.. ok..i may have had a few weekends off. But not many.

 

[ilovepharmacy]

I know lecture only will last till 12 or 1pm for first years at sc but I've heard there are other things that go on through the afternoon (labs, externships, etc.). So, I plan on working most weekends and POSSIBLY those weekdays that I have nothing better to do (even if it has to be at night)... but I don't know for sure, I'll have to see how stupid I am in pharm school classes.. 😛

 

[trishias]

According to the schedule on the web, my classes end at 1230 on fridays so that leaves friday evening, saturday morning and sunday morning for me to work. i hope I wont be as burned out as i am now. 🙄

 

[DrugMan]

I work about 13 hrs a week and it always seems to interfere with some part of my school schedule. I think I'll probably work every other weekend just to keep gas in the tank . But one thing that we do have on our side at this point in our schooling, is the fact that we don't have to stay up to God knows when to get the "A". I think that if I get a couple of C's I'll still be happy as long as I'm not flunking out of school . One other thing...do y'all know how long we have to wait til we can get our intern license?

 

[aubieRx]

dear lord no, work! that would interfere with my playgirl lifestyle...less time for champagne and bunny slippers in front of a cracking good tv program (usually some light british comedy).

Of course, if i had to do it I would but i don't thank god.

 

[DrugMan]

dear lord no, work! that would interfere with my playgirl lifestyle...less time for champagne and bunny slippers in front of a cracking good tv program (usually some light british comedy).

Of course, if i had to do it I would but i don't thank god.

aubieRx,

Girl it sounds like you have it made 🙂 ...how are you going to finance your tutition? Not that it's a bad thing that you might not work or anything. Give me some tips b/c I would love to stay at home and play Halo 2 on XBOX all day long 😀 .

 

[aubieRx]

My parents will pay for my tuition and expenses, god bless them. I will get a job this summer though while I finish up my last pre-req: physics (cause my parents won't buy me really cool stuff like cell phone plans so i need a bit of pocket change). But come fall I just have pharmacy school to contend with....arguably that is a huge load of work in itself. My respect goes out to those who balance an actual job with pharmacy school/school.

 

[trishias]

My parents will pay for my tuition and expenses, god bless them. I will get a job this summer though while I finish up my last pre-req: physics (cause my parents won't buy me really cool stuff like cell phone plans so i need a bit of pocket change). But come fall I just have pharmacy school to contend with....arguably that is a huge load of work in itself. My respect goes out to those who balance an actual job with pharmacy school/school.

I want your parents!!! My parents only paid for one semester of college and I took out loans for the rest. I love my parents but I wish they could have paid for school. You're lucky!!

 

[LBS615]

I plan on working one or two days a week (my classes are only half a day) and maybe one weekend a month. I am going to be per diem where I currently work now(and hopefully will get around $25/hr). Everyone says it is doable to work and do pharm school that I have spoken with. One of my friends who graduates w/her pharmD this month always worked at least 20hours a week. I plan to work a lot during winter and summer break and hopefully be able to work for a pharmacy then too. I am most concerned about 4th year during rotations when they are all day long. I had friends who did their internship all day long then went and worked at a drug store till it closed at night- that would be exhausting, but hey you got to do what you got to do to get by.

 

[nikkai]

I plan on working one or two days a week (my classes are only half a day) and maybe one weekend a month. I am going to be per diem where I currently work now(and hopefully will get around $25/hr). Everyone says it is doable to work and do pharm school that I have spoken with. One of my friends who graduates w/her pharmD this month always worked at least 20hours a week. I plan to work a lot during winter and summer break and hopefully be able to work for a pharmacy then too. I am most concerned about 4th year during rotations when they are all day long. I had friends who did their internship all day long then went and worked at a drug store till it closed at night- that would be exhausting, but hey you got to do what you got to do to get by.

25 as an intern? Is that normal? 😱

I'm assuming that you're not a P1?

 

[tanyas]

I know lecture only will last till 12 or 1pm for first years at sc but I've heard there are other things that go on through the afternoon (labs, externships, etc.). So, I plan on working most weekends and POSSIBLY those weekdays that I have nothing better to do (even if it has to be at night)... but I don't know for sure, I'll have to see how stupid I am in pharm school classes.. 😛

\
Unless they make some major changes to your curriculum, you will have most of the afternoons free during the first year except during the 4 weeks of externships every semester. We only had classes until 3 pm on Fridays the first semester, and the rest of it and the second semester is until 12. Most people work during the week, I work Friday afternoons and Saturdays. Even when we had PharmCare labs, they were only 1 afternoon a week first semester for like 4 weeks ( i think) and this semester they were during class times in the mornings. So yes, you have time to work..

