Getting your intern hours for a 3 year program

[Atlga85]

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Hey guys I am about to attend a three-years program. For those who had been to one, can you tell me how you got your hours since you go to school all year round. I know rotations will give you 2/3 of the total required hours for the board. I am just wondering how you find the time to fit in the rest of the hours.
Thanks!!

 

[AnonFaculty]

Hey guys I am about to attend a three-years program. For those who had been to one, can you tell me how you got your hours since you go to school all year round. I know rotations will give you 2/3 of the total required hours for the board. I am just wondering how you find the time to fit in the rest of the hours.
Thanks!!

Try a weekend position or evenings. I'd recommend no more than 16 hours per week.

As for the three year progams, I have interviewed with these programs from the faculty side and was not impressed with the quality product that is turned out. If a three year program will be the end of your training (i.e. no plans for a residency), then you might be short changing yourself there.

 

[Pharm47]

As for the three year progams, I have interviewed with these programs from the faculty side and was not impressed with the quality product that is turned out. If a three year program will be the end of your training (i.e. no plans for a residency), then you might be short changing yourself there.

Has anyone else experienced this? Currently I've only been admitted to a 3-year program, and continue to wait for a response from a number of 4-year programs. In addition to being attracted to the accelerated schedule of the program, it is also closest to my house (and husband's job). Obviously my education is worth the "hassle" of moving, but if the 3-year program would teach me enough to be a good pharmacist, I might prefer it.

Any other opinions on this issue?

 

[AnonFaculty]

Has anyone else experienced this? Currently I've only been admitted to a 3-year program, and continue to wait for a response from a number of 4-year programs. In addition to being attracted to the accelerated schedule of the program, it is also closest to my house (and husband's job). Obviously my education is worth the "hassle" of moving, but if the 3-year program would teach me enough to be a good pharmacist, I might prefer it.

Any other opinions on this issue?

I do not know anyone at that institution nor is this one of the three year programs where I interviewed. Looking at their website, they have not hired clinical faculty as of yet so I am not in a position to make judgement. Of the three year programs I have visited the level of post-PharmD training among those who will be teaching you and training you on clinical rotations is low. For example, if I were choosing a school, I would want a person to teach me infectious disease who at least had taken a general residency and a specialty residency in ID. I wouldn't be very happy if the teacher had a general residency which focus in ID or just picked it up as an interest by rounding with an ID team. I picked on ID but you could say the same thing for cardiology, oncology, psychiatry, etc. The question you need to ask yourself is "Do I want to be taught by gurus or experts?"

 

[GatorRxGirl]

Hey guys I am about to attend a three-years program. For those who had been to one, can you tell me how you got your hours since you go to school all year round. I know rotations will give you 2/3 of the total required hours for the board. I am just wondering how you find the time to fit in the rest of the hours.
Thanks!!

This depends on what state the school is in. In GA, for example, you cannot earn intern hours while classes are in session so you have to work between quarter breaks. You can work during school sessions, but you're just a tech and your hours don't count. This of course varies by state so look on the state's BOP website for the exact info. There is time to work if you can handle it.

Three year programs aren't for everyone. We are doing the same material everyone else is but in a shorter amount of time. Yes, some schools are better than others but to make a generalization that all three year schools are horrible is a little harsh.

Pharmacy school is what you make of it. You can have horrible teachers at a four year school and put in little effort and get nothing out of school or you could also go to a three year school (and by the way I am "generally" pleased with the faculty at my school) and bust your butt, plan to do a residency, and be an awesome pharmacist one day. You get out what you put in, no matter where you go.

So...do your homework. Talk to the students at the schools, look at websites, take a tour. Don't let anyone else tell you that in order to be a good pharmacist, you have to go to a four year school. Just because something is different doesn't mean it's worse. It just means it's different. That's all.

