Debating pharmacy, alternatives?

[mdr8]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Well I have two interviews so far at Thomas Jefferson and NOVA, with hopes of entering pharmacy school somewhere this fall. As the time is nearing closer and the reality of my decision is setting in I have been doing tons of research in this forum (may or may not be a good idea). I can't help but be terrified at the overwhelming number of people saying the future of pharmacy is going to be grim, saturated, decreased pay, blah blah blah etc. While I try to be optimistic, the thought of graduating in 2015 with substantial loans only and having difficulty finding a job is dreadful.

I've been trying to think "okay, well if this stuff does end up scaring me too much to take the risk of attending pharm. school what will I do instead?" I am one year removed from college, 24 years old with a B.S. in biology. I don't have good work experience on my resume as I did the typical "summer job" type out doors work on summer vacations. I'm pretty confused and stressed out at this point in my life as I feel like I need to be working towards a goal and not backing away from one, but at the same time I don't want to end up like kids with law degrees right now. URGH THIS ECONOMY SUCKS. I'm not saying I'm ready to jump ship yet on my plans of entering pharmacy school, but I do want to explore other options. What else could I do with a biology degree?? Any ideas/advice/wisdom?

 

[Farmpharm]

Well I have two interviews so far at Thomas Jefferson and NOVA, with hopes of entering pharmacy school somewhere this fall. As the time is nearing closer and the reality of my decision is setting in I have been doing tons of research in this forum (may or may not be a good idea). I can't help but be terrified at the overwhelming number of people saying the future of pharmacy is going to be grim, saturated, decreased pay, blah blah blah etc. While I try to be optimistic, the thought of graduating in 2015 with substantial loans only and having difficulty finding a job is dreadful.

I've been trying to think "okay, well if this stuff does end up scaring me too much to take the risk of attending pharm. school what will I do instead?" I am one year removed from college, 24 years old with a B.S. in biology. I don't have good work experience on my resume as I did the typical "summer job" type out doors work on summer vacations. I'm pretty confused and stressed out at this point in my life as I feel like I need to be working towards a goal and not backing away from one, but at the same time I don't want to end up like kids with law degrees right now. URGH THIS ECONOMY SUCKS. I'm not saying I'm ready to jump ship yet on my plans of entering pharmacy school, but I do want to explore other options. What else could I do with a biology degree?? Any ideas/advice/wisdom?

A) Nursing: Pretty much recession proof, and will always find a job. I'm not sure whether you can work internationally with a nursing degree. Good pay, decent hours, and lots of alternative areas within Nursing profession. Can do pro-bono work overseas. Not long to do.

B) PA: Physician Assistant. The new hot job on the market. Good pay, work under a physician but don't have to worry about lawsuits etc. Will always find a job, and there is need for them. Good pay, good hours, and it feels like you're doing something "more than retail." Not long to do.

C) Dentistry: Been around for a while. Great pay, great hours, and super high earning potential. Can be employed by hospital/offices, and can start own business. Only problem is that metropolitan areas tend to be saturated with general dentists. That being said, you can specialize in about 7 different specialties which is NOT saturated. I don't know the specifics on working internationally- I think this is a no due to other countries having different dental degrees. Can do M.D. residency for OMFS surgery which would allow international work. Can do research. Maybe not the most gratifying, but lots of patient interaction. Long to do if you specialize.

D) Medicine: Great pay, questionable hours, and high earning potential. Competitive, and recession proof. Can work internationally. Can do research etc. Gratifying job "saving lives" Very long to do. Especially specializing.

E) Optometry: Dunno much about

F) Podiatry: Dunno much about

G) PT: I heard this is the a hot profession. You get a doctorate now, and work rehabilitating patients. Make a good salary, have good hours, and lots of patient interaction. You get to see someone go from wheelchair to walking again- it's pretty gratifying. Not sure on the length of the program to be honest.

All in all, I advise you to shadow around. See what else is out there. Pharmacy isn't going anywhere and its a good profession. Just remember, this is what you're going to be doing for the rest of your life.

Edit: With any job, there are downsides. I suggest you look up some of the downsides of the above professions.