 

[LBS615]

25 as an intern? Is that normal? 😱

I'm assuming that you're not a P1?

Not as an intern..I have a BS and MS in Nutrition- i am a registered dietitian, i want to maintain those credentials (RD, LD/N) so I want to continue to work as a dietitian while I am in school. That is why i said i would also like to pick up a job one day a week or so in a pharmacy starting over winter break or the summer. 😉

 

[okieRx]

I need to work at least 30 hrs/wk to keep my benefits and to qualify for tuition assistance through my job. I will work from 11pm to 6am or so and then go to school. It will be a tough 4 years, but it will be worth it in the end.

 

[kurisu]

unfortunately, fun doesn't come for free. i'm just planning to work on the weekends and maybe one day during the week.

 

[ilovepharmacy]

\
Unless they make some major changes to your curriculum, you will have most of the afternoons free during the first year except during the 4 weeks of externships every semester. We only had classes until 3 pm on Fridays the first semester, and the rest of it and the second semester is until 12. Most people work during the week, I work Friday afternoons and Saturdays. Even when we had PharmCare labs, they were only 1 afternoon a week first semester for like 4 weeks ( i think) and this semester they were during class times in the mornings. So yes, you have time to work..

oooh goodies! - whenever i hear my friends say "i have externship today" or "we just got out of lab" i assumed it was a regular thing.. screw work.. im lookin forward to sitting in front of the tube now. 😀

 

[Trustplans]

Id imagine it depends what kind of person you are.
Some ppl are very good at getting a lot of work done between classes and such during the week and they have a bit of free time on the weekend (a friend of mine always busted his a** Mon-Fri and took off Saturdays and part of Sundays off) and there are others who use the weekends to catch up on things they couldnt get to during the week. If you are one of those ppl, you can always cut out some of your sleep hours and divert them to working.

Id imagine thats what I'd do if/when I get in....the playboy lifestyle of cars, clothes, champagne, & woman must be maintained!! 😎

 

[Citrusxoxo]

How many of you guys work and go to school?

I am quitting my job in August to go to school full time. I have a grant but I was worried about living expenses. I bought some books off Amazon.com They are by Ben Kaplan and like Peterson something anyways one of the books is "How to go to school for almost free" and then the other is a book (800+ pages) of scholarships. I am hoping that I can obtain some more money for school. Has anyone tried these books?

I definitely think that not working is going to help my grades improve and let me be able to volunteer more and work on my GPA.

Did anyone else also quit there job to concentrate on school and if so, did you see an improvement with your GPA?

Thanks,
Full of questions emily 😀

 

[WVUPharm2007]

When I started working about 20-ish hours/week at the local hospital back in my hometown as a pre-pharm, my GPA actually went up about .5.

Now that I don't care about GPA, I work about 32 hours/week in my retail slave job here in Mo'Town. Many call me crazy, but bringing home $370 a week is great!

 

[b*rizzle]

When I started working about 20-ish hours/week at the local hospital back in my hometown as a pre-pharm, my GPA actually went up about .5.

Now that I don't care about GPA, I work about 32 hours/week in my retail slave job here in Mo'Town. Many call me crazy, but bringing home $370 a week is great!

I found that my grades went up when I started working...I think it forces you to manage your time better. Last semester I worked 25 hours a week at a job I commuted 40 minutes both ways to. Now I work about 10 minutes from my apartment.

 

[dana92085]

i am quitting my job at the end of this semester. i found that working and going to school was just to much for me to handle and my stress level was at an all time high. (i really admire anyone who works and goes to school--it is hard work). i didnt have very much time for a social life because all sunday and saturday i was trying to get a head start on the next week.

 

[Citrusxoxo]

i am quitting my job at the end of this semester. i found that working and going to school was just to much for me to handle and my stress level was at an all time high. (i really admire anyone who works and goes to school--it is hard work). i didnt have very much time for a social life because all sunday and saturday i was trying to get a head start on the next week.

That is exactly what happened to me 🙂 The only time i had to study was on the weekend and I dont do well when I have to cram. 🙂 working and going to school is hard LoL 👎

 

[Crazy_Norwegian]

How many of you guys work and go to school?

I am quitting my job in August to go to school full time. I have a grant but I was worried about living expenses. I bought some books off Amazon.com They are by Ben Kaplan and like Peterson something anyways one of the books is "How to go to school for almost free" and then the other is a book (800+ pages) of scholarships. I am hoping that I can obtain some more money for school. Has anyone tried these books?

I definitely think that not working is going to help my grades improve and let me be able to volunteer more and work on my GPA.

Did anyone else also quit there job to concentrate on school and if so, did you see an improvement with your GPA?