 

[Pharm47]

I do not know anyone at that institution nor is this one of the three year programs where I interviewed. Looking at their website, they have not hired clinical faculty as of yet so I am not in a position to make judgement. Of the three year programs I have visited the level of post-PharmD training among those who will be teaching you and training you on clinical rotations is low. For example, if I were choosing a school, I would want a person to teach me infectious disease who at least had taken a general residency and a specialty residency in ID. I wouldn't be very happy if the teacher had a general residency which focus in ID or just picked it up as an interest by rounding with an ID team. I picked on ID but you could say the same thing for cardiology, oncology, psychiatry, etc. The question you need to ask yourself is "Do I want to be taught by gurus or experts?"

I see. Well Pacific makes it hard to tell, as faculty profiles aren't listed online (at least where I can find them). Thank you for the insight. Currently I don't have a choice to make (I'll take my one acceptance), but if I do end up with a decision to make, it will be a tough one.

 

[AnonFaculty]

I see. Well Pacific makes it hard to tell, as faculty profiles aren't listed online (at least where I can find them). Thank you for the insight. Currently I don't have a choice to make (I'll take my one acceptance), but if I do end up with a decision to make, it will be a tough one.

You can transfer, I think. Where else did you apply?

 

[Pharm47]

You can transfer, I think. Where else did you apply?

I've applied to and interviewed at Oregon State and USC. I also applied to UCHSC, but haven't heard anything from them yet. I got put on "active consideration" from USC, so basically that's a hold I think. As for OSU, I interviewed about a week ago, so I'm still waiting to hear! OSU would hands down be my first choice if not for the convenience of Pacific. Corvallis doesn't exactly have a booming economy, and I have to consider my husband's career too! Until I have an option, I guess there's no point in worrying about it!

 

[AnonFaculty]

Why not send a nice letter to the other schools you are would really like to attend their institution because of their long standing reputation for excellence or a certain faculty member that you would like to work with at the school? I would start by addressing your letter to the Dean of the School. A list of Accredited programs and their respective deans can be found at http://www.acpe-accredit.org/deans/schools.asp. There is nothing wrong with politely putting fire under someone's butt.

 

[Atlga85]

This depends on what state the school is in. In GA, for example, you cannot earn intern hours while classes are in session so you have to work between quarter breaks. You can work during school sessions, but you're just a tech and your hours don't count. This of course varies by state so look on the state's BOP website for the exact info. There is time to work if you can handle it.

Three year programs aren't for everyone. We are doing the same material everyone else is but in a shorter amount of time. Yes, some schools are better than others but to make a generalization that all three year schools are horrible is a little harsh.

Pharmacy school is what you make of it. You can have horrible teachers at a four year school and put in little effort and get nothing out of school or you could also go to a three year school (and by the way I am "generally" pleased with the faculty at my school) and bust your butt, plan to do a residency, and be an awesome pharmacist one day. You get out what you put in, no matter where you go.

So...do your homework. Talk to the students at the schools, look at websites, take a tour. Don't let anyone else tell you that in order to be a good pharmacist, you have to go to a four year school. Just because something is different doesn't mean it's worse. It just means it's different. That's all.

Thank you GatorRxGirl. I assume you are attending South University? That is where I am planning to go. I am aware that in Ga you can't earn hours while classes are in session and your post answered my question. I just didn't know if the school accepts the hours that you work b/t quarter breaks.
Btw what are you in?

 

[GatorRxGirl]

The school accepts the hours you work between quarters as long as you work a minimum of 20 hours and no more than 50 hours. If you have any other questions, I'm more than happy to answer them for you =)

 

[sdn1977]

Has anyone else experienced this? Currently I've only been admitted to a 3-year program, and continue to wait for a response from a number of 4-year programs. In addition to being attracted to the accelerated schedule of the program, it is also closest to my house (and husband's job). Obviously my education is worth the "hassle" of moving, but if the 3-year program would teach me enough to be a good pharmacist, I might prefer it.

Any other opinions on this issue?

I do not have any concerns that a 3 year program will not give you the same education that a 4 year program will.

However....your education is an interactive process - if you just sit back & absorb what is put before you - that's all you get. If you work hard at making the most of your situation....you can make it great.

