too old to start now?

[futurestudent]

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Hi everybody. I'm new to this and tried to look for some posts regarding this, but have been unable to. I am 27 years old and have decided to change career paths. I would like to pursue pharmacy, but am concerned because I graduated high school in 1998. My GPA from high school was a 3.0 and my SAT score at that time under the old system was around a 1020. I've been looking into Nova but I don't think I qualify for the dual admissions program for pharmd. Any advice on what I should do or if I will be looked down upon at starting at this age? Also, if they want letters of reference from high school, how do I obtain them when I've been out of high school for 9 years and don't even know if my old teachers still teach or even remember me? Hopefully some of you can shed some insight as to what I should do.

 

[nerv12345]

i don't think they'll consider your high school grades. 9 years is a long time

you should spend 2-3 years at the junior college and finish some prerequisites and then apply

 

[UES Girl]

I think your two main options are :

Do it the traditional way - 2-3 years of pre-reqs at the minimum, or a bachelor's degree - only then you can apply to a 4-year Pharm. D program.

Apply directly to a 6 year Pharm. D program.

Either way you are looking at the MINIMUM of 6 years.

I don't thnk you are too old in my opinion - your age is fine, I worked with a lot of students who went back to school even after 35. In my opnion though if you decide to do the traditional way - prereqs + 4-year pharm. D your HS grades and all that stuff is not going to matter.I think when people speak of LORs they mean from their college profs not HS teachers.

For you in my opinion the best way is to do a second option - but i can't give you much info about it, as i am doing the traditional way - getting my BS and then applying. Do some research here and I am sure you can find out more- this forum is a wealth of inofrmation.

 

[FLPharm2Be]

Hi everybody. I'm new to this and tried to look for some posts regarding this, but have been unable to. I am 27 years old and have decided to change career paths. I would like to pursue pharmacy, but am concerned because I graduated high school in 1998. My GPA from high school was a 3.0 and my SAT score at that time under the old system was around a 1020. I've been looking into Nova but I don't think I qualify for the dual admissions program for pharmd. Any advice on what I should do or if I will be looked down upon at starting at this age? Also, if they want letters of reference from high school, how do I obtain them when I've been out of high school for 9 years and don't even know if my old teachers still teach or even remember me? Hopefully some of you can shed some insight as to what I should do.

I do not think by any means you are too old to start, but I do think you should contact Nova and ask them if you qualify for their dual admissions program. You should probably mention if you have a prior degree (associates, bachelors..), and if not, you should mention if you have taken any college courses after high school. Because either of these (in addition to a year limit after high school graduation) could disqualify you from that program. Honestly if I were in your situation, I would take the traditional route and start the prerequisite courses at BCC or MDC (which is also much cheaper) and apply directly into the professional program after 2-3 years. This way your high school grades and SAT scores are void and will have no impact on your admissions. Also, LORs will be much easier to attain. Good luck and definitely contact Nova before you start either path. 🙂

 

[krsnyf]

 

[yazzman]

Go back to school and get the best grades possible....I just got accepted and it was so competitive because every single person that applied and I have met at the pharm school's open house was an excellent applicant.........every single applicant had reallly goooood grades..........so go back to school and get ready to focus for the next several years......

 

[futurestudent]

Thank you guys so much for your information. I plan on going tomorrow to Nova and meet with the admissions counselors to get more information. I wasn't aware of the one year time limit after high school for the dual admissions program. Thanks for the information.

 

[islander01]

i dont think you are too old to apply for pharmacy school. i remembered there is a person in my interview group who is 38.

 

[FLPharm2Be]

Thank you guys so much for your information. I plan on going tomorrow to Nova and meet with the admissions counselors to get more information. I wasn't aware of the one year time limit after high school for the dual admissions program. Thanks for the information.

Oh, no. I didn't mean to imply there was a specific number of years time limit after high school. 🙂 I am not sure if there is one, I am just suggesting that you ask Nova to clarify any details about the dual admissions program. Sorry for the confusion. 🙂

 

[aboveliquidice]

While I worked for Nova - I inquired about the Dual-enrollment program - you can qualify if you have NOT begun college. It is meant to draw people to Nova for undergrad - and then allow them to transition into the PharmD program.

