Questions about PharmD

[sri012]

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I am interested in becoming a pharmacist. I was hoping someone might be able to help with a few of my questions:

B.S. Biochemistry, uGPA 3.1
M.S. Chemistry, gGPA 3.75
I have never worked in a pharmacy. I have about 3 yrs experience as a chemist.

1) I am a little worried about my UGPA. I'm not a great test taker -- would a strong PCAT score make me a competitive applicant for a middle to low tier PharmD program?
2) My wife and I have been out of school for about 3 yrs, and our living expenses have increased. I'll need to finance the degree and some living expenses using student loans. My best guess is ~160K. Is it practical to pay off this kind of debt as a pharmacist (are the salaries high enough?) or will I be paying off student loans for a very very long time?
3) Is it possible to work while attending pharmacy school (while in a 3yr vs 4yr program)? I was hoping to keep my student loans down as much as possible.

I know I just rattled off tons of questions but thanks for any advice that someone might have.

 

[LabbyRatty]

Your grades, particularly your MS GPA, will make you competitive. A strong PCAT will only help you at this point. Shoot for the highest tier school that you are interested in. These days admission is quite competitive for all schools. Acceptance rates are around 10%.

Student loans...ahhh... our friends. Starting salaries for pharmacists are quite nice these days and you should not have any problem paying off your loans. Those of us going to USC are looking at 150-200k in debt. I've talked to a lot of alumns and they all agreed that it is no problem (I'm trusting them). If things get "bad" you can always work the night shift, which pays a bit more.

A lot of people do work 10-20 hrs/week during school. In addition to earning some money, it helps with learning the drugs and about the profession. The trend I have noticed is that most people start to work during their 2nd year after the adjustment period of 1st year is over. That is my current plan. I took several years off, too, and it is hard to get back into the study mode. I can't speak for the three year schools, I don't really know their schedules.

I am interested in becoming a pharmacist. I was hoping someone might be able to help with a few of my questions:

B.S. Biochemistry, uGPA 3.1
M.S. Chemistry, gGPA 3.75
I have never worked in a pharmacy. I have about 3 yrs experience as a chemist.

1) I am a little worried about my UGPA. I'm not a great test taker -- would a strong PCAT score make me a competitive applicant for a middle to low tier PharmD program?
2) My wife and I have been out of school for about 3 yrs, and our living expenses have increased. I'll need to finance the degree and some living expenses using student loans. My best guess is ~160K. Is it practical to pay off this kind of debt as a pharmacist (are the salaries high enough?) or will I be paying off student loans for a very very long time?
3) Is it possible to work while attending pharmacy school (while in a 3yr vs 4yr program)? I was hoping to keep my student loans down as much as possible.

I know I just rattled off tons of questions but thanks for any advice that someone might have.

 

[aboveliquidice]

I am interested in becoming a pharmacist. I was hoping someone might be able to help with a few of my questions:

B.S. Biochemistry, uGPA 3.1
M.S. Chemistry, gGPA 3.75
I have never worked in a pharmacy. I have about 3 yrs experience as a chemist.

1) I am a little worried about my UGPA. I'm not a great test taker -- would a strong PCAT score make me a competitive applicant for a middle to low tier PharmD program?
2) My wife and I have been out of school for about 3 yrs, and our living expenses have increased. I'll need to finance the degree and some living expenses using student loans. My best guess is ~160K. Is it practical to pay off this kind of debt as a pharmacist (are the salaries high enough?) or will I be paying off student loans for a very very long time?
3) Is it possible to work while attending pharmacy school (while in a 3yr vs 4yr program)? I was hoping to keep my student loans down as much as possible.

I know I just rattled off tons of questions but thanks for any advice that someone might have.

As the above poster said - a strong PCAT will always help... Do not discount the wisdom you have gained by completing your BS / working in the real world - this also has some bearing on admissions criteria.

As to paying off loans - 160K is a LOT of money to repay (the exact amount I will owe by the way) - but it is certainly do-able, especially with dual incomes.

Finally, it is certainly possible to work during pharmacy school - but many people choose to not work because of the additional work load. I would recommend that you plan on NOT working. Once you get into the academics, and you can accurately judge the workload, then you can consider taking on employment again.

Post up if you have anymore questions...

~above~

 

[2012PharmDmiss]

I am interested in becoming a pharmacist. I was hoping someone might be able to help with a few of my questions:

B.S. Biochemistry, uGPA 3.1
M.S. Chemistry, gGPA 3.75
I have never worked in a pharmacy. I have about 3 yrs experience as a chemist.

1) I am a little worried about my UGPA. I'm not a great test taker -- would a strong PCAT score make me a competitive applicant for a middle to low tier PharmD program?
2) My wife and I have been out of school for about 3 yrs, and our living expenses have increased. I'll need to finance the degree and some living expenses using student loans. My best guess is ~160K. Is it practical to pay off this kind of debt as a pharmacist (are the salaries high enough?) or will I be paying off student loans for a very very long time?
3) Is it possible to work while attending pharmacy school (while in a 3yr vs 4yr program)? I was hoping to keep my student loans down as much as possible.

I know I just rattled off tons of questions but thanks for any advice that someone might have.

You definitely will have a competitive edge with your MS, real world experiences, and with a high PCAT score. In our school and class we have a good number of students who are in your situation with children too! Also, you can work as a intern after you get your license (after P1 year) with salary range from $13-18. It might not be much but it could help. If you are discipline enough you can definately do both work and school like many of my friends. Private Pharmacy schools are expensive, but public ones are a lot cheaper for instate. I am currently attending UB School of Pharmacy and our first year tuition is considered as undergrade (~5500 instate, and ~11000 out of state P1, graduate tuition for pharmacy P2-P4 ~13000 instate and 23000 out of state). Also, if you live a year in the state you will qualify for instate tuition after submitting some paper work. Last I heard from our 2008 graduating class, the starting pay for community is 120K with a sign in bonus of 10-20K. UB is a research institution so it is nationaly ranked pharmacy and pharmaceutical science school. Good luck with your decision!

 

[FarscapeGirl]

One thing you might want to look into... some pharmacy schools might want you to re-do some of your pre-reqs. Many want you to have done your pre-reqs within the last five years. However, some can be flexible. I'm currently finishing a PhD in molecular biology, and since I'm still in school, I didn't have to re-do them. I just had to take a few of the pre-reqs that I didn't do before, and they suggested I do really well on the PCAT.

 

[jiiniix2]

Another thing, some schools might let waive you some of your classes if what you took in graduate school is comparable, just have to ask them.

I'm not currently working and it's my first semester. I feel bored and I think I'm going to start working again.