Work Experience for Pre-Pharmacy School Students

[michaelhardy]

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Hi, I am working on my pre-requisites right now and will be applying for Pharmacy School in a couple years. I know work experience is important so I have been searching for work as a Pharmacy Technician at a local pharmacy. Unfortunately, most of the pharmacies are not hiring or they are not able to train on the job. I was however offered a job as a Pharmacy Clerk. Would I be involved in the pharmacy or would I just be a cashier? Should I just take the job and keep my eyes open on other possible Technician openings?

Thank You!

 

[justyliz]

If you liked the pharmacy setting of where you were offered the pharmacy clerk job, I would encourage you to take the offer. Depending on the location and the density of pre-pharm students in the area, it can be hard to find technician jobs with no experience. Taking a pharmacy clerk position is the perfect way to get your foot in the door. If you prove yourself as a pharmacy clerk, there is a great possibility that you'll be offered a pharmacy technician position by the manager. Pharmacy clerks mostly deal with the front-end of the pharmacy - things like working the register, chatting with customers, and making sure the patients have an opportunity to talk with the pharmacist.

 

[pharmgrl5]

I agree, take the job. Are you certified yet? Sorry if you said in your post, wasn't sure. If you aren't certified then take the job and get yourself certified and make it clear to the manager that when a position comes available that you'd like to take it. Better to be *that* much closer to the tech job if you know what I mean. I'm in the same boat right now, no experience, not certified, hoping at least for a pharmacy clerk position. Crossing my fingers at least!!

 

[michaelhardy]

No, I am not a certified technician and I don't plan on going through a program as it might steer me off course to finish my pre-requisites. Some pharmacies here in Utah can certify and train you on the job, but the pharmacy that offered me the job doesn't have that possibility. So, if I want to be a Pharmacy Technician, I would have to switch to a different pharmacy and be trained there....

Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[daydreamerc35]

why not get a job in any kind of healthcare position?? they really look upon direct patient care. i have zero pharmacy experience but work as a dialysis technician and at my interviews they seemed really impressed by it. they liked how i got down and dirty with blood too haha. good luck!