Do you have ANY college credits? If so, you do not qualify - as always, inquire so you can hear it for yourself. That is how I understood it. In the end though - I do not think it really matters. If you work hard - come out with a 3.5 gpa - you will get in somewhere.

I went to a regular CC for most of my credits - did not finish my BS - and started after serving 5 years in the military. I am about to turn 27, and I just started my first year.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

~above~

 

[fiorio]

I know a mother who is at least at her 40s and still working hard towards her dream, she's still in pre-pharm and i was her chemistry recitation leader.
and you are only ....what? 27?

 

[tootoo30]

I will be applying in December of 2008 and at that time, I will be 32...it just takes some people longer to decide what they want to be when they grow up 😀

 

[futurestudent]

No, I don't have any college credits so I will inquire tomorrow with the school to see if they will take my GPA from high school into consideration for the dual admission program. What I don't seem to understand is this: the dual admission program rewards you with a Bachelor's and a Pharm D Degree. But if you decide to do it the traditional way and get your prerequisites and then go to get into Pharmacy, would they reward you with a Bachelors and a Pharm D Degree or would you just be given a Pharm D Degree?

 

[UES Girl]

No, I don't have any college credits so I will inquire tomorrow with the school to see if they will take my GPA from high school into consideration for the dual admission program. What I don't seem to understand is this: the dual admission program rewards you with a Bachelor's and a Pharm D Degree. But if you decide to do it the traditional way and get your prerequisites and then go to get into Pharmacy, would they reward you with a Bachelors and a Pharm D Degree or would you just be given a Pharm D Degree?

If you just decide to do the traditional way - unless you earn🙂 the Bachelor's degree you won't be awarded with one.

 

[rxliteguy]

Hi everybody. I'm new to this and tried to look for some posts regarding this, but have been unable to. I am 27 years old and have decided to change career paths. I would like to pursue pharmacy, but am concerned because I graduated high school in 1998. My GPA from high school was a 3.0 and my SAT score at that time under the old system was around a 1020. I've been looking into Nova but I don't think I qualify for the dual admissions program for pharmd. Any advice on what I should do or if I will be looked down upon at starting at this age? Also, if they want letters of reference from high school, how do I obtain them when I've been out of high school for 9 years and don't even know if my old teachers still teach or even remember me? Hopefully some of you can shed some insight as to what I should do.

27 is still young. You can finish pharmacy school in your early 30s and have a good 30+ years working as a pharmacist. I will let you know I am also 27 years old and had a career change also. So I'm in the same situation as you. I graduated high school in 1997.

One thing you have to remember is that it gets very competitive each and every year. So you have to start taking your prequisites, 15+ units per semester. Start volunteering and work in a pharmacy. Get your tech license. It's you against all the other qualified students. Do it now. Each semester you delay, will put you behind the others.

 

[labrat024]

I am 28 yrs old, but I have finished my prereqs. I thought I would be too old too, but our age group is just above the median age range for most pharm schools. I would recommend getting a four year degree in bio or chem, or biochem. Get as many A's as possible (obviously) and start working in a pharmacy ASAP. I believe the lack of pharmacy experience will be the only thing that hurts me. From what I hear most schools are going to require a bachelors soon anyhow. It also makes you more competitive. You could always try for the dual acceptance program too.

 

[RaginCajun]

At 27, I am currently applying and thought about this subject myself. But look at the average pharmacist they are usually working well into there later years. Your customers are usually going to relate to older people as well. If you really want it go for it. Just wait for me to get accepted first.

 

[moolman]

I'll chime in too then, I went to college right out of high school. Worked for a couple of years, decided to go to pharmacy school at 27. I'm 30 now and I got accepted to pharmacy school this year. I'll be 31 when school starts next fall and 34 when I graduate, luckily my school is a 3 year school, so I save a year.

My advice if you are going back to school is to take massive amounts of units per semester. This is from my personal experience. I see older people at my CC that are trying pharmacy, dental, etc and they take like 8-12 units a semester, or even less because of they have to work or have families etc. You might still get in but it's an uphill battle. Pharm schools want to see that you can handle the tough course load and going to a CC doesn't help. Many people see CC's as easy and not challenging, it's not true but you have to prove them wrong. Take at least 16 units a semester, preferably 18-20.

