Thanks so much to all of you for taking the time to answer so throughly!
BTW: There's a new curriculum?
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BTW: There's a new curriculum?
That actually sounds FUN
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Yes, there is a revamped, enhanced curriculum implemented during my year. It caused so much drama last semester for us P1s but overall the point of the new curriculum was to better prepared us as pharmacists. Changes were based on suggestions and feedbacks from perceptors, students, and faculties.
Normally, the first year was more laid back and the second year was the most rigorous and demanding. They changed that by leveling out all three years, so you don't fluctuate from one calm year to a stressed filled year. They did this by changing around the schedule and combining classes. Abilities Lab run through all 3 years and meets weekly instead of the monthly like previous years. Human Bio, Pharmcology, and Therapeutics are combined into Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics (PP&T) and runs 27 credits in the span of 1 year and one semester (equating to 5-6 weeks per class, and so it is very rigourous). So now you don't have to wait until your 3rd year to learn about therapeutics; you'll get it your second semester! We also have these crazy comprehensive quizes, which is a quiz given out every 2-3 weeks and it is one quiz with all the subjects on it (to insure that we are keeping up to date with all the lectures). So imagine a quiz with ~32 questions on it, 5-6 questions per class. The comprehensive quizes killed me last semester; I could never find a way to finish studying for all 5 main courses. They are trying to change it around for the next year. There are a lot of changes here and there and I feel like even though it is super hard, we are going to benefit from in the end. The craziest thing is that the P1 is learning more than the P2 (who are on the old curriculum) and by next year we are going to surpass them!
If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.
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Yes, there is a revamped, enhanced curriculum implemented during my year. It caused so much drama last semester for us P1s but overall the point of the new curriculum was to better prepared us as pharmacists. Changes were based on suggestions and feedbacks from perceptors, students, and faculties.
Normally, the first year was more laid back and the second year was the most rigorous and demanding. They changed that by leveling out all three years, so you don't fluctuate from one calm year to a stressed filled year. They did this by changing around the schedule and combining classes. Abilities Lab run through all 3 years and meets weekly instead of the monthly like previous years. Human Bio, Pharmcology, and Therapeutics are combined into Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics (PP&T) and runs 27 credits in the span of 1 year and one semester (equating to 5-6 weeks per class, and so it is very rigourous). So now you don't have to wait until your 3rd year to learn about therapeutics; you'll get it your second semester! We also have these crazy comprehensive quizes, which is a quiz given out every 2-3 weeks and it is one quiz with all the subjects on it (to insure that we are keeping up to date with all the lectures). So imagine a quiz with ~32 questions on it, 5-6 questions per class. The comprehensive quizes killed me last semester; I could never find a way to finish studying for all 5 main courses. They are trying to change it around for the next year. There are a lot of changes here and there and I feel like even though it is super hard, we are going to benefit from in the end. The craziest thing is that the P1 is learning more than the P2 (who are on the old curriculum) and by next year we are going to surpass them!
If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.
Some extra things to add: Even though there has been DRASTIC changes in the past 3 years to our school and curriculum (especially with the NEW ADDITIONAL BUILDING we're getting next fall) - the administration has handled it well. It is rare for a school to listen to its students and institute changes as needed. All the P1s complained about the comprehensive quizzes...and in the spring semester it was removed. And there are many examples of this - students (through the appropriate channels like class liaisons, class officers, sga officers, end of semester surveys) give feedback about the changes to the school and the administration acts appropriately.
Any third year would also say that we really like the new curriculum...and many of us wish we could have it! It is way easier than putting things we learned in 1st and 2nd year INTO the third year therapeutics. The new curriculum works mainly by disease states (going through the anatomy/physiology of pain...and then the drugs/pharmacology of pain....and then the therapeutics/when to prescribe and how to dose pain medications). The abilities lab was a complaint of both second and third years that we do not have enough practice doing BP, patient counseling, SOAPs, and OSCEs - and so even though it is very time consuming for the 1st years, they will GREATLY benefit when they are tested on this for graduation purposes!!!
