Pharmacy jobs without license

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beautifulpath

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What jobs are there for PharmD graduates without pharmacist license?

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Just take the naplex and mpje. You’ll thank yourself later.
 
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JOB OPTIONS FOR PHARMACISTS WITHOUT A U.S. PHARMACIST LICENSE

Honestly, the short end of the stick is simple - get licensed.

1) Cramming hours of studying to taking a 225 question exam over a span of 6 hours is exhausting, I agree.
2) Trying to dry memorize regulations and state vs federal law for your MPJE is difficult, I definitely agree.

In the end though, getting licensed and then never fully using it is a far better option than never trying to get licensed to begin with. You went to 2-4 years of undergrad + 4 years of pharmacy school to specifically do one thing...to get licensed.
 
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You went to 2-4 years of undergrad + 4 years of pharmacy school to specifically do one thing...to get licensed.
Exactly, it’ll never be easier to pass these tests than shortly after graduation.
 
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Uber driver.

I have received targeted ads saying something along the lines of “Uber driver pharmacist.” No joke.
 
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Even SPIs need a license

That varies by state. Michigan is degree only: https://www.indeed.com/q-Poison-Control-Center-jobs.html?vjk=ca41152d46df2168

Some states require certification in poison information. I took the practice test, and it's very easy, but it feels like it's just to show you what the test looks like and not to show you real content. Certification for Specialists in Poison Information (CSPI) - America’s Poison Centers :: Pearson VUE

I believe in Indiana, trained laypersons can work in the position, but i don't see any Indiana jobs posted.
 
most pharmacist jobs - even if the job itself doesn't actually legally need a license (call center, etc) the employer often requires it to weed out people that don't have a license (due to disciplinary action, or simply can't pass the boards)
 
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most pharmacist jobs - even if the job itself doesn't actually legally need a license (call center, etc) the employer often requires it to weed out people that don't have a license (due to disciplinary action, or simply can't pass the boards)
That might be true in the US. Drug companies in other countries prey on foreign pharmacists without licenses because they figure you'll work cheaper than a local. Next time you're in London, call the Glaxo Medical information line. You'll get a Yank, Kiwi, or Aussie to chat with.
 
That might be true in the US. Drug companies in other countries prey on foreign pharmacists without licenses because they figure you'll work cheaper than a local. Next time you're in London, call the Glaxo Medical information line. You'll get a Yank, Kiwi, or Aussie to chat with.
true- industry might be different- I don't have a lot of experience in that world, the one job I did look into did specifically mention you have to have a license in any state
 
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How come nobody is helping the OP out? OP, you could be a spy! Okay, maybe not a spy, but a SPI is still pretty cool. https://www.indeed.com/q-Poison-Information-Specialist-jobs.html?vjk=165f4cc21fd1c94d
Right. To be fair, the OP was just asking, not that he or she won't get a license. I mean, if for whatever reason I have to move to another state, I would want to know what I can do for a while without a license that is somewhat related to pharmacy
 
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What jobs are there for PharmD graduates without pharmacist license?

I used to get asked by lawyer friends to come and be an expert witness. The deal would include flight, hotel, and a few grand for a day in court. They usually wanted me to sit there and answer questions about alcohol metabolism and state that their client couldn't possibly be drunk because he'd spaced his 10 beers out over 10 hours. My qualifications for being an expert witness on alcohol metabolism did not extend past student rotations, but I guess the thinking was that would be impressive enough compared to whatever and overworked prosecutor could come put together on short notice. Stop acting all upset. I didn't actually take anyone up on the offer. I'm thoroughly opposed to drunk driving and would need at least $20,000 to compromise my morals.
 
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IMy qualifications for being an expert witness on alcohol metabolism did not extend past student rotations,
a decent lawyer should be able to rip you apart based on that alone - or at least make your lawyer look like an idiot for calling you as an "expert"
 
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a decent lawyer should be able to rip you apart based on that alone - or at least make your lawyer look like an idiot for calling you as an "expert"
You're way too old school. Have you seen who the people of Nassau County elected to Congress?
 
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pharma & biotech industry don't care about license at all! I don't maintain a license and will probably never need one to secure jobs offers at drug companies
 
pharma & biotech industry don't care about license at all! I don't maintain a license and will probably never need one to secure jobs offers at drug companies
Its not easy to get jobs with these companies, I have applied to many last year, got nothing. They are looking for people who have previous experience or fellowship. They rather than masters graduate than us PharmD.
 
