Military...seeking advice

[Dashr40]

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Hello guys...before I start, thank you for spending your time reading this post. I have been at a crossroad for a long time, and I believe I'm starting to home in on what I want to do with my life.

After I graduated from HS (graduated with 3.8gpa), I attended a local university to pursue a BS in Computer Science. I was doing alright for the first semester (appx 3.5 gpa) but my grades went down following the next 2 semesters. The reason (not an excuse) for this was due to me trying to work off my tuiton and other bills while attending full time. Well, I ended up taking a semester off to try and save up some money to continue my education, while at the same, not knowing if CS was the right major for me.

Eventually, I lost nearly all of my determination in pursuing a degree, and decided to enlist in the USN, being offered 100% tuition assistance while on active duty and about $36k of money for college after I get out. During this time, I was hoping to find a calling for me. My job involves radio communications and am not particularly interested in the field.

I am now 24, have 2 years left in the USN, and starting to have an idea of what I want to do. I have always wanted to be able to help people, and loved mathematics and some science. But I have always turned my back toward the medical option because of my quick assumption that I would be a nurse, or a surgeon (neither of which appeals to me). The thought of being in pharmacology never once crossed my mind until earlier this year. The thought of going into the chemistry portion of this field is very appealing, and so does the chance for me to socialize and help others.

Unfortunately, my current orders have me on constant deployment onboard a destroyer, and my options as of right now are very limited. The only way I can continue getting credits toward any degree is through online programs. But, even that option has its limits due to my status. The online program can't involve being online at certain times and requiring large bandwidth transfers. As of right now, the only University that offers this is the University of Pheonix.
Here is a link to their online program listing: University of Pheonix: Online Course Listing

I want to be able to get a BS by the time I get out, or at least come close to it. What do you guys think would be the best course of action for me? Thoughts, opinions?

Thanks again in advance!

-Robert

 

[patmcd]

If you do decide to pursue pharmacy then you don't need to finish a BS, just do all the prereq classes.

 

[RachGator]

Some schools have extension schools (like Berkeley) or state sytem run telecampuses (like UT Telecampus out of Texas). Many of these schools offer pre-reqs for credit online. I would check into where you would like to apply, explain your situation, and see if they will take these pre-reqs from the online class versions. Best of luck and thanks for your service to the country.

 

[Dashr40]

If you do decide to pursue pharmacy then you don't need to finish a BS, just do all the prereq classes.

I was never aware of that fact. I appreciate the information patmcd.

Some schools have extension schools (like Berkeley) or state sytem run telecampuses (like UT Telecampus out of Texas). Many of these schools offer pre-reqs for credit online. I would check into where you would like to apply, explain your situation, and see if they will take these pre-reqs from the online class versions. Best of luck and thanks for your service to the country.

Thanks RachGator. I will continue my research.


Anybody know anything about the Denver SOM? I am curious about their reputation.

 

[CatSpam]

Having been in the Navy myself, both enlisted (Elec. Technician) and officer (SWO), I know that the demands on your time on board a destroyer are significant. I feel that you would be doing yourself a disservice to try to pursue any significant education under such conditions.

My advice is to use the next couple of years of your enlistment to save up a ton of money and to prepare yourself for college by reading extensively and maybe taking a PACE course or two (if they still have those things available).

As a previous respondent mentioned to you, you don't have to have bachelor's degree to apply to pharmacy school and can be done with the process in as few as two years.

Good luck.

 

[sdn1977]

Robert....since you're somewhat confined I'd also advise you to take the opportunity to perhaps get to know the individuals who handle the ship's medications.

I worked with a guy who graduated from pharmacy school after a full navy scholarship while he was waiting for his orders. He said....pharmacists are not ususally in the pharmacy...its usually medics trained as technicians. Most pharmacists, apparently, are officers and mostly do administrative/clinical stuff only. This may not be the case anymore...it was a long time ago.

Anyway...my point is....perhaps you could use this opportunity to get some volunteering or shadowing time in. The military aspect of pharmacy is unique & would be an interesting thing to have on your application if you really decided pharmacy is what suits you.

Good luck!

 

[patmcd]

I agree with sdn1977 that you could use experience in a military pharmacy to your advantage. It would be something different and unique on your application.