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Sounds great - I've only heard good things about UMB's faculty and program and I'm impressed that they're still trying to improve, based on the requests of students (espeically since these new changes should all be mostly ironed out before I get there).
Thanks for the link!
The schedule looks pretty packed - how do the PharmD/MBA students manage to fit in the extra courses?
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Oh, and I forgot, Pharmacotherapeutics 1& 2, Compounding, and Immunization are not required courses. We also have to fulfilled less electives than the previous curriculum.
If you don't choice that elective, you won't learn to compound AT ALL, then? - it seems like it SHOULD be required!
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Yeah, I love this school 😍. They definitely listened to us (and we complained a lot!); we got an email from the P3 class president and she told us (P1 class officers) that we had the longest class meeting (2 hours!) ever. We're a vocal class. There were also many issues with lab last year and the school addressed it by changing the way we take the quiz (now we take it all the same time) and by having rotating lab schedule so that it would be fair (some people last year had a comprehensive quiz, lab quiz, and lab on the same day!). PP&T also has a debriefing session after the exam so that we can go over the questions and challenge them if neccessary (we should never be penalized for unfairly or poorly written questions from the professors).
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The curriculum covers everything. You will have chance to do small compounds AND basic immunization (I HAD to make capsules, eyedrops, and learn how to immunize on a fake fat pad attached to my partners arm)
As with ALL electives, it allows you to delve deeper into certain subjects. Keep in mind that pharmacy is about knowing a little of everything in medicine and pharmacy. This is why we have residencies and specialties so that you learn MORE about a specific topic.
BTW - Immunization elective will certify you to give flu shots.
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It is all about time management. I was taking 23 credits, working, was in 2 leadership positions, and in 5 organizations. Students tend to stress out and study really hard in the beginning...then get used to it..."gets over it"...and move on to doing dual degrees, going to work, and getting involved in organizations.
How did you become a class officer?
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Easy - be as awesome as luckyp! duh.
WOW - but I gets that's life...you gotta learn to adapt!
(I love these little smilies:troll: -haha)Did you have an election or did profs choice? and what kind of orgs are available to join?
I have another question about the prerequisites. My situation is kind of rare. I got my BS in 2002 and I am currently a graduate student. Shall I contact the Admissions before interview about what courses I should take or wait till I were offered the acceptance?
COOL - I'd LOVE to give flu shots!
Even with a BS, you are REQUIRED to take the same prereqs as all other applicants (according to the website), so there's no need to contact anyone, just make sure you cover all prereqs before the start of school in the fall!
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If I were you, I would go to the interview and then after the interview talk to someone in Student Affairs about your situation. I see a lot of people going up there after interviews to discuss their concerns/ issues. It is better in my opinion than calling the office now when it is super busy. It's always better face to face, especially since you are going to be there for interviews anyway. Good luck
To answer dashing's question: to be a class officer, you have be nominated and then voted by the class (or respected campus).
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Just to comment on a few things mentioned previously (im a P2 at SG)
-i worked 8-10 hours my first year and now i work 4 or 5 hours, usually nights. i feel so much less stressed out working less now. just do what YOU feel comfortable doing. everyone has different needs etc etc so you should start off slow and then see how much work you can handle. i have friends who work more and who dont work at all
-i would definitely recommend joining any organizations that sounds interesting to you! every organization is open to everyone, and most are easily accessible to both campuses. i held a leadership position for my class last year and it wasnt too much extra work, and met so many Baltimore students i wouldnt have met otherwise.
-honestly, during my interview i was sooooo scared of baltimore (and that was at 8am!!) now im much more comfortable in the city but it is def a little sketchy in some parts. i have lived in rockville my whole life so it was an easy decision for my to go to SG and live with my parents to save money. as a SG students i rarely go to baltimore campus and it is usually by choice and never required.
-as for meeting with profs, we have our own faculty at SG and most professors from baltimore try to visit at least 1 or 2 times a semester. We are implementing more synchronous activities this year so that helps also to feel like the professors are right there. everyone is always on their email and willing to help and answer questions.