 

[futurestudent]

Lol @RajinCajun. That was cute🙂😀 I'll wait until you get accepted first...I promise😉

Moolman, very good advice. Thank you. All of you are so great on this forum. I'm so glad to have found it. I was thinking about taking 18 credits per semester so you just confirmed my thoughts. Now, I'm just torn between getting a Bachelors in Biology and then going to Pharmacy School or just doing my Pre-reqs and then going to Pharmacy School?😕

 

[Rumplestiltazepam]

Lol @RajinCajun. That was cute🙂😀 I'll wait until you get accepted first...I promise😉

Moolman, very good advice. Thank you. All of you are so great on this forum. I'm so glad to have found it. I was thinking about taking 18 credits per semester so you just confirmed my thoughts. Now, I'm just torn between getting a Bachelors in Biology and then going to Pharmacy School or just doing my Pre-reqs and then going to Pharmacy School?😕

If you can get into Pharmacy School without a Bachelors then nuts to the Bachelors, just go to Pharmacy School. Take courses so you can apply after 2 years and if you do not get in you can keep going toward your Bachelors and apply the next year and so on. If you are worried about being an older student do not waste extra years if you can help it.

If you pull great grades and have experience along with that you should be fine without a Bachelors depending on the school.

 

[UTplease]

Dude I am 24 and I feel too old, encouraging eh?? Think about this for a second, the average age at most schools is around 22-23. You're like 5 years older than the average age. I'm applying for fall 2008, and I know there are going to be some 19 year olds who'll have their pharmD's by the time they're 24, but you can't dwell on that stuff. It's water under the bridge. It would be nice to be 17 again and doing this from the get go, but you can't change it.

You're 27 now. From what I've read, it'll take you at least 6 years so you'll be 33 when you finish. You're going to be 33 no matter what.

BTW, the prepharm course work is basically the 1st 2 years of a bio degree minus a couple courses so just do the pre reqs and apply. I you don't get in finish your degree and apply.

 

[futurestudent]

Thanks for the advice.🙂

 

[SexyPlexi]

You are definitely not too old! I didn't read the others' responses, so I will probably repeat...but I am 25 and just finished my first semester back to get pharmacy prereqs. I have a bachelors in management, so that helps me with the Gen Ed stuff, but I am just going back for the specific science and math courses that I need because I didn't take any of them while earning my business degree. So, I'm looking at hopefully entering in 2009 (taking 2 classes a semester to get my prereqs since I work full time.) So you could definitely do something like that. If I was you, I would look at the courses you need for the schools you want to apply for and map out a plan to take as many courses a semester as you can handle and then apply as soon as you can. If you don't get in the first year, you can keep taking classes towards a bachelors and apply the next year. Just think how long we'll be working as pharmacists for...even if it was only for 12 years that would still be twice as long as it took you to get there. And we both know it will be a lot longer than that! Go for it!! You will feel so good about yourself too...I know I do. 🙂

 

[SexyPlexi]

No, I don't have any college credits so I will inquire tomorrow with the school to see if they will take my GPA from high school into consideration for the dual admission program. What I don't seem to understand is this: the dual admission program rewards you with a Bachelor's and a Pharm D Degree. But if you decide to do it the traditional way and get your prerequisites and then go to get into Pharmacy, would they reward you with a Bachelors and a Pharm D Degree or would you just be given a Pharm D Degree?

I don't know about your school or state, but where I am once you hit 25 you are considered nontraditional student and you just take a placement test to see which, if any, remedial courses you have to take or if you can go right into the regular level classes. If I was you I would find out about that and if they require that then you should brush up on your math and english and try to avoid any extra classes that you can.

 

[cdpiano27]

try for an 0-6 program. There are others besides nova as well. But I think that maybe getting into nova's may not be that tough since the expensive tuition might discourage some people from going that route.

Try Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, MCPHS-Boston, LIU, Saint John's, Albany, Wilkes (in pennsylvania), Butler, and Rutgers as well.