 

[ispeshaled]

Wow...in the same boat. I'm 26 with a B.S in Biology. I have several interviews lined up and since reading these forums, I can't help but feel that sense of dread that is floating around.

My prior work experience has been in clinical research/clinical trials and that was what led me to pursue a degree in pharmacy. At this point, I feel like I should continue down this path and adapt as this profession changes throughout the years. I don't believe pharmacy is going anywhere either but it definitely will change as it grows in some places and shrinks in others.

 

[fauxden]

Wow...in the same boat. I'm 26 with a B.S in Biology. I have several interviews lined up and since reading these forums, I can't help but feel that sense of dread that is floating around.

My prior work experience has been in clinical research/clinical trials and that was what led me to pursue a degree in pharmacy. At this point, I feel like I should continue down this path and adapt as this profession changes throughout the years. I don't believe pharmacy is going anywhere either but it definitely will change as it grows in some places and shrinks in others.

don't continue down the path of pharmacy just because you planned on it. The changes coming are ones you are not going to like, and won't be worth the cost of the schooling. Im a p2- if I could start over again I would be looking at any of the other fields listed above- except optometry - i think its in the same boat as pharmacy, screwed. Go look at the pharmD forum and see what actual pharmacists and pharmacy students are saying. its grim.

 

[Farmpharm]

Wow...in the same boat. I'm 26 with a B.S in Biology. I have several interviews lined up and since reading these forums, I can't help but feel that sense of dread that is floating around.

My prior work experience has been in clinical research/clinical trials and that was what led me to pursue a degree in pharmacy. At this point, I feel like I should continue down this path and adapt as this profession changes throughout the years. I don't believe pharmacy is going anywhere either but it definitely will change as it grows in some places and shrinks in others.

To be honest, I also feel the same way. I have several friends that are P3, or just graduated and they also feel that same sense of dread. From word of mouth, metropolitan areas are pretty much saturated and rural areas are increasingly harder to get a job. Most of my friends haven't gotten offers in the "nicer" places, but some get offers in well lets say the back of the woods areas. Whats going to happen when the new pharmacy schools open up? Who knows. But simple supply and demand shows that theres going to be way to much supply.

In addition, the amount of pharmacy options of "specializing" are not there compared to dentistry/medicine/nursing. I hope the AACP or whatever is in charge can get their act together and prevent the "grim" future from happening.

Regardless of what many may say, every profession evolves for the better and the worst. Perhaps this may ensure "better" pharmacists. One's that do residencies and come from "top" tier schools. Perhaps it may not. All I know is that change is already here, and its still shaping the future for tommorow.

Will it deter me? I dunno. I like analyzing drug interactions etc, but I want a job that will pay off my 200k loan, and a stable one at that (paycuts, hiring freeze/ bonuses/ insurance/ work hours). For that reason alone, I chose not to pursue law. I would shell out money for the above professions I listed, because they do ensure a stable job.

 

[mdr8]

Wow...in the same boat. I'm 26 with a B.S in Biology. I have several interviews lined up and since reading these forums, I can't help but feel that sense of dread that is floating around.

My prior work experience has been in clinical research/clinical trials and that was what led me to pursue a degree in pharmacy. At this point, I feel like I should continue down this path and adapt as this profession changes throughout the years. I don't believe pharmacy is going anywhere either but it definitely will change as it grows in some places and shrinks in others.

Yah man, at least we share the same frustrations haha. This is just a very stressful time for me, I have no job right now living with my parents planning on pharmacy school this fall. Then there's this part of me inside questioning whether I'm making the right decision. And then if I bail on this it's like, what the hell else am I gonna do? Switching to something like dental or medical school will only set me back another year or two of trying to get in. I'm thinking I will probably just end up doing what you said and adapting to the field of pharmacy.

I just have my fingers crossed we're not those graduates with 100+K in debt with no work.....

