Most prepharmers are doing it soley for the moolah

[atticus27]

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Yea or Nay???

 

[triumphbr]

I would say about 95% Of course wait around for a year or so and see how many of them have moved on to something else.

I figure anybody willing to put up with all the crap it takes to actually make it to day 1 of a program looks at the potential money as a repayment for having to jump through all the hoops of getting accepted. 😉

 

[RPcLA]

Not solely.



I would love to do this **** for the rest of my life.



Yea, but money's important.

 

[Storm90]

Anyone who applies after being rejected the first time around isn't doing it for the money. Me, I like going to a pharmacy and dealing drugs the legal way. And I love knowing things, especially about the body and medicine.

 

[thephoenician88]

if they think the money is a good enough incentive for them to toil through 4$ rx's and insurance bundled with 600 rx's per day, then that is great, good job for them.

 

[OChemTA]

Anyone who applies after being rejected the first time around isn't doing it for the money.

Why?

 

[thecowmooz]

I don't it solely for money, but it is a + when you can buy nice toys

 

[korndog42]

yea. if starting salary were $35,000, we would not bother with it. anyone that says otherwise is lying to themselves.

 

[touchedarling]

It is a big factor. 😀

 

[rainsplash]

Many are doing it soley for the money🙄

 

[sakigt]

Im doing it for two reasons:

I love healthcare and I want flexible schedules. I could get paid less but school would have to be A LOT cheaper.

People who do ANYTHING only for the money may have an issue fufilling their other non-monetary needs.

 

[azrk]

yea. if starting salary were $35,000, we would not bother with it. anyone that says otherwise is lying to themselves.

So very true.

 

[ValeRx]

yea. if starting salary were $35,000, we would not bother with it. anyone that says otherwise is lying to themselves.

Nobody would do it. With the cost of pharmacy school what it is, who would invest so much in an education with such a low income? It has nothing to do with the desire to become a pharmacist, it's simple economics. $100,000+ in student loans on a $35,000/year salary? You would have to live at your parents and ride the bus to work just to make minimum payments.

 

[JackFruitLover]

I knew one girl in my class who didn't even realized pharmacists made 6 figure salary! She said, she just thought pharmacy was a good profession! What a dumb***!

 

[Pharmdapp87]

I knew one girl in my class who didn't even realized pharmacists made 6 figure salary! She said, she just thought pharmacy was a good profession! What a dumb***!

To be wuite honest I didn't know pharmacists made 6 figures until after my freshman year of college, I know you got paid decent money, but I honestly wasn't looking into doing it for the money. When you go through my medical maladies and find a passion for something, it's almost always not for money. No lies.

 

[Pharmdapp87]

yea. if starting salary were $35,000, we would not bother with it. anyone that says otherwise is lying to themselves.

I have to disagree...

 

[bluesickle]

I have to disagree...

You would invest $100k+ for a $35k/yr. salary? Good luck trying to pay off that debt.

 

[JHFP83]

I knew one girl in my class who didn't even realized pharmacists made 6 figure salary!

I did not know pharmacists make six-figure salaries either. I just heard from other people who didn't know much about the profession at all that the money was "pretty good." So I thought, Oh, OK, maybe they make as much as RN's! 🙂

I always wanted to be in health care, and after thinking long and hard about many, many options and doing research about pharmacy and talking briefly to my cousin's pharmacist friend (she did not mention an exact figure, she just said she had a good salary) and thinking about what I could logically pursue (had to consider my home life and lifestyle too and what would work best for me) I chose pharmacy. And then I learned that pharmacists could make six-figures. so seems I made a good choice!

So I am one who is not entirely motivated to pursue this as a career for the money.

 

[Storm90]

Why?

Why put yourself through all that effort again after being rejected the first time around and spending all that money (again) on applications, supplementals, travel, etc? If you're in it for the money, you're likely not passionate about the profession and I believe you wouldn't want to waste your time again. Some of us applicants spend upwards of $3000-4000 per cycle (I did last year😱). If you're in it for the money, you'd already be in the hole, wo why do it again? That's my thought.