 

[cdpiano27]

Also, closer to home, try Palm Beach Atlantic's program. They have guaranteed admission program similar to Nova's.

No, you are not too old at all. Do what you want.

 

[cdpiano27]

I think if you go this route, you may need to retake the SAT. 1020 is not a good score. They may want 1300+. But maybe not. Call up every school and ask specific questions to the admissions counselor about your stats and what chances you have. The one thing you could do is to retake the SAT.

 

[zzll]

🙁🙁

Well I'm 26 which is also too old compared to the young undergraduate students. I'm also thinking it might be perfect that I can get accepted in to PharmD program after I get my PhD. Am I stupid? I have to collect my courage to make the final decision.

 

[UES Girl]

🙁🙁

Well I'm 26 which is also too old compared to the young undergraduate students. I'm also thinking it might be perfect that I can get accepted in to PharmD program after I get my PhD. Am I stupid? I have to collect my courage to make the final decision.

Dom't be intimidated- I am 23 and just getting my BS. I'll be 24, maybe even 25 by the time I start if I don't get in this year. My ex - started medical school at 20 - At that time he already had 2 BS degrees in different sciences - because he graduated from HS at like 14 or 13.

Age is just a number - just remeber that. And it's not like someone can tell how old you are unless you tell them. Just do a dual Pharm. D /Ph. D program to save time instead of doing one after another - it's pointless to pursue a Ph. D if you just want to be a retail pharmacist for example.

 

[panbabylon]

just do it.

 

[medicament]

.

 

[itsjustlenny]

wow i thought i was the only one going through this. im 27 as well. and just decided i want to get into a pharm school. i WAS going to do pharm tech at western career college but after going to class for 2 days i was very disappointed with the program so i decided to stop and maybe go straight into pharmacy. from what i've read so far is going to be about 6-7 years and a lot of school. also, i know i can take the prereqs at my local cc but what im wondering is..where can i actually go for the pharm.d degree?? i live in northern cali, but not so close to san fran. maybe about 1 1/2 north of there. i've tried googling it but all i get is schools that are out of state. now me being 27, i am married and relocating is NOT an option (dont have the flexibilities of these youngins') and does anyone know what the prereqs are? or a list? or is this something i can go to a CC counselor and say "this is what i want to do, what classes should i take?"

sorry if i interrupted this thread but i saw it pointless to start my own. and as far as the answer goes..i hope its not too late because then that would mean its too late for me.

 

[UES Girl]

first do a basic google search - pharm schools in california - it should give you a list, there is 7 ( I think but I am only applying to 2 )

Then go to the school's website and check the specific requirements- they vary from school to school. To give you a basic idea :

2 semesters of general chemistry with lab - 10 units.

2 semesters of organic chemistry lecture + 1 organic lab = 8 units

2 semesters of calculus = 8 units

2 semesters of physics with labs = 10 units

Physiology with or without lan depending on the school
Microbio with or without lab depending on the school

Genetics and Biochemistry and highly recomeded.

Sociology or other social science - 3 units
Public speaking debate - 3 units
Macro/microeconomics depending on the school - 3 units.

 

[RxNme]

I just want to encourage you to go to junior college or university to work on your pre-pharmacy curriculum like others suggested you. I'm 28 now, I will get my bachelor's degree soon. It took me so long to get there and I'm getting accepted to pharmacy school this year......so don't give up. Good luck to you

 

[itsjustlenny]

first do a basic google search - pharm schools in california - it should give you a list, there is 7 ( I think but I am only applying to 2 )

Then go to the school's website and check the specific requirements- they vary from school to school. To give you a basic idea :

2 semesters of general chemistry with lab - 10 units.

2 semesters of organic chemistry lecture + 1 organic lab = 8 units

2 semesters of calculus = 8 units

2 semesters of physics with labs = 10 units

Physiology with or without lan depending on the school
Microbio with or without lab depending on the school

Genetics and Biochemistry and highly recomeded.

Sociology or other social science - 3 units
Public speaking debate - 3 units
Macro/microeconomics depending on the school - 3 units.

i've been out of the school thing for a while..but is 1 class=3 credits? is that how it works. when they mention that i should take 18 credits, do they mean take 6 classes a semester?????