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Its not easy to get jobs with these companies, I have applied to many last year, got nothing. They are looking for people who have previous experience or fellowship. They rather than masters graduate than us PharmD.
It depends on your expertise actually. CROs always badly need clinical programmers.
 
Its not easy to get jobs with these companies, I have applied to many last year, got nothing. They are looking for people who have previous experience or fellowship. They rather than masters graduate than us PharmD.
Yes. when Talking with recruiters. for MSL- experience in Regulatory affairs, fellowships provide that experience. for Drug modeling the reason for the masters program is due to program specifically trains and teaches people how to use the drug modeling software, the skill the Pharma want is knowing different software language for drug modeling for clinical trials. For Medical Writing- Internship experience.
 
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Industry doesn't require a license. That said, I've definitely come across hiring managers in certain functions that place some value on having a license - as in, if it comes down to 2 PharmD candidates that are similarly inexperienced and both had decent/good interviews, the one with the license had the edge. That's a pretty uncommon scenario but hey, when you want a foot in the door every inch matters.
 
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Yes. when Talking with recruiters. for MSL- experience in Regulatory affairs, fellowships provide that experience. for Drug modeling the reason for the masters program is due to program specifically trains and teaches people how to use the drug modeling software, the skill the Pharma want is knowing different software language for drug modeling for clinical trials. For Medical Writing- Internship experience.
Do you know what kind of education is required for drug modeling?
 
Do you know what kind of education is required for drug modeling?
a Pharm.D. education is fine for Masters in Drug Modeling. Applicants are from diverse backgrounds- R&D Ph.Ds, Pharm.Ds and MDs. Only UCSD wanted at 2 years of work experience in a medical related field before applying to their masters program.
 
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Piggy backing off this, can a pharmacist get a job as a pharmacist tech?

I've kept up my pharmacist license in the state I reside in, but haven't worked in a practice setting in almost 20 years since I left retail (before pharmacists even administered vaccines here).

I plan to retire in about 7-10 years and move to another state - but would like to just pick up part time hours somewhere. I'd rather not go through studying for another MPJE and a reciprocity process, and I hear the pharmacist job market is somewhat saturated and preferential for long time locals in that state, anyway. However, the demand for pharm techs is relatively high. I won't necessarily need a pharmacist salary at that time, so being a pharm tech would fit the bill. I figure I'd have a leg up in training and be able to contribute from the get go. Plus I wouldn't have to deal with pharmacist liability.

I just haven't heard many stories of one-time pharmacists working as techs, so would like to hear if it's even feasible.
 
Piggy backing off this, can a pharmacist get a job as a pharmacist tech?

I've kept up my pharmacist license in the state I reside in, but haven't worked in a practice setting in almost 20 years since I left retail (before pharmacists even administered vaccines here).

I plan to retire in about 7-10 years and move to another state - but would like to just pick up part time hours somewhere. I'd rather not go through studying for another MPJE and a reciprocity process, and I hear the pharmacist job market is somewhat saturated and preferential for long time locals in that state, anyway. However, the demand for pharm techs is relatively high. I won't necessarily need a pharmacist salary at that time, so being a pharm tech would fit the bill. I figure I'd have a leg up in training and be able to contribute from the get go. Plus I wouldn't have to deal with pharmacist liability.

I just haven't heard many stories of one-time pharmacists working as techs, so would like to hear if it's even feasible.
I think this scenario was asked in another thread. If I remember right the answer was no?
 
I think this scenario was asked in another thread. If I remember right the answer was no?

That was sort of my suspicion - didn't seem to be based on any regulation but just the preference of hiring managers. I did come across this thread just now while randomly searching: Pharmacist stuck working as a tech

I guess it's not completely unheard of, but not ideal for most folks (both would-be pharmacists or pharmacy managers). Frankly, I'd have no pharmacist ego and would be perfectly fine with doing whatever the PIC or staff pharm needs me to get done to make their job easier. I was pretty fast and accurate when I did work in retail - granted that was almost 2 decades ago on a PDX system. It's not like my skills have stagnated - if anything, other skills have developed over the years from my current career.

I did see another thread just now where someone mentioned that they've come across several retired pharmacists working as PT techs- just have to make sure not to overstep boundaries
 
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That was sort of my suspicion - didn't seem to be based on any regulation but just the preference of hiring managers. I did come across this thread just now while randomly searching: Pharmacist stuck working as a tech

I guess it's not completely unheard of, but not ideal for most folks (both would-be pharmacists or pharmacy managers). Frankly, I'd have no pharmacist ego and would be perfectly fine with doing whatever the PIC or staff pharm needs me to get done to make their job easier. I was pretty fast and accurate when I did work in retail - granted that was almost 2 decades ago on a PDX system. It's not like my skills have stagnated - if anything, other skills have developed over the years from my current career.