-SG and UMB are CLOSED WEDNESDAY 2/10 (again!!!) no one will be there to answer your calls, but may respond to emails??
-i worked 8-10 hours my first year and now i work 4 or 5 hours, usually nights. i feel so much less stressed out working less now. just do what YOU feel comfortable doing. everyone has different needs etc etc so you should start off slow and then see how much work you can handle. i have friends who work more and who dont work at all
-i would definitely recommend joining any organizations that sounds interesting to you! every organization is open to everyone, and most are easily accessible to both campuses. i held a leadership position for my class last year and it wasnt too much extra work, and met so many Baltimore students i wouldnt have met otherwise.
-honestly, during my interview i was sooooo scared of baltimore (and that was at 8am!!) now im much more comfortable in the city but it is def a little sketchy in some parts. i have lived in rockville my whole life so it was an easy decision for my to go to SG and live with my parents to save money. as a SG students i rarely go to baltimore campus and it is usually by choice and never required.
-as for meeting with profs, we have our own faculty at SG and most professors from baltimore try to visit at least 1 or 2 times a semester. We are implementing more synchronous activities this year so that helps also to feel like the professors are right there. everyone is always on their email and willing to help and answer questions.
-SG and UMB are CLOSED WEDNESDAY 2/10 (again!!!) no one will be there to answer your calls, but may respond to emails??
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You guys are wimps
Though UB had a "snow day" when we lost power during the october storm of 2006. That was when we had the thundersnow and trees were falling over because the roots weren't frozen yet. Fun times.
I got my interview offer on friday and didn't schedule it (had another interview that day) and now three snow days? I hope that a ton of people didn't schedule it on friday and there are still spots left
I don't understand - you're waitlisted for an INTERVIEW at UB?You guys are wimps
Though UB had a "snow day" when we lost power during the october storm of 2006. That was when we had the thundersnow and trees were falling over because the roots weren't frozen yet. Fun times.
I got my interview offer on friday and didn't schedule it (had another interview that day) and now three snow days? I hope that a ton of people didn't schedule it on friday and there are still spots left
...and as for the snow vacation -(as I said before) you're just jealous!
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Yes I am jealousI don't understand - you're waitlisted for an INTERVIEW at UB?
...and as for the snow vacation -(as I said before) you're just jealous!
We don't get snow days too often. When I was in high school, the district was thinking about closing school on day. By the time they considered that idea, people were already arriving at school for the early class so they decided to not cancel school and just delay it for 2 hours I was wait listed for an interview at UB. Then I was given an interview offer. Then I was wait listed again. UB wait lists people both before and after the interview.
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Yes I am jealous
I was wait listed for an interview at UB. Then I was given an interview offer. Then I was wait listed again. UB wait lists people both before and after the interview.
SOP historically NEVER closes *hehe happy dance!*. When we added SG, it was the first time that they've ever had to cancel classes/exams (Shady Grove University tends to close a lot during snow)
But I would say that a potential extra 1 1/2 feet + 2 feet from the last blizzard...is a lot of snow. They still haven't plowed all the streets yet!
...It must suck never closing for snow (I get more excited than most people because I have six younger siblings who get incredibly hyper at the first sign of snow - mostly because they'll miss school, -and you can imagine what a blizzard does to them - and it kind of rubs off on me!🤣Yes I am jealous
I was wait listed for an interview at UB. Then I was given an interview offer. Then I was wait listed again. UB wait lists people both before and after the interview.
)...SO...you can come in all the way to Baltimore on the day of the interview and not nessecarily be interviewed because you're waitlisted?...or are you waitlisted because of the date you're choosing for the interview?😕
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I'm wait listed at UB. Not Baltimore.
Actually I remember "snow days" when it wasn't because of snow. I remember there was a flood in my high school (a pipe froze and somehow burst or something) so we got a couple days off. There were some snow days in elementary school but not a lot. I also remember a few years ago they didn't send the plows through (Buffalo may be efficient but Niagara Falls is not) because the plows were only under contract through march and it snowed on april 1st lol
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Damn. You luckys people might get the whole week off
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Damn. You luckys people might get the whole week off
If we get Friday off, then we will officially get 3 weeks off from school (+ 1 week for Rotation, 1 week for Spring Break). This is just karma because last semester they double booked on our 1 week off (we rotate for rotations, one group would be on rotation and the other group would be off, and vice versa).