 

[mdr8]

PT is even worse off than pharmacy is. My brother in law is a physical therapist and there are a **** ton of PT schools. They're easier to get into than pharmacy school and being a PT does not pay that well. No way I would consider PT. Perhaps I will consider dentistry, but my best friends dad is a dentist and he says to steer clear of medicine all together with the way things are going. Pretty much everyone says to steer clear of the job they have..... doctors, dentist, pharmacists, nurses (sister hates it), PT (her husband hates it) etc. So frustrating with how much negativity I hear from everyone! I just don't know what to believe.

 

[Farmpharm]

PT is even worse off than pharmacy is. My brother in law is a physical therapist and there are a **** ton of PT schools. They're easier to get into than pharmacy school and being a PT does not pay that well. No way I would consider PT. Perhaps I will consider dentistry, but my best friends dad is a dentist and he says to steer clear of medicine all together with the way things are going. Pretty much everyone says to steer clear of the job they have..... doctors, dentist, pharmacists, nurses (sister hates it), PT (her husband hates it) etc. So frustrating with how much negativity I hear from everyone! I just don't know what to believe.

Haha, I didn't know that PT was even worse. Meh, I guess the grass is always greener on the other side. Just do what ya love and the money will come I guess

 

[hanhuang]

No jobs are easy to find... I know people who just graduated from Nursing school and having hard time to find a job too................... and one of my friend told me that a lot of hospital are not doing well they try not to hire too many PA either..

 

[fauxden]

No jobs are easy to find... I know people who just graduated from Nursing school and having hard time to find a job too................... and one of my friend told me that a lot of hospital are not doing well they try not to hire too many PA either..

oh freak man- nursing did the same thing pharm school did. over expanded and over saturated the job market. There is a nursing school here and I don't even know that they fill all of their seats these days.

 

[mdr8]

Yeah, a lot of the "easier" health profession schools to get in to (anything not MD, DO, DMD, or DVM) seem to be opening too many schools allowing for a saturation in their professions. I guess that's the one reason doctors, dentists and vets have better job security, their professions aren't willing to lower their standards and open tons of schools for students to enroll. They are smart and keeping the competitive edge, allowing them to select the best applicants and produce quality graduates. I guess the grass is always greener on the other side, I just need to make up my mind quickly as I have two interviews in the next month.

 

[mdr8]

In the end, the schools we are enrolling for whichever profession, don't give a crap about their students and only want to get money from them. I suppose if you get into a decent pharmacy school and make the most of it while getting good grades, you should have a pretty decent shot of landing a job after graduation (at least I'm telling myself that at the moment).

 

[222pharmD]

PT is even worse off than pharmacy is. My brother in law is a physical therapist and there are a **** ton of PT schools. They're easier to get into than pharmacy school and being a PT does not pay that well. No way I would consider PT. Perhaps I will consider dentistry, but my best friends dad is a dentist and he says to steer clear of medicine all together with the way things are going. Pretty much everyone says to steer clear of the job they have..... doctors, dentist, pharmacists, nurses (sister hates it), PT (her husband hates it) etc. So frustrating with how much negativity I hear from everyone! I just don't know what to believe.

I totally agree, there are always negative things to say about all the medical professions out there so with that said, THERE IS NO SINGLE PERFECT MEDICAL PROFESSION! Sure there are things that make me pretty ticked off when I work in the pharmacy as a tech (especially crappy insurances that are impossible to bill and the crap medi-cal patients give us when their TAR's don't go through), but other medical professions don't have it easier...Nurse's have to do some of the nastiest things a physician wont ever do and many of my nurse friends get sick to their stomach sometimes b/c of it.

I actually was considering PT, but every single PT clinics I visited for volunteering had no openings!! No openings for free labor?!? And you need 100 hours of volunteering to apply...So that sucked.. Also, most these PT clinics were soo empty, I have no idea how they're maintaining so stay in business!

I also looked into PA programs, but their 1000-2000 hours of hands on clinical experience in order to apply is insane. Pharmacy tech hours don't count, so I wasn't able to apply 👎.. One of my friends is a PA and he always seems soo stressed out whenever I see him.

In general, no medical career is easy or stress free...they're all ganna gave good days and bad days. We just need to stay positive and stay strong in our fields and do the best we can in whatever we choose as a profession. 👍

 

[Adaggiote]

Lawl......too bad there isn't Osteopathic Pharmacy.....