I did see another thread just now where someone mentioned that they've come across several retired pharmacists working as PT techs- just have to make sure not to overstep boundaries
Yup that’s exactly the thread I had in mind! I’m sure it can probably be done in some scenario, likely not at a chain?
 
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Piggy backing off this, can a pharmacist get a job as a pharmacist tech?

I've kept up my pharmacist license in the state I reside in, but haven't worked in a practice setting in almost 20 years since I left retail (before pharmacists even administered vaccines here).

I plan to retire in about 7-10 years and move to another state - but would like to just pick up part time hours somewhere. I'd rather not go through studying for another MPJE and a reciprocity process, and I hear the pharmacist job market is somewhat saturated and preferential for long time locals in that state, anyway. However, the demand for pharm techs is relatively high. I won't necessarily need a pharmacist salary at that time, so being a pharm tech would fit the bill. I figure I'd have a leg up in training and be able to contribute from the get go. Plus I wouldn't have to deal with pharmacist liability.

I just haven't heard many stories of one-time pharmacists working as techs, so would like to hear if it's even feasible.

Oh my god. Why would you want to? Being a greeter at Wal-Mart would be more fun.
 
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Oh my god. Why would you want to? Being a greeter at Wal-Mart would be more fun.
A few reasons come to mind:

1. I'd want to keep doing some form of work, just not full time.
2. Having worked as a pharmacist (and a tech/intern) before, the work would be familiar so I wouldn't have to start learning a new job from ground zero.
3. By not being the pharmacist, I would welcome taking a step back from accountability/liability for everything that goes on in the pharmacy. Even if it's stressful, it's a step down from the stress a pharmacist experiences.
4. At that stage in life, assuming I'm financially independent - I could still enjoy spending my day being a contributing and knowledgeable member of a Healthcare team without having the stress of being a pharmacist fresh out of school with loans to pay off. Even if I'm not working as a pharmacist, I'd find satisfaction in adding value. Theres something liberating about choosing to work without needing to make the bills.
5. It still pays, and there's a demand for the job. It doesn't pay as much as a pharmacist salary, but comes with less responsibility and might be quite a bit easier to land a job (in that particular state).
 
4. I could still enjoy spending my day being a contributing and knowledgeable member of a Healthcare team without having the stress of being a pharmacist fresh out of school with loans to pay off.
Nope. That's one of the problems with actually being a pharmacist working in a tech role without a pharmacist license. The role confusion is very hard to deal with, and you don't get the benefit of the doubt if there was a scope complaint made. You still have to get licensed as a tech, btw, and at least in MN, AZ, and CA, you will probably be summoned to answer why you have an active RPh license elsewhere but only are going for a tech license in this state. I am always deeply surprised when a PIC hires a pharmacist as a tech.

My suggestion if you want a job that's casual but leverages your skills would be in a related field but not pharmacy operations direct . Medical librarian (MLS is not needed), 340B Consultant, etc. fit that profile.

Also, point 2 is not correct, though I wish it were. The automation and workflow are teched up enough that it's quite a different proposition to work in 2024 (let alone 2030) than it was in 2000. You would have to relearn the job anyway. Why not make it a more fun pursuit?

Likely for me, I'll be one of the archdiocese VC's (not only $0 salary, but you're likely going to be contributing out of pocket to balance the books) for the local food bank when I'm done. It's going to be an expanded role given where our economy is likely headed. It's also tons of paperwork with USDA and HHS to get food, resources, and distribution cheap.
 
Nope. That's one of the problems with actually being a pharmacist working in a tech role without a pharmacist license. The role confusion is very hard to deal with, and you don't get the benefit of the doubt if there was a scope complaint made. You still have to get licensed as a tech, btw, and at least in MN, AZ, and CA, you will probably be summoned to answer why you have an active RPh license elsewhere but only are going for a tech license in this state. I am always deeply surprised when a PIC hires a pharmacist as a tech.

My suggestion if you want a job that's casual but leverages your skills would be in a related field but not pharmacy operations direct . Medical librarian (MLS is not needed), 340B Consultant, etc. fit that profile.

Also, point 2 is not correct, though I wish it were. The automation and workflow are teched up enough that it's quite a different proposition to work in 2024 (let alone 2030) than it was in 2000. You would have to relearn the job anyway. Why not make it a more fun pursuit?

