Taking the right Path

[AngelaChanel76]

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Hello

I've posted several times, and I have been reading a lot of post. My question is it better to have a degree before applying to Pharm. School? I plan on taking the pre-reqs and then applying. I have never been to traditional college, Im literally starting from scratch. I'll be 32 in April I have two kids, but Im a stay at home mom now and I feel like this is my time to focus on my dreams and goals. I will have support from my familiy and I hope to work as a Pharm Tech or whatever. But Im afriad that if i NEVER get into Pharm school what should I major in so I will have not done this for nothing. Sorry I certainly don't mean to sound negative. But I realize Im older, the competition in strong and I have really one school locally that I may be able to get into that takes transfer students the other school does not. SIUE is my option and theres St.Louis College of Pharm. that takes kids from high school and well thats not a option. Im not sure about out of state schools my family cannot just pack up and move my husband has a successful business he's building here in St.Louis, I have heard there were online Pharmacy schools I may look into. But Am I getting in over my head here? If anyone can lend some advice I would be so very grateful! How many are my age and starting from scratch no degree that last science class I took was back in 1992!!! But I do like science. My last question is how long did it take to do the pre-reqs? everyone says 2 years at a community college then apply to a Pharm school but I am finding theres classes I have to take BEFORE I can take the Pre-reqs. Just trying to get my duck in a row! I plan to start classes this summer. Thanks everyone!🙂

 

[RxShazzie]

everyone's situation is different. it's always possible to assess into different courses so you don't have to take prereqs for your prereqs. a lot of gen. science courses just ask for H.S. courses are prereqs as an alternative. if you don't feel confident, you should take the intro courses, definitely. it's better to do well the first time than have to retake a lot like me.

if you decide to get your degree first, definitely major in something that will help you in pharmacy school later on. my major is neurobiology, physiology, and behavior because i figured it would be beneficial for me to know the body so i can better understand the effects of medicine. also, i love the major! so pick something you love so you don't completely hate your university experience.

👍

 

[medicalCPA]

I cannot tell you what to study, but I know that you can become a pharmacist even if your college major is Underwater Basket Weaving. As long as you get in your prerequisites (and prerequisites vary depending on the pharmacy school you want to attend), you should be fine. So study what you want and be sure to excel at it.

Also, I believe that the only online pharmacy school in the country right now is that of Creighton University. If you are looking for a distance pharmacy program, perhaps you could check it out.

Good luck, whatever you do.

 

[tharper14]

Yes, there are pre-reqs for pre-reqs... we've all been there, we've all done them. If you don't have the previous knowledge for a class, it's going to be hard to do well. So yeah, it'll take longer to finish all the pre-reqs but at least you'll have a good gpa in the end.

As for which degree to do in case you don't get into pharm school... only you can answer that. Lots of students do a minor in education so they can be a teacher if all else fails. Just a thought...

And yeah, as far as I know, Creighton is the only school that offers the PharmD by distance.

Good luck!

 

[tellsarah]

Hello Angela,

Let me first says congrats to you on being a stay at home mom and supporting your husband's business. I truely think it takes alot of sacrifice to be in your position. I will be applying to the Crieghton distance program for 09. Like you, I can not just get up and move with my husbands career.

First of all, since you will starting from scratch I would begin at a community college and work towards an associates degree. Once you have completed the majority of the pre-reqs, then apply. If you don't get in, with just the pre-reqs, get the associates then transfer to a university and continue working towards a bachelors. I have a degree in dietetics, so if I dont get into pharmacy school after a few years of applying, then I can do a dietetic internship and become a registered dietitian. At least I can get a job with my degree. From what info I have gathered from various pharm school websites, you should get a degree in something interesting to you.

Also, when taking sciences I would suggested taking the courses that are for science majors. For instance, If there is a Biology for science majors take that instead of Biology for non-science majors.

Hope this helps and good luck

 

[AngelaChanel76]

I'm going to major in Business, so if all else fails I will be able to get a job in the business field at least. Thanks for all the input!