Out of school for 6 yrs, would like to do pharmacy, where do I start!

[pharmrx1]

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I am new to SDN...so Im not sure if I am doing this correctly. So here I go!! I graduated with a degree in chemistry and didn't know what I wanted to do with my degree so I got a job at a local retail pharmacy. I have been in pharmacy since 2004. I am a CPHT and a CDR (certified designated representative) I have done retail, hosptial, pharmaceutical sales, wholesale distrubution, compounding, and have worked for a dispensing doctor as his tech. I currently am managing a independent pharmacy that myself and my mentior opened up. I would like to go into pharmacy because I know that it is what I desire to do and I have lots of experience in pharmacy. But from what I have read on some of these threads is that pharmacy is not what it used to be years ago...I do believe that.

Now I have taken the PCAT years ago...didn't do so hot. Need advice on good study materials.

So my question is why pursue a career in pharmacy? Since I have been out of school for 6 years were do I start as far as going back to pharmacy school.

 

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

Most schools require you to take pre-reqs and PCAT again after a certain amount of years. It number of years varies though.

 

[pharmrx1]

I believe I have taken all the pre-reqs...I just found out today that you can only take the PCAT 5 times and on the 6 time you have to write in a statement saying why they should allow you to take the test again...also they only keep your scores for only 5 years and then they remove them...but again you can only take the PCAT 5 times...I am not a good tester when it comes to standized testing...I have already taken it 3 times and this year one of my scores will fall off...so I guess what I am asking is what is the best way to study for the PCAT if I don't have the money to paid for Kaplen or Princeton Review...I want to do my best since I only have 2 more times to take it.

Thanks!!!

 

[Passion4Sci]

If you "don't test well", you need to figure out WHY. Simply throwing money at PCAT study books won't help you.

If you're sure that your pre-requisites are still valid (Many schools only want to see science classes as old as 5 years, any older and you can start to get balks), maybe the break from when you last took the PCAT and now will be good for you!

But I'll go back to my first statement... What is it about the testing process that bothers you? Is it the question formatting, or the time constraint, or what?

As far as "getting back into things" goes, if your classes are current, and you have that B.S. in Chem, you could always say "F the PCAT", and apply to CA schools, Pacific Oregon, and (I think?) USN along with the MCPHS schools and avoid it altogether. If your UGPA was solid, combined with your work exp, you should do great. You will struggle to get LoRs, though (academic ones anyway).

Good luck.

 

[SparkLy09]

I believe that USN now requires the PCAT? Not sure how heavily they weigh it though.

As for the PCAT, if you have already taken it 3 times, that's already over 3-400 dollars. That could have actually paid for Collins, or even the 40 dollar Kaplan book. Honestly, you don't need the $1,300 classes to study for the PCAT, it's very manageable on your own, just as long as you are willing to put time and effort into doing it. Bring out your old textbooks if you still have them, pull out your notes, buy some PCAT material online for much cheaper and start practicing.

 

[TheScientist]

I am new to SDN...so Im not sure if I am doing this correctly. So here I go!! I graduated with a degree in chemistry and didn't know what I wanted to do with my degree so I got a job at a local retail pharmacy. I have been in pharmacy since 2004. I am a CPHT and a CDR (certified designated representative) I have done retail, hosptial, pharmaceutical sales, wholesale distrubution, compounding, and have worked for a dispensing doctor as his tech. I currently am managing a independent pharmacy that myself and my mentior opened up. I would like to go into pharmacy because I know that it is what I desire to do and I have lots of experience in pharmacy. But from what I have read on some of these threads is that pharmacy is not what it used to be years ago...I do believe that.

Now I have taken the PCAT years ago...didn't do so hot. Need advice on good study materials.

So my question is why pursue a career in pharmacy? Since I have been out of school for 6 years were do I start as far as going back to pharmacy school.

I suggest that you sign up for a test prep course since you may have a problem with your test taking strategy. Also, take as many practice tests as you can. As for being out of school for a while, I was out of school for approximately 4 years and had no problem getting accepted. I think it is what you did in that time away that really matters and it seems that you have an impressive pharmacy related resume.

 

[pharmrx1]

I want to thank everyone for their response. What bothers me when taking the PCAT is the time. I don't like the fact that I have to complete something in a certain amount of time...when is comes to testing...but that is life and I have to deal with it.

Since I have been out of school I have been taking classes at local universities just to keep my mind fresh.