Likely for me, I'll be one of the archdiocese VC's (not only $0 salary, but you're likely going to be contributing out of pocket to balance the books) for the local food bank when I'm done. It's going to be an expanded role given where our economy is likely headed. It's also tons of paperwork with USDA and HHS to get food, resources, and distribution cheap.
I don't really see how roles would be confusing. A pharm tech can still be a knowledgeable and contributing member of a healthcare team - without overstepping their role. I've been a pharmacist and know exactly what scenarios a tech would be overstepping their tech boundaries. If there was any doubt, I have no problem erring on the conservative side. After all, i was an experienced tech prior to being a pharmacist. I don't forsee myself having any urge to overstep the scope of a tech if that's what my job is.

I know some states require techs to get certified or licensed - the place I'm looking doesn't require it.

Understand the point that automation and workflow are teched up and those things will have to relearned. I fully expect that. I'm not worried that I won't be able to though. Automation, systems, and work flow, processes have all remained an intimate part of my current career so i wouldnt find them intimidating. I think I'd find some measure of transferability, no matter how advanced the tech is. At the end of the day, there's aspects to a working at a pharmacy that haven't changed. When I walk in to drop off and pick up a prescription, I more or less understand what's going on behind the counter and what each person is doing at that moment and notice the subtleties of how they're doing it, and how they impact the overall flow of how the pharmacy is operating at that given moment - things that only come from having gone through the training and experience.

I'd be open to related fields (heck, even unrelated fields), but its questionable how much of a those will be available in that location. If anything, I'm not even sure if I'd want to be a medical librarian. Might sound crazy, but after a long career in industry I kind of like the idea of just working as a pharmacy tech (or some other retail industry) after 55.
 
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I don't really see how roles would be confusing. A pharm tech can still be a knowledgeable and contributing member of a healthcare team - without overstepping their role. I've been a pharmacist and know exactly what scenarios a tech would be overstepping their tech boundaries. If there was any doubt, I have no problem erring on the conservative side. After all, i was an experienced tech prior to being a pharmacist. I don't forsee myself having any urge to overstep the scope of a tech if that's what my job is.

I know some states require techs to get certified or licensed - the place I'm looking doesn't require it.

Understand the point that automation and workflow are teched up and those things will have to relearned. I fully expect that. I'm not worried that I won't be able to though. Automation, systems, and work flow, processes have all remained an intimate part of my current career so i wouldnt find them intimidating. I think I'd find some measure of transferability, no matter how advanced the tech is. At the end of the day, there's aspects to a working at a pharmacy that haven't changed. When I walk in to drop off and pick up a prescription, I more or less understand what's going on behind the counter and what each person is doing at that moment and notice the subtleties of how they're doing it, and how they impact the overall flow of how the pharmacy is operating at that given moment - things that only come from having gone through the training and experience.

I'd be open to related fields (heck, even unrelated fields), but its questionable how much of a those will be available in that location. If anything, I'm not even sure if I'd want to be a medical librarian. Might sound crazy, but after a long career in industry I kind of like the idea of just working as a pharmacy tech (or some other retail industry) after 55.


Right, YOU wouldn't have any problem, but it's not up to you exclusively to interpret what your role is, that's what I poorly tried to explain. It's a they said, they said situation if anything goes wrong.

As far as a preference, as long as you want to do it otherwise, it's a free labor market in the sense if you want to sell your skills that way, who am I to judge. I totally get wanting to do a brainless job, and if that works for you, I wish you the best. It's not easy though due to the fact that you do have something else behind the scenes. It's not crazy to want a non-deskjob after serving in one forever.

I sincerely wish that the industry will remain predictable and lucrative enough that you do retire from the industry like your father did at the time of your choosing, not the industry's. It's not usual, but if your father managed it, you know more than he did about the vagracies, and I believe you have it to know how to react to the changing environment.
 
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I'd rather be a Starbucks barista than pharm tech.
 
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I'd rather be a Starbucks barista than pharm tech.
From talking to friends who own pharmacies, techs (especially bilingual ones) are in super high demand.

I'd rather be a bartender than a
Starbucks batista, but I don't see a lot of either that are 55+.
 
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Right, YOU wouldn't have any problem, but it's not up to you exclusively to interpret what your role is, that's what I poorly tried to explain. It's a they said, they said situation if anything goes wrong.

As far as a preference, as long as you want to do it otherwise, it's a free labor market in the sense if you want to sell your skills that way, who am I to judge. I totally get wanting to do a brainless job, and if that works for you, I wish you the best. It's not easy though due to the fact that you do have something else behind the scenes. It's not crazy to want a non-deskjob after serving in one forever.