 

[stlouis79]

if they think the money is a good enough incentive for them to toil through 4$ rx's and insurance bundled with 600 rx's per day, then that is great, good job for them.

There is so much worse stuff you can do for alot less money. Try manual labor
when its 110 degrees outside for twenty bucks an hour.

 

[thephoenician88]

yea. if starting salary were $35,000, we would not bother with it. anyone that says otherwise is lying to themselves.

at that salary i'd much rather spend 4 years getting a PhD rather than a pharmd

 

[OChemTA]

Why put yourself through all that effort again after being rejected the first time around and spending all that money (again) on applications, supplementals, travel, etc? If you're in it for the money, you're likely not passionate about the profession and I believe you wouldn't want to waste your time again. Some of us applicants spend upwards of $3000-4000 per cycle (I did last year😱). If you're in it for the money, you'd already be in the hole, wo why do it again? That's my thought.

Because if you do get in and if you do graduate, 4k is a drop in the bucket compared to what you'll make.

I don't get why people are so off put by taking student loans and getting in "debt". Once you graduate, you'll be able to pay the debt off in two years if you're frugal and live with your parents...

 

[FarscapeGirl]

So, with graduate school in biology, you usually don't need any loans, as you make a stipend. But, you don't make a lot of money even after you have your PhD, especially if you're staying in academia. The minimum salary for a post-doctorate is somewhere between $35-40,000. Still, I know plenty of people for whom that's fine with them. You do research because you want to and you live for it. I'm not leaving research because of the lack of money. If I enjoyed it, I'd do it whatever it paid, provided that it was a living wage.

I'm going into pharmacy because I like it and I believe I'll be happy there. But, that said, I would have been hard pressed to make that decision if it meant I had to pay off around $100,000 or so in student loans from pharmacy school and then only make around $35,000 per year.

 

[THE MTL]

yea. if starting salary were $35,000, we would not bother with it. anyone that says otherwise is lying to themselves.

If the starting salary for an MD was 35,000 no one would do it either. If the starting salary of an engineer was 35,000 no one would do it either. NOT A GOOD STATEMENT AT ALL!

 

[Sparda29]

I would be lying if I said money was not important, so if anyone ever asked me if I'd still do it if salary was really low, then I wouldn't do it.

 

[Pharmdapp87]

I did not know pharmacists make six-figure salaries either. I just heard from other people who didn't know much about the profession at all that the money was "pretty good." So I thought, Oh, OK, maybe they make as much as RN's! 🙂

I always wanted to be in health care, and after thinking long and hard about many, many options and doing research about pharmacy and talking briefly to my cousin's pharmacist friend (she did not mention an exact figure, she just said she had a good salary) and thinking about what I could logically pursue (had to consider my home life and lifestyle too and what would work best for me) I chose pharmacy. And then I learned that pharmacists could make six-figures. so seems I made a good choice!

So I am one who is not entirely motivated to pursue this as a career for the money.

Thank goodness there are people out there who aren't motivated mostly by money. I literally had classmates call me dumb for not researching the amount of money pharmacists make. At one point I wanted to be a dancer, and we all no the life of a dancer is not glamorous unless you start dancing in videos on a regular basis or become a professional choreographer for a celebrity. It wasn't until I had to depend on a pharmacist to save my life multiple times that I became thoroughly interested in the profession. I'm not saying that looking forward to the nice cash is anything bad, it's just that there are people out there who do not make their definite decision based on which job makes more money. So if I'm making $35,000 and have $100,000+ to pay back then fine, whatever, I'll deal with it. Maybe I'll get another job or maybe I'll live frugally (which Americans are afraid to do this time around) for a year. Who cares, so long as I'm happy with my job.