 

[UES Girl]

i've been out of the school thing for a while..but is 1 class=3 credits? is that how it works. when they mention that i should take 18 credits, do they mean take 6 classes a semester?????

yep - I think though you should take it easy your first semester - take maybe four - if you have never taken science classes before - take it easy. Also some geniuses around school like to tel people to take uper division classes before finishing up basic requirements. Do not listen to them - do not take classes like genetics and biochemistry before you finish your most basic requirements- bio and chem. I always see people take genetics or boichemistry when they just finished 1st semester intro bio - then they get 0s on the tests and wonder what they did wrong.

 

[Rumplestiltazepam]

Try to give out accurate info.......

No, a class can be 3 credits, though it depends on how many hours you spend in the class a week. The number of credits will vary depending on courses. When science courses have labs along with them often they are 4-5 credits, courses without labs can vary in credit amount but are usually 2-4 credits. Good luck.

 

[itsjustlenny]

thanks for all the help guys. now about taking 4-6 classes. wow. i work fulltime and YES i need to lol. i cant afford to work part time or anything like that so i work 8-5pm sun-thurs. im not sure how i can fit 4-6 classes into that week. anyone else doing that?

 

[UES Girl]

thanks for all the help guys. now about taking 4-6 classes. wow. i work fulltime and YES i need to lol. i cant afford to work part time or anything like that so i work 8-5pm sun-thurs. im not sure how i can fit 4-6 classes into that week. anyone else doing that?

I worked 40 + hours a week during all of my years in college, volunteered several hours a week, tutored and took about 15 units every semester and still did well in. My only advantage was that I didn't have to work 8-5 - my schedule was more flexible. You may not even be able to get all your classes if your work hours are set - remeber you'll have to take length 4 hour labs at least a couple times a week - so you'll have to figure something out.
Also it all depends on what your study habbits and abilities are - some people are good at math at science, some require a bit more time - so plan your schedule accordingly.

 

[babetrang]

thanks for all the help guys. now about taking 4-6 classes. wow. i work fulltime and YES i need to lol. i cant afford to work part time or anything like that so i work 8-5pm sun-thurs. im not sure how i can fit 4-6 classes into that week. anyone else doing that?

I understand you 'cuz I used to be in the same situation. I work 9am-6pm mon-fri and I go to school full time and still do well. I discussed my class schedule with my manager and she let me get in late if I have morning class, n' get out early if I have evening class as long as I make 40 hrs/week. School is important and they will let you work your schedule out. Weekend classes are good too if your school offers. I took Organic Chemistry on Sat from 8am-3pm (lecture + lab). Take advantage of online classes, you'll save time not coming to class. It depends on what classes you will take. If you want to take 4 science classes/semester, I'm afraid it would be too intense for you since you have a family to take care of. You might want to take 2 science classes and 2 electives, that way you can have more time to concentrate on your classes and get good grades.

 

[babetrang]

Hi everybody. I'm new to this and tried to look for some posts regarding this, but have been unable to. I am 27 years old and have decided to change career paths. I would like to pursue pharmacy, but am concerned because I graduated high school in 1998. My GPA from high school was a 3.0 and my SAT score at that time under the old system was around a 1020. I've been looking into Nova but I don't think I qualify for the dual admissions program for pharmd. Any advice on what I should do or if I will be looked down upon at starting at this age? Also, if they want letters of reference from high school, how do I obtain them when I've been out of high school for 9 years and don't even know if my old teachers still teach or even remember me? Hopefully some of you can shed some insight as to what I should do.

No, you're not old at all. My aunt went to pharmacy school at 35 yrs old and graduated at her 40's. She had to take care of her kid and had part time jobs while going to school.

 

[itsjustlenny]

well if anything i guess i have no option but to be on the 10 year plan and take a few courses. im not too sure my job will allow me flexibility.

