Need help to be put on right track

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Pestilence

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I just got out of high school and am interested in pharmacy, and want to do everything in my power to become a pharmacist, the problem is I don't know how and nobody seems to know how to help me.

I heard that I could become a pharm tech for experience, but would they hire me? I'm willing to take whatever license test/certification needed. Or should I volunteer at a hospital and learn what I can there? I'm going to start school for pre-pharm in the fall of that helps. Thank you
 
If you explain that you are a pre-pharmacy major when you apply, and you apply everywhere, you might get some interest. Volunteering in a hospital is good, too. I did both (worked as tech and volunteered in a hospital). Mind you, I was not a full-time student at the time.
 
I would not waste my time with pharm-tech school/certification if you are already a full-time student taking pre-pharm courses. Just focus on those courses and maintain a competitive GPA for pharm school. You will also want to take the PCAT for the corresponding cycle that you will apply for.

Volunteering/shadowing a pharmacist while you are seeking a pharm-tech postion is fine, and you should actually try to do that (even if it's just a couple of hours per week). You don't need a certification/license to apply for most pharm-tech positions, so you should start applying and mention that you are planning on going to pharmacy school.
 
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Apply to various pharmacies in your area. Ask local hospitals and independent pharmacies if you could volunteer or shadow for experience. Let them know your deep interest in the field. Maybe prepare a cover letter discussing such.
 
I know some chains will hire you regardless of work experience but other chains won't hire pharmacy technicians without any. A tip is that you can consider volunteering in a community pharmacy and get that experience to boost your resume for a tech job. I know for my school, over half of our class work part-time as a tech/assistant in addition to taking full time classes because it gives you a competitive edge for when you graduate and enter the job market.
 
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