Something that really bothers me is when pre-pharm students ask speakers with pharmd's "how much do you make", "Is it more or less than retail" "how much will I make if I get a residency" "If I do this subfield of pharmacy will I make this much" blah blah blah. Dude, who cares, you'll be making 6 figures either way. So what if it's 100,000 or 120,000? You are well off and have it better than most people anyway. Anything above 100,000 is awesome anyway. I listened to a clinical pharmacist talk about her job. She makes less than the average pharmacist (105,000 vs. 120,000 for starting pharmacists at CVS) but she wanted a family and was comfortbal. She got at least 6-7 questions refering to why she either made less or whether clinical pharmacists make less in general or which other profession made more than hers. Give me a break people. Superflous wants are completely overrated and this is why people are selfish, arrogant and spineless today. All we care about is how much money we make. Take the time out to figure out how you can benefit society through your profession, not how much money you can make out from society...

 

[FarscapeGirl]

Pharmdapp87, it's a personal decision if you'd be happy making $35,000 a year with $100,000 in student loans. Plenty of graduate students in the liberal arts know that it will be tough to make much money ever in their field. Sometimes they switch fields; sometimes they're fine with not making much money.

But it's no crime to make the decision to have a career that pulls in a decent income. Everything is a balance, and it does not mean you're money-centric if you decide to become a pharmacist in small part because the money you get paid one day will help you pay off the student loans to get there (if you're only doing it for the money, quit now. There are easier ways to make money, ways you'll be much happier).

I've heard of families where both parents are in academia, and one leaves to do something else because it's hard to support a family on two academia salaries. My husband wants to stay in biological research and one day be a professor. I'd be much happier as a pharmacist. The fact that one day I'll have a job that makes me happy means he's happy with my decision to go back to school. The fact that I'll be making enough money to pay off my loans makes it easier for us to deal with in the long run, especially since we would one day like to have children (and we have his school loans to pay off, too).

Money doesn't make you happy, but lack of money can certainly make things more difficult (so can lots of money, but that's a different story).

 

[diastole]

I had no idea that pharmacists made six figures either. When I decided to leave teaching, I was looking for a job where I could help people and/or use my science background, preferably both. I developed a love of chemistry while teaching so pharmacy seemed like something to look into. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out what they make. I would still pursue it even if they made much less but $35 K is too low. I want to do something meaningful but I don't want to have to live in poverty to do it. The cost of schooling and time it takes isn't worth that salary.

 

[Kruton]

When I first looked into it I didn't have a real figure in mind. It wasn't until a couple months ago that I noticed what they really made. As long as I make enough to pay off my loans and live comfortably while doing so I am fine.

 

[horo1988]

I'm going in this field because of:

1/Medicine is always interesting to me
2/Money (SERiOUSLy !! OMG ThE POWER OF MONEY !! Dont deny it)
3/Flexibility and stable life (the recession today is proving that pharmacy is the real shet)

 

[QWIK83]

yea. if starting salary were $35,000, we would not bother with it. anyone that says otherwise is lying to themselves.

school teachers? lots of them around.... its just the ratio for cost of school vs earnings. If pharmacy was 4 yr degree and it paid 35 000 startin im sure ppl would do it.

 

[ILikeDrugs]

$105k a year and having legal drug dealer status is a huge incentive for me. 😀
also i definitely would love to get a 7 days on 7 days off schedule.
that would be sooooo perfect.

 

[bigpharmD]

To be wuite honest I didn't know pharmacists made 6 figures until after my freshman year of college, I know you got paid decent money, but I honestly wasn't looking into doing it for the money. When you go through my medical maladies and find a passion for something, it's almost always not for money. No lies.

IT has been a while since a graduated but that GPA seems low to me?/

 

[Lordhokage]

I do it for the hot techies 😉

 

[Lordhokage]

$105k a year and having legal drug dealer status is a huge incentive for me. 😀
also i definitely would love to get a 7 days on 7 days off schedule.
that would be sooooo perfect.

Would you be still able to obtain $105k a year on a 7 on 7 off schedule? I'm not too acquainted with the salary options in the United States.