The alternatives are about the same for any healthcare profession:

optomoetrist
dentist
chiropractor
physician
nurse
podiatry

the list goes on...

 

[druggeek]

PT is even worse off than pharmacy is. My brother in law is a physical therapist and there are a **** ton of PT schools. They're easier to get into than pharmacy school and being a PT does not pay that well. No way I would consider PT. Perhaps I will consider dentistry, but my best friends dad is a dentist and he says to steer clear of medicine all together with the way things are going. Pretty much everyone says to steer clear of the job they have..... doctors, dentist, pharmacists, nurses (sister hates it), PT (her husband hates it) etc. So frustrating with how much negativity I hear from everyone! I just don't know what to believe.

STRONGLY agree with this post.

Pretty much everything I hear about any job lolz... even outside medical/healthcare field...

engineers... low starting pay
business... too many people

etc etc

 

[Lubeckd]

I actually was considering PT, but every single PT clinics I visited for volunteering had no openings!! No openings for free labor?!? And you need 100 hours of volunteering to apply...So that sucked.. Also, most these PT clinics were soo empty, I have no idea how they're maintaining so stay in business!

really? Im volunteering for it soon because my mom wants my bro in that field. I have to tell him what I think about it.

 

[Iowafan180]

PT is even worse off than pharmacy is. My brother in law is a physical therapist and there are a **** ton of PT schools. They're easier to get into than pharmacy school and being a PT does not pay that well. No way I would consider PT. Perhaps I will consider dentistry, but my best friends dad is a dentist and he says to steer clear of medicine all together with the way things are going. Pretty much everyone says to steer clear of the job they have..... doctors, dentist, pharmacists, nurses (sister hates it), PT (her husband hates it) etc. So frustrating with how much negativity I hear from everyone! I just don't know what to believe.

People are crazy, I mean seriously crazy. Do this, google the proffesion you want with the state you live in. Like for me, Pharmacist job, Iowa


http://pharmacyjobs.rxcareercenter.com/iowa_pharmacy_jobs.cfm


Bam, Job.


That was really hard. People are just fear mongers.

 

[222pharmD]

really? Im volunteering for it soon because my mom wants my bro in that field. I have to tell him what I think about it.

Yeap, well maybe just in my area in Sac town, Cali. I personally think its a cool career b/c i'm really into fitness, but I just never see these PT clinics ever busy, and I drive past a few of them almost everyday.

 

[Passion4Sci]

People are crazy, I mean seriously crazy. Do this, google the proffesion you want with the state you live in. Like for me, Pharmacist job, Iowa


http://pharmacyjobs.rxcareercenter.com/iowa_pharmacy_jobs.cfm


Bam, Job.


That was really hard. People are just fear mongers.

To be fair, many online jobs have long since been filled. When a position's been filled the employer does not always have the presence of mind or common decency (or both) to remove the job listing... So that isn't necessarily the best way of assessing whether there are actual gainable jobs.

but, the theme of your post I agree with.

 

[Electrode]

Here is a tip (& my career plan): Finish pharmacy school, do PGY1 & PGY2 with specialty in (more likely) oncology. It's up to you how fast you want to eat from that hot plate. Take it or leave it. End of story.

 

[Adaggiote]

If you want things to be fine in 2015, vote Repub...

 

[pharmschooler]

If you want things to be fine in 2015, vote Repub...

Yes...because I'm *certain* the Republican candidates have all the solutions to the nation's ills....</sarcasm>

 

[womp]

The sense of dread in medicine is even bigger. At least pharmacy is relatively quick. Medicine is another 3-7 years longer.

The only thing going for medicine is you hope to eventually find a specialized niche so you're not competing 100 people to a spot.

 

[pharmschooler]

The sense of dread in medicine is even bigger. At least pharmacy is relatively quick. Medicine is another 3-7 years longer.

The only thing going for medicine is you hope to eventually find a specialized niche so you're not competing 100 people to a spot.

I'd think the dread should be smaller in medicine.