I sincerely wish that the industry will remain predictable and lucrative enough that you do retire from the industry like your father did at the time of your choosing, not the industry's. It's not usual, but if your father managed it, you know more than he did about the vagracies, and I believe you have it to know how to react to the changing environment.
Maybe I'm looking at it oversimplistically. Unless things have changed, I remember working with techs across a wide range of competency levels and the more they could help me with, the more I appreciated their help. For the most part, i thought role interpretations were pretty clear between tech vs pharmacist (i.e. verifying, counseling, etc.). I guess one could say it could be a little gray with externs/pharm grads but again - it just takes some common sense and tact. I personally never had an issue with role confusion while i was working - whether as a tech, an intern, or pharmacist. If the pharmacist wants me to enter scrips, fill, stock the shelves, work the register, call insurance companies and stick to clear non-pharmacist/extern tasks - then so be it. As long as I'm making their job easier, I have no qualms. I won't feel the urge to go and counsel patients or whatever else that they might consider overstepping my scope. Of course, this presupposes a transparent conversation to manage expectations but again - I have friends who own pharmacies and have lamented the lack of tech help these days. If that's the norm, I think at least some pharmacy managers would be more than happy to give someone with past pharmacy experience a shot. I can see it being an issue if I was the type who felt inclined to do all that I think I'm capable of doing, but I'm not. My goal would be to help the team however the PIC thinks best. I'm not there to strategize resource management, or determine roles and responsibilities.

As for the industry's predictability (assuming you're referring to pharma/biotech), predictable it is certainly not - but I'm not particularly worried about not being able to choose when I retire. Even with acquisitions and layoffs, there's always a demand at another company for experienced people in the field. Maybe AI advancement will be the biggest factor to change that but I don't foresee enough widespread implementation across the industry within the next 7-10 years to make a huge difference. The career journey has been fortunate enough to make early retirement a realistic goal. Also helps that we're DINKs.

On another note, for any pharmacists looking for a decent and fulfilling career without a license - give industry a shot. I wasn't an overachiever, started off with no connections, had a pretty modest GPA, no prior experience, no fellowship or residency, and it frankly took me quite a few years to develop professionally and become reasonably good at what I do. The career journey has turned out to be more lucrative and fulfilling than I could have imagined - and I don't think my case is that uncommon.
 
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From talking to friends who own pharmacies, techs (especially bilingual ones) are in super high demand.

I'd rather be a bartender than a
Starbucks batista, but I don't see a lot of either that are 55+.

One of my former techs who I’m still friends with moonlights as a bartender in addition to his tech duties. From my conversation with him, one night of tips working a Friday or Saturday can exceed his weeks tech income on a good week. He’s also very personable so I’m sure that helps with tips.
 
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From talking to friends who own pharmacies, techs (especially bilingual ones) are in super high demand.

I'd rather be a bartender than a
Starbucks batista, but I don't see a lot of either that are 55+.
I'd guess that's regional. Go to Disneyland and it's run by college students. Go to Disneyworld and it's all retirees. Anyway, bartender hours are terrible; I'd like to work in a winery tasting room, though I'm sure I'd get fired within a few days if they had anyone monitoring how many extra bottles I was going through.
 
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can a pharmacist get a job as a pharmacist tech?

It's possible to do the other way around

 
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Piggy backing off this, can a pharmacist get a job as a pharmacist tech?

I've kept up my pharmacist license in the state I reside in, but haven't worked in a practice setting in almost 20 years since I left retail (before pharmacists even administered vaccines here).

I plan to retire in about 7-10 years and move to another state - but would like to just pick up part time hours somewhere. I'd rather not go through studying for another MPJE and a reciprocity process, and I hear the pharmacist job market is somewhat saturated and preferential for long time locals in that state, anyway. However, the demand for pharm techs is relatively high. I won't necessarily need a pharmacist salary at that time, so being a pharm tech would fit the bill. I figure I'd have a leg up in training and be able to contribute from the get go. Plus I wouldn't have to deal with pharmacist liability.

I just haven't heard many stories of one-time pharmacists working as techs, so would like to hear if it's even feasible.
Don't know about the legalities of R.Ph./Tech, but I am here to tell you what I did with getting licensed in another state. I am now 62, I took my NAPBLEX. and GA-MPJE back about 38 years ago. Last January, I decided to take the Nevada MPJE, studied a few months, and passed it on the first try. I am definitely not the smartest person, by far. Just go for the reciprocity, you have nothing to lose, but about $1000.
 
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