How important is current work experience?

[JJVmom]

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I keep reading in this forum about people having a hard time getting work experience. I went to Long's Drugstore last night to pick up a few things when I saw the sign: "Part-time Pharmacy Clerk needed. Flexible Hours. Inquire within." I know it wouldn't pay for daycare, but I'd love the experience. Here's my problem...

I spent four years, while I was a teenager, working in my father's store - that was almost 20 years ago. I already have a B. S. (in another field) so I'm currently taking my math/science prereqs. Calc 1 and the first Chem w/lab at the moment. I'm hoping to start pharm school in fall 2010, if not then fall 2011. I'm also a mom of 3. My husband said, "no way" that I'm already too busy. (I had applied to volunteer at the pharmacy in our local hospital, but I never heard back.)

So, should I sacrifice family time, or possibly study time, to get current work experience. Working in a pharmacy part-time for a couple years would be fantastic to me.

I know this is truly a question only I can answer, but I'd love to hear opinions of others who have been interviewing.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Tatodotcom]

I would say go for it, esp. since they say "flexible hours"....it will look good on your application and you will gain a lot of experience and find out if you like retail pharmacy.....even if you only work a couple days a week it will be very beneficial...however, the decision is up to you and if you believe you can fit it in...I'm sure you're already busy enough, but if you have the slightest bit of time to spare I would def. recommend this. Not only will you gain experience, but possible a good LOR or two...
good luck

 

[JJVmom]

That's what I was hoping to hear. I'd really love to get a job like this. I just called for more information on it. Unfortunately, it's 20-30 hr/wk; broken into 4-5 hr shifts, 4 days/wk, and pays minimum wage. Would be perfect for a student w/out children. I was hoping, like you wrote, for 2 days/wk w/longer shifts. There's no way I could convince my husband, since it wouldn't even pay for daycare. Hopefully, the hospital will call me about volunteering.

 

[jyw003]

study to be a certified pharm tech! many places are always in need of pharm techs, full-time or part-time. you can take the ptce and apply for license~

 

[Mad Rx]

I would recommend pharmacy experience if this is what you're planning to do. I'm not sure how much it weighs on the decision for admission but I'm sure it looks very good on the application. I agree with jyw003 though, getting certified is the best first step. I've been working for Target Pharmacy for almost two years and just recently took the exam. I make far above minimum wage and will make even more once I'm certified. The major companies (Target, CVS, Walgreens, etc..) are always looking for certified technicians. Not to mention, working in a pharmacy gives you a great opportunity to form a good relationship with a pharmacist that can write you a great letter of recommendation.

I'm planning on applying to pharmacy school around the same time you are! Good luck in your pharmacy venture!🙂

 

[JJVmom]

I will definitely consider becoming a tech. I'm confused about the process, though. In CA, I think you have to have an AA in it. Since I'm already taking Calc 1 and Chem 110, I couldn't imagine adding pharmacology classes. Maybe I could do it over the summer.

Thanks for the advice and good wishes.

 

[mrblah]

I will definitely consider becoming a tech. I'm confused about the process, though. In CA, I think you have to have an AA in it. Since I'm already taking Calc 1 and Chem 110, I couldn't imagine adding pharmacology classes. Maybe I could do it over the summer.

Thanks for the advice and good wishes.

In CA, easiest way to become a tech is take the PTCB exam, wait for the results, then apply to the CA state board of pharmacy for the actual license once you've passed the PTCB exam.

Don't get conned into taking classes for a tech license or anything else.

As for pharmacy school advice, don't take classes you don't need. Focus only on the pre-req's for now. Finish those first, and if you have time, then take pharmacology classes.

As for pharmacy experience, it isn't required, but is definitely a good idea. The experience itself won't necessarily give you an edge over someone else, but it will give you the opportunity to discuss pharmacy related topics during your interview. So my advice, is you don't need years of experience, you only need to spend a few quality days in a pharmacy. I spent 10 years as a tech, only to find out during my interview, I probably only needed like 5 days or so of quality time in a pharmacy to answer pretty much any pharmacy related interview question. If you don't need the money, take the clerk job, less responsibility, less work, so more time to learn the in's and out's of pharmacy, and more opportunity to pick the pharmacist's brain.