Also.....it is your base - not the end! If you want a residency after completing a 3 year program - you'll get one. But - no matter what - you must still continue to find a way to educate yourself.

Enjoy the thrill of your acceptance & don't burden yourself with worry.

 

[DrugDealer]

Hey guys I am about to attend a three-years program. For those who had been to one, can you tell me how you got your hours since you go to school all year round. I know rotations will give you 2/3 of the total required hours for the board. I am just wondering how you find the time to fit in the rest of the hours.
Thanks!!

I go to MCPHS-Worcester, and Massachusetts requires that 500 of our hours come from working on our own. I am in the middle of my second year, and have been accumulating hours since I got my license in mid-December of 2005 (I had been working since Sept. when I started pharmacy school, but didn't have my license, so the hours didn't count).

I keep all my hours on a spreadsheet and I am already at 530 hours. I reason I'll have over 1000 by the time I graduate, which will give me a buffer for other states that may require more (I do not plan on staying in MA!!). It's not so hard to get them--I work 2 weeknight shifts (4 or 5 hours each) each week. Some of my friends work one weeknight and 1 weekend morning or afternoon (I did that last year). A lot of people prefer Friday nights and Saturday mornings because you never have to worry about a test the next day.

 

[GatorRxGirl]

A lot of people prefer Friday nights and Saturday mornings because you never have to worry about a test the next day.

Here it's against the law to work/study/do anything productive on Fridays.

 

[ZpackSux]

Try a weekend position or evenings. I'd recommend no more than 16 hours per week.

As for the three year progams, I have interviewed with these programs from the faculty side and was not impressed with the quality product that is turned out. If a three year program will be the end of your training (i.e. no plans for a residency), then you might be short changing yourself there.

How does a 3 year program short change a PharmD student... because they don't get summer vacations?

 

[ocean evelen]

Try a weekend position or evenings. I'd recommend no more than 16 hours per week.

As for the three year progams, I have interviewed with these programs from the faculty side and was not impressed with the quality product that is turned out. If a three year program will be the end of your training (i.e. no plans for a residency), then you might be short changing yourself there.

I graduated from a 3 years program in 06/06 and it was awesome. I would do it again. There is no way you will short change your self. Getting into pro school is all about personal action ie. you need to take control of what you learn and how you learn. intructors will always be there to guide but you make your final product. manage your time wisely work 5-10 hours a week = 650 to 1300 hrs for 2.5 yrs by the time you graduate....remember some states will accept all your school hours without extra personal hours....you will save money and time... i passed the NAPLEX and law the first time and with very good scores...don't think you will short change your self or it will be any different from a 4 yrs program...good luck

 

[greatdeals225]

I go to MCPHS-Worcester, and Massachusetts requires that 500 of our hours come from working on our own. I am in the middle of my second year, and have been accumulating hours since I got my license in mid-December of 2005 (I had been working since Sept. when I started pharmacy school, but didn't have my license, so the hours didn't count).

I keep all my hours on a spreadsheet and I am already at 530 hours. I reason I'll have over 1000 by the time I graduate, which will give me a buffer for other states that may require more (I do not plan on staying in MA!!). It's not so hard to get them--I work 2 weeknight shifts (4 or 5 hours each) each week. Some of my friends work one weeknight and 1 weekend morning or afternoon (I did that last year). A lot of people prefer Friday nights and Saturday mornings because you never have to worry about a test the next day.

do you work retail or hospital? there's a lot of places near mcp worcester we can work as a tech, but i wonder if they are hiring anywhere. I believe most places are already full of students already!

 

[Glowwyrm]

I've been accepted into a 3 yr program and have also been worrying about intern hours. I thought at first that I'd move (Tx to Pa) and try to get some of my hours in this summer. But, considering I'm going to be selling my house, moving my family, and settling into another state that far away...I am not going to stress myself out over it too much. If I'm able to get an internship this summer, great. If not, then I'll try to get started my second semester of pharmacy school. I am worried about actually getting an internship. But not so much getting the needed hours in. If that makes any sense. Once I get an internship I don't think I'll have too much of a problem getting the hours. It's getting the internship first that's going to be worrisome.