 

[themorphinerule]

Hi everybody. I'm new to this and tried to look for some posts regarding this, but have been unable to. I am 27 years old and have decided to change career paths. I would like to pursue pharmacy, but am concerned because I graduated high school in 1998. My GPA from high school was a 3.0 and my SAT score at that time under the old system was around a 1020. I've been looking into Nova but I don't think I qualify for the dual admissions program for pharmd. Any advice on what I should do or if I will be looked down upon at starting at this age? Also, if they want letters of reference from high school, how do I obtain them when I've been out of high school for 9 years and don't even know if my old teachers still teach or even remember me? Hopefully some of you can shed some insight as to what I should do.

I say go for it. I'm an ancient 28 years old. This is my first year (first semester down in 2 weeks - Dean's List, Dean's List!!!) haha, but 27 is not too old. I don't think you stand a chance for a 6 year program because you have no measure of your knowledge at this point in your life (is you're not coming out of high school with those stats recently and I assume you haven't done in pre-requisites). Pharmacy School's want to know you'll be successful when they start throwing textbooks at you and a good measure of that is your current high school stats or current pre-requisite/PCAT information.

If you're serious about Pharmacy I say take a position as a technician. Begin working on your pre-req's. If you can't take the load of school fulltime right off the bat, try to at least work FULLTIME. They want to know that you manage time well and can bend and mold yourself under pressure. This was important for me. I took my pre-req's over the course of the 10 years I've been out of high school, but I've been in the military for 4 years directly after high school and have worked fulltime as a drug store manager and CPhT while taking the least amount of credits to be considered fulltime-- 12. But if Pharmacy is your passion- GO FOR IT! But do not thrust yourself into it though and expect things to happen overnight. It takes time to do it right. Much luck.

Hope that helps.

 

[itsjustlenny]

I say go for it. I'm an ancient 28 years old. This is my first year (first semester down in 2 weeks - Dean's List, Dean's List!!!) haha, but 27 is not too old. I don't think you stand a chance for a 6 year program because you have no measure of your knowledge at this point in your life (is you're not coming out of high school with those stats recently and I assume you haven't done in pre-requisites). Pharmacy School's want to know you'll be successful when they start throwing textbooks at you and a good measure of that is your current high school stats or current pre-requisite/PCAT information.

If you're serious about Pharmacy I say take a position as a technician. Begin working on your pre-req's. If you can't take the load of school fulltime right off the bat, try to at least work FULLTIME. They want to know that you manage time well and can bend and mold yourself under pressure. This was important for me. I took my pre-req's over the course of the 10 years I've been out of high school, but I've been in the military for 4 years directly after high school and have worked fulltime as a drug store manager and CPhT while taking the least amount of credits to be considered fulltime-- 12. But if Pharmacy is your passion- GO FOR IT! But do not thrust yourself into it though and expect things to happen overnight. It takes time to do it right. Much luck.

Hope that helps.

wow i must say it all sounds very VERY extremely overwhelming. i cant really say im "passionate" about pharmacy. i figured i wanted to do pharm tech but then thought "hey instead of going for school for tech for 13 months why not just go to school for 5 years and become their boss" lol. yes...that was my logic. of course not to mention the nice paycheck that comes with.

just curious but whats everyone elses reasons for pharmacy? especially the older folks 27+.

 

[UES Girl]

wow i must say it all sounds very VERY extremely overwhelming. i cant really say im "passionate" about pharmacy. i figured i wanted to do pharm tech but then thought "hey instead of going for school for tech for 13 months why not just go to school for 5 years and become their boss" lol. yes...that was my logic. of course not to mention the nice paycheck that comes with.

just curious but whats everyone elses reasons for pharmacy? especially the older folks 27+.

My logic was a composite of several reasons:

I worked in the research lab for a while and I have realized for myself - even though I like doing research and am very passionate about - I am not sure if I want to be a researcher. After teaching and tutoring for a couple years I have also realized that teaching is not for me - so was I to go for a Ph. D I wouldn't know what to do with it.

I always knew I wanted to be helping people in the health care field - I have been intensely volunteering at a health care setting for over 4 years now and I enjoy it tremendously- I feel like I am truly my happiest when I am able to help someone, make their day as cheesy as it sounds.

Going to school and working with premeds for 5 years - made me realize I do not want to go to medical school. If most of them have god complex in their premed years - I'd hate to imagine what they would be like in med school.

