Retail pharmacy vs. other types

Started by RLK
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RLK

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I've only had exposure to retail pharmacy and I was wondering if anyone had experience in other types of pharmacy as well as retail and had any opinions on them.

I would like to have some exposure to hospital pharmacy and I would really like to volunteer or even just shadow a pharmacist at a compounding pharmacy. Both of those seem a little more interesting than retail.
 
RLK said:
I've only had exposure to retail pharmacy and I was wondering if anyone had experience in other types of pharmacy as well as retail and had any opinions on them.

I would like to have some exposure to hospital pharmacy and I would really like to volunteer or even just shadow a pharmacist at a compounding pharmacy. Both of those seem a little more interesting than retail.

Volunteer in a hospital pharmacy. I've worked retail for just under a year, and I've already got my pharmacy school application sent in, and I just kind of decided last minute that I'd like to pick up a shift or two as a volunteer in the hospital pharmacy. At least I hope to be able to bring up that tidbit in an interview.

You may only be able to shadow in a compounding pharmacy. One of the pharmacists I work with knows a fellow nearby who runs a compounding pharmacy, and he will not let anyone volunteer unless they 1) have 2+ years of retail experience or 2) are nationally certified. It's more of a liability thing. In general, my impression is that it's harder to get volunteer work in a place like that. I'd like to be able to do it, but it may have to wait until winter break, I'm def loaded down this semester!

I think I'd more like to do it so I'm more confident in lab when I get to pharmacy school -- not so much to make me more attractive to an SOP.