Getting pharmacy experience....

[nutripharma]

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Due to my school situation (live on campus during fall and spring, return home during breaks) I have been unsuccessful in getting a job in pharmacies. Even after interviewing, many find it hard for me to be absent for 1-3 months during the year and they need someone to work all year round. My last undergrad year is coming up in the fall, any suggestions in getting pharmacy experience?

 

[Corpseman]

1. find a roommate
2. move off campus
3. live there year round
4. get a job

 

[nutripharma]

Like I previously stated, this is my last undergrad year. I have missed the opportunity to find a roommate or place to live for the upcoming school year and I wouldn't have the money to do so any way.

 

[jfm5958]

Have you tried applying to the large chains (CVS, Walgreens)? Several of my classmates worked at the stores close to school during the school year and worked at stores close to their home during breaks/summer.

 

[sks_pharmd]

I agree with jfm5958. Try a CVS or Walgreens. Even some grocery stores have pharmacies. Try calling the pharmacy to see if they're looking for people. That's what I did when I was a sophomore in undergrad. I luckily got hired on the spot with a chain.
I know with CVS you can transfer to a store that's closer to your school when you're there, and transfer back home to a store closer to where you live so you don't have to commute so far away.

 

[Jbrl]

If you're looking to get any sort of experience to get you in the door, just volunteer at your local hospital. Work another job. Doesn't have to be pharmacy-specific if your reasons are to buff up your apps. Sometimes it comes down to who you know, so volunteering at a hospital might lead to tech openings down the road that will give you leeway

I would suck up the cost of living and take out a loan if I couldn't afford to pay out of pocket once pharmacy school starts and I could get an intern position. You'll be severely disadvantaged if you don't get a job because of logistics. Since you're not in pharmacy school yet, it's not that important. I haven't experienced this, though - where have you applied? There are a lot of grocery stores that might be okay with you not being around in the summer since they're most often not busy

 

[Grace184]

Also it depends how many others are employed there. I'm sure many other hometown techs and interns will be hungry for your hours while your away.