Non Traditional Students

[Iamkitten]

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Hello all,

I was just wondering if there are many non-traditional (i.e. "older") students in your pharmacy programs.

I am 36, an RN, very tired of nursing and the "nursing model" of care and looking for something different, I have no interest in NP or CRNA. I excelled in Chem and math in school and think pharmacy is a good choice for me. I still have some pre-req's to complete- about a years worth. I am worried that my age will be a strike against me in the eyes of the admission committees.

Thank you for any input!
Sincerely,
Kristi

 

[FarscapeGirl]

I'm about to graduate with my PhD in molecular biology (if I ever finish writing my stupid thesis and get my cells to cooperate) and I'm starting pharmacy school in the fall.

It's doable to switch. Make sure your pre-reqs aren't too old; some schools won't take them if they're more than five years old.

I'd talk to some of the schools you're interested in applying to and see what advice they give.

 

[njac]

If anything my school preferred nontrads. Although I had one preceptor state that former nurses were often hard to teach because they thought they knew it all. It's important to keep your experience in perspective and let it help you, but not to let it hinder any new experiences.

 

[uicgrad]

Well, I was a former RN who started PharmD school at 33. There were 2 people in my class in their 50s (one an ex engineer the other an ex teacher ) when they graduated. But the class was mostly in their 20s. As far as admissions to pharm school went I think the RN background really helped me stand out from the crowded field of twentysomethings. After a few years of retail I am just starting at a hospital now, and one of my preceptors was also an RN turned PharmD. And I ran into another nurse at the hospital who would like to go to pharm school. So we are out there. Being really good at drug calculations will help you immensely in your studies.

 

[Iamkitten]

Thank you all for your responses, I feel much better about my choice now. Most everyone I speak with regarding wanting to go to pharmacy school tries to talk me out of it and into CRNA or NP instead.

Uic, it is very nice to hear from another RN and to learn of your experiences!

Farscape, that is quite an accomplishment. Good luck with your thesis!!

Njac, I had to laugh when I read the following, "I had one preceptor state that former nurses were often hard to teach because they thought they knew it all". A couple of my coworkers came to mind.

 

[njac]

I know a couple great RNs/Pharm.D.s, and my parents are nurses so I have the utmost respect for them. I'm glad you took the comment as it was meant!

 

[RobertRodrig1]

I depends on you. If you show that you have potential then they will pick you. That means your resume, PCAT, interview skills, writing skills, recommendations. I don't see where age comes in as a criteria in the selection process. You have to compete just as hard as anyone else that is applying. So what I am saying is that you are being given an equal chance independent of your age.

 

[Kirbypuff]

Nah, I knew of a 38 year pharmacy student who was sick of finance. You were a nurse, so that's even better.

 

[StaviZFingerZ]

Nah, I knew of a 38 year pharmacy student who was sick of finance. You were a nurse, so that's even better.

That is a long time to be a pharmacy student... I guess he was really sick of finance...

 

[JasTer]

I doubt that age will have anything to with getting accepted or not as long as you show passion & will to get through with this. Being older also has the advantage that you have life experience that some younger people just don't have.

 

[tootoo30]

I'm a non-traditional student also, I majored in Information Technology and I'm 32 years old, will be 33 in November. I've actually been told by professors that they prefer non-traditional students because they tend to be more focus on school because we have been there and done that, so I say go for it!