 

[Hels2007]

27 is not old. I know people in their late 40s and early 50s, who already had PhDs and children in college, and still went back to school. It's actually popular now - change of career once you are financially secure and can afford to take a few years off and do what you always wanted to do. If everything goes well, I will change my career in my 40s too, and will do what I really want to do. 🙂

Good luck to you! If you are concerned about the age, I would forgo the 0-6 programs (which will be choke-full of yesterday's high schoolers and opt for a couple years of pre-reqs and then 3 or 4 year professional program. Most people in my class were 23-26 when we started, with a bachelor's and a couple years of work experience - and comparing to the students I have taught in a 0-6 students, it's a rather different group. Older students are much more willing to participate in discussions, etc. - makes for a better education, I think, but that's purely my personal opinion. 🙂

 

[FlaPharmChik]

just do it.

this is my motto!..i'm 27 and i'm about to start taking my prereqs in january...i work full time as a science teacher now...i thought that i might be too old too (i'd be 32/33 when i graduate)...but like someone posted earlier, i'm gonna be 32 or 33 regardless...and i'd hate to get to that age and regret the fact that i didn't pursue pharmacy when i really wanted to...

go for it!

 

[TTprepharm]

Hi everybody. I'm new to this and tried to look for some posts regarding this, but have been unable to. I am 27 years old and have decided to change career paths. I would like to pursue pharmacy, but am concerned because I graduated high school in 1998. My GPA from high school was a 3.0 and my SAT score at that time under the old system was around a 1020. I've been looking into Nova but I don't think I qualify for the dual admissions program for pharmd. Any advice on what I should do or if I will be looked down upon at starting at this age? Also, if they want letters of reference from high school, how do I obtain them when I've been out of high school for 9 years and don't even know if my old teachers still teach or even remember me? Hopefully some of you can shed some insight as to what I should do.

Hey , You are not too old because I am 33 now and am applying to pharm school too. I have 10+ years of experience in laboratory and BS in biology. I also have MS in biology, but I want to go to pharm school now. So I am not alone now.

 

[Circuspeanut]

OK, I'll chime in too. I'm 29, just finished my prereq's and hoping to get accepted for Fall '08. I learned the process as I went along -this site helped tremendously. I still ran in to obstacles and didn't get accepted my first time around. ( I only applied to one school)
To the poster working full time, I started taking classes at a community college 3 years ago, while working full time. I was able to fit in 6 classes by taking some online, but they aren't for everyone. Things like economics and sociology were easy for me to understand, but I made the mistake of taking calculus online and really regret it!
I eventually had to cut back my hours last year once I hit Org. Chemistry/Biology and all those labs! I was lucky and in a position where the reduced income wasn't too hard to handle.

I have friends who've maintained a full time job and 18 hours of classes, but I don't know when they actually slept!😴

I was in a car accident out of high school, I loved the medical field, just didn't know specifics when I graduated. After the accident I got to experience first-hand every aspect of the medical field for about six years! (ugh) Without getting into details, once I was finally healthy I had a good idea of what I wanted to do. 🙂
Don't give up if you love it. Good luck to everyone!

 

[itsjustlenny]

thanks for all of your input guys. ok so this is why i came to wanting to be a pharmacist. first of all, i work for cardinal health which is a medical supplier as well a pharmaceutical company. now, i work for the medical supplier side as a lonely "warehouse worker." given i dont know much about pharmacist it does intrigue me. as well as get me out of warehouse work (ie lifting boxes all day at a mear $15 an hour). i figured i could do pharmacy and my job will probably pay for some of my school...around $5k a year if im not mistaken, but the catch is i gotta stay in my company for 3 years after i complete my education. so i figured if i can do pharmacy and get my school paid for and after i graduate (in10 years..lol jk) i can still remain with my company and be a pharmacist.

now, i did want to do pharm tech but i heard they only make about $13-15 an hour...so basically i would be spending money on school to come out with a degree and make about the same salary i do now. ( a few ppl from work have actually done it, graduated as pharmacy tech but are still as a warehouse worker because pharm tech will start less than they're making).

Im not sure if this just made any sense. sorry if i made this so long. but this is my reason or logic to wanting to study to be a pharmacist.