 

[atticus27]

Would you be still able to obtain $105k a year on a 7 on 7 off schedule? I'm not too acquainted with the salary options in the United States.

Sure you can. You will be working the same amount of hours in 1 week that others work in 2.

 

[Pharmdapp87]

IT has been a while since a graduated but that GPA seems low to me?/

....... What's your point? I understand your concern about my GPA... I guess.... but what does that have to do with this discussion. Besides: A.) It's higher I just don't feel like updating B.) My GPA may "suck", but not many people here can attest to being a published author.

 

[Pharmdapp87]

Pharmdapp87, it's a personal decision if you'd be happy making $35,000 a year with $100,000 in student loans. Plenty of graduate students in the liberal arts know that it will be tough to make much money ever in their field. Sometimes they switch fields; sometimes they're fine with not making much money.

But it's no crime to make the decision to have a career that pulls in a decent income. Everything is a balance, and it does not mean you're money-centric if you decide to become a pharmacist in small part because the money you get paid one day will help you pay off the student loans to get there (if you're only doing it for the money, quit now. There are easier ways to make money, ways you'll be much happier).

I've heard of families where both parents are in academia, and one leaves to do something else because it's hard to support a family on two academia salaries. My husband wants to stay in biological research and one day be a professor. I'd be much happier as a pharmacist. The fact that one day I'll have a job that makes me happy means he's happy with my decision to go back to school. The fact that I'll be making enough money to pay off my loans makes it easier for us to deal with in the long run, especially since we would one day like to have children (and we have his school loans to pay off, too).

Money doesn't make you happy, but lack of money can certainly make things more difficult (so can lots of money, but that's a different story).

Farscapegirl, you are absolutely right. When it comes to the certain circumstances these decisions have to be made. I guess I was madly typing away because anytime someone says "you know you are doing it for the money" I get agitated. I was just trying to emphasize that there are people out there who don't. You or anyone else may think it's the stupidest thing. Go ahead and laugh, I could care less. But I seriously don't want to be in a career that I'd be lothing to go to everyday. In addition, my whole rant about students asking about how much pharmacists make is only for the fact that 6 figures is 6 figures. You're comfortably above the average income. I guess my mentality at the point is: Well I'm making 6 figures either way, better to just make the decision of where to work based on other personal preferences, like hours, being with a family, job flexability, but that's just me. Everyone's different, so if you like money, you like money, who am I? Anyway, just out of curiousity I wonder which pharmacist does get paid the most.... hmmmm😕

 

[SHC1984]

You would invest $100k+ for a $35k/yr. salary? Good luck trying to pay off that debt.

Not everyone has to take out loans. Some people are lucky and come out with no debt. 😉

 

[SHC1984]

Why put yourself through all that effort again after being rejected the first time around and spending all that money (again) on applications, supplementals, travel, etc? If you're in it for the money, you're likely not passionate about the profession and I believe you wouldn't want to waste your time again. Some of us applicants spend upwards of $3000-4000 per cycle (I did last year😱). If you're in it for the money, you'd already be in the hole, wo why do it again? That's my thought.

Some people have pride issues and just want to "prove" that they are just as good as the people who got accepted...no one likes to feel like a dumb*** loser!

 

[ffpickle]

Editing

 

[SHC1984]

if they think the money is a good enough incentive for them to toil through 4$ rx's and insurance bundled with 600 rx's per day, then that is great, good job for them.

Thats a million times better and cleaner then digging in someone else's nasty mouths...

 

[SHC1984]

The money isn't even that good. Doctors pull in much more.

True, but its better to just marry one then to be one yourself. I mean why add 100000000 times MORE STRESS into your career when you can just marry a doctor or dentist and work as a part-time pharmacist afterwards? 👍
One of my best friends has a PharmD degree...she married an radiologist and now doesn't even work at all...I think she only worked at Walgreens for 4 months before she got married and stay at home...and YES, I am jealous..LOL...

