Is it worth it?

[ucsd2011]

Many students on this forum are doing pre-pharm-->pharmD which allows them to begin working after 5 or 6 years. I'm wondering if it's worth it if I go the bachelor degree route which means spending more than 7 years in school.

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[NDGirl]

If it is what you want to do, then yes, it is worth it. In the end I will have 9 years (5 undergrad and 4 Pharm).

 

[ucsd2011]

do you work part-time or is it school the whole time?

 

[Farmercyst]

do you work part-time or is it school the whole time?

For me it will be 12 years. 8+4 Part time work, full time school for the first 4 years, full-time work, full-time school the last 4.

 

[NDGirl]

Durring my first 4 years of undergrad I worked part time (about 20-25 hours a week). In my 5th year, I worked full time (35-40 hours a week at 3 different jobs). I didn't decide on pharmacy until near the end of my 4th year. I had already finished all the prereqs (except Microeconomics) and my B.S. in biology. Since I couldn't get into Pharm school until Fall 2007, I took a 5th year in order to take microeconomics and to add a major in chemistry to my B.S.

 

[abr]

I am going to get a B.S. in Animal Science. I was originally going the pre-veterinary route, and I would like to keep my options -- in the equine field -- open. I enjoy the classes I am taking, and I think it is good to earn a B.S. as well as a PharmD degree.. I will probably be spending 4 years in undergraduate work + 4 years in pharmacy school + 1 year residency.. So, I will be in school for 9 years total.

 

[Trancelucent1]

To me it was worth it. I'm someone who wants to finish things that I start and I started going for a BS, so I finished it. I found that it was helpful in my first year. I had a much better micro professor in undergrad than in Pharm school and I found that background to be very helpful. In fact it really set a solid groundwork for Infectious diseases and it's a specialty that I'd like to pursue further. I think it really depends on the person and how much you learn in undergrad. If you're just memorizing and not learning it might not be as beneficial to you.

 

[ucsd2011]

thanks everyone for the posts! it seems that most of you don't really mind spending all those years in schools. I'm scared that I might get tired of school and just give up.

Anyways, I've done some research and came across other programs such as PharmD/MBA which will take 9 years and a special program for incoming students at UCSD PharmD/B.S. in Chemistry which will take 7 years.

I really like the PharmD/B.S. in Chemistry because not only will I be able to obtain a PharmD but I'll also be able to have a bachelor's which is good, but I've always wanted to have something related to business and came across USC's PharmD/MBA program...the downside is the 9 years.. Any opinions? Thanks!

 

[krsnyf]

Bear with my ignorance but why would a PharmD/MBA be 9 years? 4 pharm +5 MBA? Doesn't an MBA take 2 years?

 

[calipharming]

It's definitely worth it. Having a BS will make you more competitive for pharmacy school. Especially if you want to stay in California. Some schools in CA say don't bother applying unless you have or will get a bachelors.

 

[calipharming]

Bear with my ignorance but why would a PharmD/MBA be 9 years? 4 pharm +5 MBA? Doesn't an MBA take 2 years?

I think ucsd2011 meant 4 B.S. + 5 PharmD/MBA.

 

[ucsd2011]

does anyone have any background info or experience with these programs?
-PharmD/MBA
-PharmD/MPH

could i still work in a hospital setting before actually using my MBA or MPH? thanks!