I guess what im saying is that Im afraid of taking the PCAT. The times I did take the PCAT I had a lot of family issues going on and I wasn't as focus as I should have been. But now that Im more focus...im afraid of what the outcome maybe?

Should I feel this way or how can I overcome this problem that Im having...I kind of feel that this problem is a little embarassing.

 

[Passion4Sci]

Did you even read my reply?

What about applying to schools that don't require the PCAT????

 

[Project2015]

Did you even read my reply?

What about applying to schools that don't require the PCAT????

 

[delano2000]

Did you even read my reply?

What about applying to schools that don't require the PCAT????

I guess you were overlooked...

 

[Passion4Sci]

I guess you were overlooked...

Don't know why I even waste my time...

 

[mandydp6]

Don't know why I even waste my time...

I've only been on SDN since Feb, and I feel the same way you do sometimes P4!
For what it's worth, I am confident the majority of your posts aren't overlooked and are most appreciated.

 

[delano2000]

Don't know why I even waste my time...

I've only been on SDN since Feb, and I feel the same way you do sometimes P4!
For what it's worth, I am confident the majority of your posts aren't overlooked and are most appreciated.

I don't know why P4Sci is complaining. He has been stalked by so many members in the past so I am sure he knows that people are paying attention.

 

[Passion4Sci]

I don't know why P4Sci is complaining. He has been stalked by so many members in the past so I am sure he knows that people are paying attention.

LOL, fair enough, although it seems like people pay attention most when I don't want them to (Project2015).

 

[delano2000]

LOL, fair enough, although it seems like people pay attention most when I don't want them to (Project2015).

That's who I was referring to. I see you are well acquainted with your stalkers.




JK Project2015.

 

[Project2015]

Now, who are the other ones?? I thought I got ri.. I didn't know there were more.

 

[PharmOl]

Did you even read my reply?

What about applying to schools that don't require the PCAT????

It's because you have a giant dick in your hands. lol

 

[delano2000]

Now, who are the other ones?? I thought I got ri.. I didn't know there were more.

 

[Passion4Sci]

It's because you have a giant dick in your hands. lol

1. It isn't me, it's Captain Kirk...

2. It isn't a giant dick, it's a rock.

 

[mandydp6]

1. It isn't me, it's Captain Kirk...

2. It isn't a giant dick, it's a rock.

ohhh mannn

 

[SarahLorraine]

Call the school(s) you are interested in and ask about your prereqs. Call Pearson and ask about the PCAT too. I want to say that you can take it 6 times in 5 years...but I could be wrong because I didn't come across this issue myself.

As for studying...I really liked the Dr. Collins PCAT at home study materials. Take all of the practice tests and time yourself. Just keep practicing your time and your testing and you will get better with practice.

 

[pharmrx1]

Did you even read my reply?

What about applying to schools that don't require the PCAT????

Yes, I did read your message...i was have sleep last night and I forgot to reply to that...but yes I will look into schools that do not require PCAT. Thanks!

 

[pharmrx1]

Call the school(s) you are interested in and ask about your prereqs. Call Pearson and ask about the PCAT too. I want to say that you can take it 6 times in 5 years...but I could be wrong because I didn't come across this issue myself.

As for studying...I really liked the Dr. Collins PCAT at home study materials. Take all of the practice tests and time yourself. Just keep practicing your time and your testing and you will get better with practice.

Thanks I will do that!

 

[Hot Pink123]

To pharmrx1. I am in a similar situation as you. I have a BS in Chemistry that I got about a year ago. I tried applying for all sorts of jobs but for almost everything you need some sort of certification. Here is one big mistake i have made... since I am a chemistry major I studied a lot of the bio that I had never taken, when test day came around I had forgotten some gen chem stuff lost track of time and was unable to finish the chemistry part. I would suggest like someone previously said to take a PCAT review class. But I also think that your experience accounts for a lot and that any interview should be a breeze for you... just taking the test and getting the interview will be the hardest part.

 

[Hot Pink123]

ok sorry I am a litlle bit slow at this... I have one more comment I'm pretty sure that LECOM in erie doesn't require a PCAT score if you have a Bachelor's and I also would check out Desquene I think they have some alternative requirements for students with a degree as well.

 

[PharmOl]

1. It isn't me, it's Captain Kirk...

2. It isn't a giant dick, it's a rock.

You knew what I was talking about! 'Nuf said : )

 

[Passion4Sci]

You knew what I was talking about! 'Nuf said : )

Not sure I do, but I'll just play along like I get the joke.