 

[nature88]

mrblah, can you share the pharmacy-related questions you were asked at the interviews? I know every interviewer will probably ask different questions, but I am curious to how common sense they are.

 

[psycho-matic]

In CA, easiest way to become a tech is take the PTCB exam, wait for the results, then apply to the CA state board of pharmacy for the actual license once you've passed the PTCB exam.

Don't get conned into taking classes for a tech license or anything else.

As for pharmacy school advice, don't take classes you don't need. Focus only on the pre-req's for now. Finish those first, and if you have time, then take pharmacology classes.

As for pharmacy experience, it isn't required, but is definitely a good idea. The experience itself won't necessarily give you an edge over someone else, but it will give you the opportunity to discuss pharmacy related topics during your interview. So my advice, is you don't need years of experience, you only need to spend a few quality days in a pharmacy. I spent 10 years as a tech, only to find out during my interview, I probably only needed like 5 days or so of quality time in a pharmacy to answer pretty much any pharmacy related interview question. If you don't need the money, take the clerk job, less responsibility, less work, so more time to learn the in's and out's of pharmacy, and more opportunity to pick the pharmacist's brain.

Weird, here in Arkansas the only requirement is a background check and they issue a pharm tech license. I guess it varies from state to state.

 

[rxlynn]

I keep reading in this forum about people having a hard time getting work experience. I went to Long's Drugstore last night to pick up a few things when I saw the sign: "Part-time Pharmacy Clerk needed. Flexible Hours. Inquire within." I know it wouldn't pay for daycare, but I'd love the experience. Here's my problem...

I spent four years, while I was a teenager, working in my father's store - that was almost 20 years ago. I already have a B. S. (in another field) so I'm currently taking my math/science prereqs. Calc 1 and the first Chem w/lab at the moment. I'm hoping to start pharm school in fall 2010, if not then fall 2011. I'm also a mom of 3. My husband said, "no way" that I'm already too busy. (I had applied to volunteer at the pharmacy in our local hospital, but I never heard back.)

So, should I sacrifice family time, or possibly study time, to get current work experience. Working in a pharmacy part-time for a couple years would be fantastic to me.

I know this is truly a question only I can answer, but I'd love to hear opinions of others who have been interviewing.

Thanks for your thoughts.

You didn't ask this question, but I'm going to comment anyway. I have a similar situation - children, pharmacy school, and I work one shift a week at a pharmacy. Are you working as well as being a mom and doing prereqs right now?? How much support are you getting from your husband? My suggestion is that - to avoid problems later on - you need to have a heart-to-heart talk with him and let him know that it's not going to get any easier than right now. Two freshman level prereqs are nowhere near the intensity level of most pharmacy school classes.

I'm not trying to talk you out of this or say don't do it - there are quite a few moms and dads in my class at pharmacy school, and we all seem to be doing just fine. However, your husband should not expect that you will continue to be able to do everything you've previously been doing for children, home, etc. Also, you don't say what the ages of your kids are, but I can tell you from personal experience that I've had to spend more money on daycare than I had anticipated since I've started pharmacy school when my schedule didn't mesh up well with their school schedule.

 

[mrblah]

mrblah, can you share the pharmacy-related questions you were asked at the interviews? I know every interviewer will probably ask different questions, but I am curious to how common sense they are.

why would I do that when you have this valuable resource at your disposal?

http://more.studentdoctor.net/schoollist.php?type=4hn

My advice is to look at as many questions from as many schools as you can. You aren't trying to memorize them, you just want to see if you can answer them confidently and coherently ( 🙂 ). Watch out on ethical questions, they can be pharmacy related, work related, school related, personal, and even pretty absurd (spaceship question).

The question that really caught me off guard was "tell me something about yourself"...... seriously, I am pretty clueless at times...lol

 

[mrblah]

Weird, here in Arkansas the only requirement is a background check and they issue a pharm tech license. I guess it varies from state to state.

You are right, it varies from state to state.