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Quick question: how are you guys and upperclassmen finding the job market in the DC metro area? The only pharmacists I know are in NoVa and have by and large been at their hospital for years and years, so I don't have a good read on how the market looks here. Thanks!
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I actually don't know much about this but when I was working in DC for CVS, there always seem to be a shortage of pharmacist and they would have to recruit pharmacists from other states. My pharmacist was from NJ (actually, I know a lot of recent NJ grads who were recruited to DC) and others were recruited from Washington state and such. This is just for the retail sector. Maybe utterdevotion/binghamkid can better answer this question.
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When do you become interns?
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I can only speak for CVS but once you get an acceptance letter they will give you a raise and promote you to Intern status.
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I just meant in general (I don't work anywhere at the moment). It sounds like you can become a intern as soon as you are accepted (as opposed to after the P1 year like New York)
It also depends on where you work. In Maryland, in most places you'll be paid an intern wage from the very beginning. But as far as I know, Rite Aid only pays intern wages after the P1 year too.
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Interesting. In NY, you have to apply to become an intern (and get your intern license) in spring of P1. If you pass everything (you send them a transcript), you get your license during the summer. I'm a little confused on how CVS considers you an intern during the P1 year but Rite Aid does not.
Also, how many students work during the P1 year. A majority? Is it encouraged? (Cincinnati encourages students to work, UB does not during the P1 year)
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In comparison to NY, in the state of Maryland, it is not necessary to wait to the spring of P1 year. In order to work in a pharmacy though, you MUST have a national tech license, or get an exemption from the state. Exemptions are only for pharmacy students, and it includes a short application, proving attendance at a school of pharmacy (signatures from administration), and a background check. Every 2 years or so, you must "renew" your exemption by sending your school transcript to the Board of Pharmacy.
The discrepancy about Rite Aid is mainly based on how their work place is. Rite Aid tends to hold off on giving raises to students that enter pharmacy school (I'm an example of that). I've even had a district manager tell me that it is not until their P4 year do they get REAL intern pay anyway. From transitioning from tech to intern in my P2 year, I was only given an extra $1/hour. I stayed w/ Rite Aid for over 3 years...mainly because the pharmacists were so nice too me and trained me well.
Alot of students work during their time in pharmacy school. UMB SOP's administration doesn't have a stance on if you should or should not work in your P1 year. When I went to orientation, welcome day, and even during my interview someone always asks this question. Both faculty and current students will say - Yes, many students work. But it is on an individual basis. If you can handle it - great. Just make sure you keep on top of your school work since that should be your priority.
My personal suggestion is NOT to work in your first semester mainly because I would want you to settle in, adjust to how pharmacy school life is, make a lot of friends (and hang out w/ them instead of going to work), get involved in clubs... before you go to work.
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I'm not TOO clear on the current job market either. At Kaiser Permanente where I work, they are still hiring pharmacists; we have a HUGE demand of on-call pharmacists (they work a full 40 hour week but they are not stationed at one center).
The rumor currently is that many positions are still open - BUT there are less spots. This means that just by being an intern at X place, doesn't guarantee you automatic hire. Retail chains are now picking the best and brightest students to be hired (evaluating both their interns and those that go through their stores on rotation).
Agreed -I second the motion!.
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Agreed -I second the motion!.
No problemo, I'm just trying to give back since this place was so helpful for me when I was applying. Thanks to binghamkid and utterdevotion for paving the way. 👍
Some may just say they are cheap 😛 However, despite how I feel about Rite Aid corporate, I've worked with Rite Aid full-time for about 3 years now because I looooooove my pharmacists and co-workers. It's an amazing workplace and I personally don't think I would have learned as much as I have if I hadn't worked in that particular store.
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