 

[GatorRxGirl]

I've been accepted into a 3 yr program and have also been worrying about intern hours. I thought at first that I'd move (Tx to Pa) and try to get some of my hours in this summer. But, considering I'm going to be selling my house, moving my family, and settling into another state that far away...I am not going to stress myself out over it too much. If I'm able to get an internship this summer, great. If not, then I'll try to get started my second semester of pharmacy school. I am worried about actually getting an internship. But not so much getting the needed hours in. If that makes any sense. Once I get an internship I don't think I'll have too much of a problem getting the hours. It's getting the internship first that's going to be worrisome.

Nobody in my class has had a problem getting an internship.

 

[TheChemist]

I also go to a three year and it's not a problem. Don't forget you have to have your intern license to get intern hours. So if you work the summer before school you will not get credit for it.

 

[lisi]

I do not know anyone at that institution nor is this one of the three year programs where I interviewed. Looking at their website, they have not hired clinical faculty as of yet so I am not in a position to make judgement. Of the three year programs I have visited the level of post-PharmD training among those who will be teaching you and training you on clinical rotations is low. For example, if I were choosing a school, I would want a person to teach me infectious disease who at least had taken a general residency and a specialty residency in ID. I wouldn't be very happy if the teacher had a general residency which focus in ID or just picked it up as an interest by rounding with an ID team. I picked on ID but you could say the same thing for cardiology, oncology, psychiatry, etc. The question you need to ask yourself is "Do I want to be taught by gurus or experts?"

It's really a mistake to over-generalize and lump all three year programs together. There is as much variability amongst 3yr programs as there is amongst 4 yr programs. My personal experience with one of the three year programs is that the quality of the clinical faculty is outstanding with training ranging from general residency with BCPS, to specialty training with BCPS, and fellowship training. Moreover, grads from that programs have successfully matched with residency programs of their choice and have performed well. As a prospective student looking at pharmacy programs, you need to know what you want out of your education, a pretty solid notion of what path you want your career to take post-graduation, and then match your needs with the school that best fits them, be it 3yr program or 4 yr program.

 

[Pharm47]

How does a 3 year program short change a PharmD student... because they don't get summer vacations?

I do not have any concerns that a 3 year program will not give you the same education that a 4 year program will.

However....your education is an interactive process - if you just sit back & absorb what is put before you - that's all you get. If you work hard at making the most of your situation....you can make it great.

Also.....it is your base - not the end! If you want a residency after completing a 3 year program - you'll get one. But - no matter what - you must still continue to find a way to educate yourself.

Enjoy the thrill of your acceptance & don't burden yourself with worry.

Thanks Zpack and sdn1977! As two of the forums most-informed and experienced pharmacists, I value your opinions! I do plan on pursuing a residency, but worried that attending a new, 3-year program might hurt my chances. While interviewing at Pacific, it seemed like the students were very involved, attending OSPA conferences, networking, etc. Hopefully if I focus on my "total experience" while there, I'll come out ready for a good residency.

 

[Glowwyrm]

Thanks Zpack and sdn1977! As two of the forums most-informed and experienced pharmacists, I value your opinions!

ditto. thanks zpack and sdn1977

 

[cangelilli]

do you work retail or hospital? there's a lot of places near mcp worcester we can work as a tech, but i wonder if they are hiring anywhere. I believe most places are already full of students already!

I go to MCP Worcester also and there is plenty of oppurtunity for work here. I applied to retail and hospital in November during our first semester and got hired to both. The local pharmacies are very excited to hire interns. I work friday evening and saturday afternoons and have plenty of time for schoolwork. I do not think you will shortchange yourself on the education side of things, you just do not get summer breaks, which is fine with me! Good luck!

 

[DrugDealer]

do you work retail or hospital? there's a lot of places near mcp worcester we can work as a tech, but i wonder if they are hiring anywhere. I believe most places are already full of students already!

I work at CVS. It seems almost all of my classmates work (majority are retail, but many are hospital), so it can't be too tough to find something!