 

[triumphbr]

I don't get why people are so off put by taking student loans and getting in "debt". Once you graduate, you'll be able to pay the debt off in two years if you're frugal and live with your parents...

Spoken like a person who has never BEEN in debt.

Living with parents... at whatever age you are when you get finished is probably not going to be an attractive option.

I am not the type of person who stresses about much... but having 80-100k of debt is a scary thing. I don't care if I can pay it off in one year.. it's still scary.

 

[OChemTA]

Spoken like a person who has never BEEN in debt.

Living with parents... at whatever age you are when you get finished is probably not going to be an attractive option.

I am not the type of person who stresses about much... but having 80-100k of debt is a scary thing. I don't care if I can pay it off in one year.. it's still scary.

uh... I'm in debt right now, I'm 20k in the whole with student loans...

I'm currently living by myself but I honestly wouldn't mind living with my parents for a 2-3 years to pay off my debts when I get out. But instead of working while in school, I'm giving education my full attention.

Think about it this way. If you work for your education now, you'll earn about $20/hr,and paying a 100k (tuition) will take you 5000hr. After you graduate, you'll be earning $50/hr and it'll only take you 2000hr. Keep in mind that 3000hrs is a little over a year of full time (8hr/day) work. So would you rather spend a year working fulltime doing something you're not interested in or graduate, and do a job that you're interested in for more? It's simply a more efficient use of time.

You know, the whole "living by yourself" and "sweet 16" are just social construct...

Edit: A great man once said "There is nothing to fear, but fear itself". Debt is nothing to be "scared" of if you manage and plan it correctly. Student loans have low interest rates you know... If you don't have to self control to not splurge with your credit cards... then ya, you should be scared... regardless of whether you're in debt or not (I've seen people on Oprah get into debt with 250k/ yr income)

 

[SHC1984]

Unless your parents are very wealthy and don't know what to do with all that money etc...it is not a good idea to live with them. I just don't think its very nice to bum off of people. I know people that live with their parents...they just sit at home, do nothing, make their parents pay for all their bills, etc etc...just not very nice to do in my opinion. Be a GROWN UP and live by yourself! 👍

 

[bluesickle]

Think about it this way. If you work for your education now, you'll earn about $20/hr,and paying a 100k (tuition) will take you 5000hr. After you graduate, you'll be earning $50/hr and it'll only take you 2000hr. Keep in mind that 3000hrs is a little over a year of full time (8hr/day) work. So would you rather spend a year working fulltime doing something you're not interested in or graduate, and do a job that you're interested in for more? It's simply a more efficient use of time.

For someone who works, how can you think like that? There are taxes, living expenses, 401k contributions, health insurance, etc. that will prevent you from dedicating 100% of your earnings to pay off your debt. Even if you live with your parents, that doesn't mean you won't have living expenses.

 

[Kirbypuff]

i didn't go searching for 100k jobs, i sought after whatever fits well with psychobiology. i was actually tossed between research (28k starting salary) and pharmacy (95k starting salary). it wasn't just the money, but also the time/location flexibility of pharmacy that clinched the deal. also i'm a huge hans jonas advocate when it comes to medical ethics: cure the ill today >> research for medicine of tomorrow. but yes, $$ did help seal the deal.

 

[ffpickle]

True, but its better to just marry one then to be one yourself. I mean why add 100000000 times MORE STRESS into your career when you can just marry a doctor or dentist and work as a part-time pharmacist afterwards? 👍
One of my best friends has a PharmD degree...she married an radiologist and now doesn't even work at all...I think she only worked at Walgreens for 4 months before she got married and stay at home...and YES, I am jealous..LOL...

w

 

[Kruton]

what? my post has nothing to do with marriage, lol.

the title is that "prepharmers are doing it solely for the moolah." I am simply responding by saying that the money a pharmacist makes is not a lot. i.e. if the prepharmers are interested solely in the moolah, as the original poster suggests, then wouldn't they just go for medicine?

I think some perceive pharmacy as easier.