You know people who are ill need doctors. People are getting older. Older people need to go to the doctor more. There aren't enough doctors. There doesn't seem to be an explosion of medical schools or residencies. End of story.

 

[dudecoolname]

What about more academic careers such as:

Neuroscientist
Biology Ph.D
Pharmacologist

etc.

These make decent amounts and seem like they would be gratifying...Are the job prospects in these any better?

Personally, I don't think I would want to be a PA, nurse, or even PT for that matter. Dentist? I'll pass on that as well. Optometrist? Maybe...But I'm hearing they're saturated as well.

 

[Electrode]

What about more academic careers such as:

Neuroscientist
Biology Ph.D
Pharmacologist

etc.

These make decent amounts and seem like they would be gratifying...Are the job prospects in these any better?

Personally, I don't think I would want to be a PA, nurse, or even PT for that matter. Dentist? I'll pass on that as well. Optometrist? Maybe...But I'm hearing they're saturated as well.

I saw an ad today at the rear of a very nice looking truck, on my way to work. They were offering sign-on bonuses for new truck drivers...no kidding. Sign-on bonuses isn't what a lot of professions can boast of, in this economy. Think about it....

 

[Adaggiote]

Yes...because I'm *certain* the Republican candidates have all the solutions to the nation's ills....</sarcasm>

Beter than what the Dems. are trying to hand out...free healthcare...and salary cuts...don't think so!!!!

 

[dudecoolname]

Beter than what the Dems. are trying to hand out...free healthcare...and salary cuts...don't think so!!!!

Are you opposed to free health care because of the salary cuts that would result? There are certainly legitimate arguments to be made against universal health care, but that's not a good reason

 

[homeslice]

Are you opposed to free health care because of the salary cuts that would result? There are certainly legitimate arguments to be made against universal health care, but that's not a good reason

I've heard many people use that as their reason. A product of our generation, unfortunately.

 

[R2pharmD2]

Are you opposed to free health care because of the salary cuts that would result? There are certainly legitimate arguments to be made against universal health care, but that's not a good reason

I'm in favor of universal healthcare and I could come up with a better argument against it than this guy. But I guess I shouldn't expect much out of someone who comes to a pharmacy board and suggests that voting for a particular party will "make everything fine"

 

[Farmacist2011]

I would think everyone would notice that things go to **** with the dems in office so we switch to the repubs and then things are going to **** again so we keep switching back in forth who's in power and each time we're fooled into thinking "this time the other group will fix it". This time will be different. Unfortunately we can't just vote republican "to make it all better". I just want CHANGE.

 

[R2pharmD2]

I would think everyone would notice that things go to **** with the dems in office so we switch to the repubs and then things are going to **** again so we keep switching back in forth who's in power and each time we're fooled into thinking "this time the other group will fix it". This time will be different. Unfortunately we can't just vote republican "to make it all better". I just want CHANGE.

Change... that's SO 2009. How about some Egyptian-style revolution?

Seriously though, I realize things aren't peachy right now, but as soon as the economy picks up everything will be sunshine and kittens again. Well, not in pharmacy since all of the diploma mills will destroy the field as we know it. But sunshine and kittens otherwise.

 

[jman128]

What about Optometry? I guess you can say areas are saturated but, it seems like a pretty chill health care career.

 

[Farmacist2011]

Optometry has WAY more problems than pharmacy- just pop over to the OD section.

 

[Passion4Sci]

I saw an ad today at the rear of a very nice looking truck, on my way to work. They were offering sign-on bonuses for new truck drivers...no kidding. Sign-on bonuses isn't what a lot of professions can boast of, in this economy. Think about it....

For shiz.

 

[dudecoolname]

Ive decided im dropping pre-pharmacy and switching to truck driving school. It was good knowing you SDN....From now on Ill be posting here:


http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/

 

[222pharmD]

Ive decided im dropping pre-pharmacy and switching to truck driving school. It was good knowing you SDN....From now on Ill be posting here:


http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/

Truck driving actually pays REALLY well!! lol...My dad does it. Buy your own semi-truck and refrigerated 53' trailer and you'll make some serious bank! One month he made about 15g's after subtracting fuel cost, etc. (December b/c of all the holiday shoppers 😛)

But he never recommended it to me b/c he's always away from the family, usually about 3 weeks at a time and home for about 3 days. So that's the downside.