Thanks,
Full of questions emily 😀

For me personally, the choice to work or not to work was based on what kind of classes I was taking.

When I was a pre-pharm, I took six classes at a time and worked 50 hours/week while commuting 40 minutes to school. There was no way I could continue to work in pharmacy school and still get good grades while doing that.

As a matter of fact, I don't work at all now that I'm in pharmacy school. I decided that $10 / hr and no health insurance isn't worth my time if I can only manage to work ~10 hours /week. I would rather keep my sanity.

I do agree with the previous poster who said that working forces you to be more organized with your time--it's a matter of necessity. As far as my grades go, my GPA has actually gone down since I no longer work, but I don't think its relevant. Comparing pre-pharm to professional school is like comparing apples to oranges.

 

[julierx]

How many of you guys work and go to school?

I am quitting my job in August to go to school full time. I have a grant but I was worried about living expenses. I bought some books off Amazon.com They are by Ben Kaplan and like Peterson something anyways one of the books is "How to go to school for almost free" and then the other is a book (800+ pages) of scholarships. I am hoping that I can obtain some more money for school. Has anyone tried these books?

I definitely think that not working is going to help my grades improve and let me be able to volunteer more and work on my GPA.

Did anyone else also quit there job to concentrate on school and if so, did you see an improvement with your GPA?

Thanks,
Full of questions emily 😀

I agree with most of the postings. I have been working as a pharm tech for the past year, and my grades have steadily improved. I think it has a lot to due with the fact that it forces you to manage your time better. This semester I have two jobs, and this is also the very first semester I will have a 4.0. 🙂

 

[funny_pharm]

How many of you guys work and go to school?

I am quitting my job in August to go to school full time. I have a grant but I was worried about living expenses. I bought some books off Amazon.com They are by Ben Kaplan and like Peterson something anyways one of the books is "How to go to school for almost free" and then the other is a book (800+ pages) of scholarships. I am hoping that I can obtain some more money for school. Has anyone tried these books?

I definitely think that not working is going to help my grades improve and let me be able to volunteer more and work on my GPA.

Did anyone else also quit there job to concentrate on school and if so, did you see an improvement with your GPA?

Thanks,
Full of questions emily 😀

I work ~40-50 hours a week. Forty hours at my "normal" IT job and 10 hours a week in an independent pharmacy. My IT job forces me to work from 11pm-7am. I usually take 8-12 hrs per semester, but with 2 labs a week it's tough. After my graveyard shift I head for classes. I really don't have the option of not working fulltime. Like I've said before don't ever work graveyard if you don't have to. I don't care how great your time management skills may be b/c w/o sleep your day is just one big blur.

 

[meow004]

Hi Emily,

Honestly, as cliche as this may sound, it really depends on the person. Personally, I've seen people who've never held a job while in college and still do fairly the same as those who've had numerous jobs. However, I think obtaining a job could help build your resume and add a lot to your application if you are considering applying later on. In my case, I've been working on and off while in college, depending on my class schedule for the quarter. And if you could find a job on campus, that would be even better because chances are your work schedule can be super flexible, since your supervisor understand (or should anyway) that you have classes to attend to first. Hope this helps somewhat.

 

[Citrusxoxo]

Hi Emily,

Honestly, as cliche as this may sound, it really depends on the person. Personally, I've seen people who've never held a job while in college and still do fairly the same as those who've had numerous jobs. However, I think obtaining a job could help build your resume and add a lot to your application if you are considering applying later on. In my case, I've been working on and off while in college, depending on my class schedule for the quarter. And if you could find a job on campus, that would be even better because chances are your work schedule can be super flexible, since your supervisor understand (or should anyway) that you have classes to attend to first. Hope this helps somewhat.

You know what meow004 I was thinking that exact same thing today. I should get a job on campus LoL!! It seems like every job I find doesnt want you to go to school. My job now is totally not flexable. What is funny is I was straight forward with them when I applied and then when I say i need to leave 10 min early to make it to class on time they look at me like i never told them I was in school....Oh well 😀 thanks for the advice guys!!

 

[Crazy_Norwegian]

You know what meow004 I was thinking that exact same thing today. I should get a job on campus LoL!! It seems like every job I find doesnt want you to go to school. My job now is totally not flexable. What is funny is I was straight forward with them when I applied and then when I say i need to leave 10 min early to make it to class on time they look at me like i never told them I was in school....Oh well 😀 thanks for the advice guys!!

I found that flexibility in the schedule has A LOT more to do with your boss/supervisor than the actual job. At my old job, my first boss was completely inflexible. I asked to change my schedule and come in an hour later 2 days / week and he said absolutely not. Cut to two years later, and in the same job, my new boss was completely flexible. I even worked a split shift for almost eight months.