From Paramedic to Pharmacist

[fenderbiz]

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Hey everyone. I'm looking for a little advice.
I've read all over the internet and I haven't found anyone else in my position, which is a good thing I suppose. I have been a firefighter/paramedic for about 2 years now. I was never active duty on a rescue, but I worked in an ER for about 1.5 years, and ever since I've been working in a hospital pharmacy. I have also been going to school full-time and will be done with the pharm pre-reqs this Summer. I will be taking the next PCAT, coming up in June, and I am confident that I will do well. I have solid LoRs. My math/science GPA is very good (~3.8), but my cumulative is mediocre (~3.1) due to screwing around my first couple years at a University. I have a General A.A. and and A.S. in EMS, but I never got a Bachelor's.
My cumulative and the fact that I don't have a Bachelor's degree are my only worries. Maybe my emt/paramedic/fire school experience would make up for that? I'm going for UF/Nova/Mercer. If anyone has any advice or words of encouragement, I'd appreciate it. Thanks for taking the time to read my post.

-Tyler

 

[ffpickle]

You'll get in, what more do you need to hear? You seem confident about doing well on the PCAT so just make sure this happens. You may want consider writing in Aug if you don't feel prepared for June. Perhaps you could work part-time, as a paramedic, in Pharm school

 

[fenderbiz]

Thanks for the reply. My biggest concern is the bachelor's degree. Since I will be done with the pre-reqs in the Summer, I will be only working (and not taking classes) from fall '09 until I start (hopefully) in fall '10. I hope this isn't looked down upon. I need to save up some cash. 😀

 

[FarscapeGirl]

I don't see how not having a BS or BA would be a problem, especially since you have a good GPA and obviously have some experience in a hospital pharmacy.

Good luck!

 

[yappy]

I have a similar back ground to you in fire/EMS. Congratulations on your career decision. I've heard of many schools outside of California granting admissions to students with out a baccalaureate degree, that being said I think it would be wise to work toward one because it would just add to your credentials as a pharmacy candidate and provide an opportunity to enhance your GPA. Good luck.

 

[FarscapeGirl]

So I was thinking about my earlier post: you can probably check with the schools you're looking into to figure out whether not having the BA or BS will affect you. In fact, you probably should if you're worried. They should be able to give you more of a definite answer than anyone on these boards! Usually the admissions people are pretty helpful and will let you know your chances (to some degree anyway!).

 

[fenderbiz]

Thanks for the advice.
I've been stuck with deciding this for some time now.
...on starting the BA:
Pros: have upper-level courses completed in case I don't get in for Fall '10 - then I could finish the BA the following year, possibility of improving gpa
Cons: not able to work as much, might get accepted and will not be able to finish the BA

I love to learn, so I wouldn't necessarily consider the classes a waste of time if I get accepted next year, but that time might have been spent more wisely.
I know it's a decision I need to make on my own, but I appreciate the feedback.

 

[jtichinel1]

Hey everyone. I'm looking for a little advice.
I've read all over the internet and I haven't found anyone else in my position, which is a good thing I suppose. I have been a firefighter/paramedic for about 2 years now. I was never active duty on a rescue, but I worked in an ER for about 1.5 years, and ever since I've been working in a hospital pharmacy. I have also been going to school full-time and will be done with the pharm pre-reqs this Summer. I will be taking the next PCAT, coming up in June, and I am confident that I will do well. I have solid LoRs. My math/science GPA is very good (~3.8), but my cumulative is mediocre (~3.1) due to screwing around my first couple years at a University. I have a General A.A. and and A.S. in EMS, but I never got a Bachelor's.
My cumulative and the fact that I don't have a Bachelor's degree are my only worries. Maybe my emt/paramedic/fire school experience would make up for that? I'm going for UF/Nova/Mercer. If anyone has any advice or words of encouragement, I'd appreciate it. Thanks for taking the time to read my post.

-Tyler

Hey Tyler my name is Jacob and I am a Paramedic/Firefighter starting at UF's COP-Jacksonville campus in August! I never dreamed I would find somebody else in my position, much less an alumni of the school I got into! I would love to pick your brain and see how the two careers have blended together for you. If you could PM me or just reply, can't wait to speak with you! Hope your doing well post-graduation. Take it easy.