 

[PharmaTope]

avoid pharmacy at ALL COSTS

the profession is sinking faster than the titanic. you will not find a job when you are done, it will be like going to law school. i am dead serious, avoid it!

 

[Passion4Sci]

avoid pharmacy at ALL COSTS

the profession is sinking faster than the titanic. you will not find a job when you are done, it will be like going to law school. i am dead serious, avoid it!

Yeah, you're an authority on this subject and we should all believe you.

 

[Farmacist2011]

PharmaTope just posted another encoraging thread in the forum: How many pharmacy students does Usciences accept a year.

His response: " i wouldnt go there if i were you. not a good pharmacy school. they treat their students like total garbage "

:-/

 

[Passion4Sci]

PharmaTope just posted another encoraging thread in the forum: How many pharmacy students does Usciences accept a year.

His response: " i wouldnt go there if i were you. not a good pharmacy school. they treat their students like total garbage "

:-/

We have a few standard issue trolls on this subject around here, along with RxForLife2004 and a few others. Just put them on ignore and voila, problem solved.

 

[dudecoolname]

Lol, pharmacy may be in bad shape....But I don't think it will ever get as bad as Law school

 

[Passion4Sci]

Lol, pharmacy may be in bad shape....But I don't think it will ever get as bad as Law school

Nope, that is very true, just by virtue of the fact you have to take science and math classes.

 

[DeMo9]

I swear..I think many people on these forums are current pharmacy students about to graduate and want to discourage others from enterting the profession so they can get their "dream jobs". I was just reading on CNN how the armed services are in dire needs of ALL healthcare professionals and how the baby boomers will increase the need for qualifed pharmacists everywhere and there is actually a shortage of healthcare workers. Yes you may not get your dream job right away but I find it extremely hard to believe that anyone with an RN, MD, or PharmD will be out of work for long, if at all.

 

[Shadii]

If you want things to be fine in 2015, vote Repub...

LMFAO..sdn does provide me with some chuckles in times of need.

 

[fauxden]

avoid pharmacy at ALL COSTS

the profession is sinking faster than the titanic. you will not find a job when you are done, it will be like going to law school. i am dead serious, avoid it!

I like how if anyone, like this guy I'm quoting, questions the legitimacy of the jobless claim for future pharmacists they are immediately referred to a troll and dismissed. Just an observation, but there are a lot of "trolls" out there. I guess I must be one. That, or a realist...hmmmmmmm?

 

[owlegrad]

I like how if anyone, like this guy I'm quoting, questions the legitimacy of the jobless claim for future pharmacists they are immediately referred to a troll and dismissed. Just an observation, but there are a lot of "trolls" out there. I guess I must be one. That, or a realist...hmmmmmmm?

There is a difference between what you described and saying that we are sinking faster than the titanic.

Troll.

 

[Electrode]

I swear..I think many people on these forums are current pharmacy students about to graduate and want to discourage others from enterting the profession so they can get their "dream jobs". I was just reading on CNN how the armed services are in dire needs of ALL healthcare professionals and how the baby boomers will increase the need for qualifed pharmacists everywhere and there is actually a shortage of healthcare workers. Yes you may not get your dream job right away but I find it extremely hard to believe that anyone with an RN, MD, or PharmD will be out of work for long, if at all.

Ditto! And that is not inclusive of other personal factors that can prevent one from getting even the most unsaturated job at all. Background record, personality, & sheer stupidity are just a few.

 

[R2pharmD2]

I like how if anyone, like this guy I'm quoting, questions the legitimacy of the jobless claim for future pharmacists they are immediately referred to a troll and dismissed. Just an observation, but there are a lot of "trolls" out there. I guess I must be one. That, or a realist...hmmmmmmm?

Yep, lots of trolls out there.

 

[Passion4Sci]

Durrr, everyone happy with their jobs in pharmacy is out enjoying their lives right now, not posting on the forums like Faux and his ilk.