Working during Pharm school?

[mandersen2]

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Does anyone plan on working during school? I know pharmacy school is going to be very demanding and I really don't want to work. But the more I look into it, I don't think I can survive without working. I am married and have two kids. My wife could find a job but daycare these days would probably take out most of her income alone. Is there anyone in the same situation or thinking along the same lines? Anyone already in pharm school that has any pros and cons to working while in school?

Thanks for the help!

 

[andrewattheU]

I know lots of people that work during pharm school, in fact many intern while in school.

 

[JenPenUT]

I was kind of wondering the same thing. I worked 20-30 hrs a week during most of my undergrad and had no problems, but then again, there was so much flexibility for me in choosing my class times--don't think it will be the same in pharm school! Do you think 10-15 hrs a week would be manageable?

 

[Farmercyst]

I was kind of wondering the same thing. I worked 20-30 hrs a week during most of my undergrad and had no problems, but then again, there was so much flexibility for me in choosing my class times--don't think it will be the same in pharm school! Do you think 10-15 hrs a week would be manageable?

Definitely, but you may wish to look for a job after school starts to see how much time you'll need for school related stuff. I didn't take a job until the 2nd semester started. I work 10 hrs/wk in the on campus pharmacy.

 

[redley]

Jen: I thought the guy in our UT tour said they weren't allowed to work the first year.

 

[mattc_85]

I personally don't work during the semester but I do work during breaks, holidays, etc. Many people in my class work now and worked during the first year. I know that UK doesn't recommend working the first year but they don't prohibit it. If you do work you just need to find the amount of hours that works for you. I would also recommend working somewhere that is a little more flexible with your schedule since pharmacy school has things pop up at the last minute.

 

[Torkey]

I plan on working if I get accepted this year..I just wanna keep my 401k alive lol...But I only wanna work a day a week or so..maybe 2 at the very most...guess I gotta get accepted first though 😉 haha

 

[JenPenUT]

Jen: I thought the guy in our UT tour said they weren't allowed to work the first year.

Oh really???? I didn't actually interview this year--I was a reapplicant. How can they really tell you that you aren't allowed to work the first year? I may have to find a disguise...

 

[chelu55]

I plan on working if I get accepted this year..I just wanna keep my 401k alive lol...But I only wanna work a day a week or so..maybe 2 at the very most...guess I gotta get accepted first though 😉 haha

I dont know if it will be counter productive but i plan on using money from my finanical aid to put back into my 403b (soon to be IRA). The way I figure, my interest rate will be less then 8% for my Faid but my YTD on my 403b has been a consistant 15-20% ( 43% last year). Plus, this money I put in will be compounded. Another advantage, anyone can withdrawn any amount of money from their IRA towards higher education without being penalized for a early withdraw (still taxed though). This can be used to pay my tuition without using money from my F Aid.Plus, I figure I will be able to make up the difference in what I withdraw early with the dramatic increase of pay after Im licensed. What do you guys think?

 

[RxWildcat]

We're technically not allowed to work during school, although most people do. I work about 15-20 hours/wk during the school year and all the hours I can during the summer. Its really not an issue for me working during school, but my employer is verrry flexible with my schedule.

 

[Alby]

I dont know if it will be counter productive but i plan on using money from my finanical aid to put back into my 403b (soon to be IRA). The way I figure, my interest rate will be less then 8% for my Faid but my YTD on my 403b has been a consistant 15-20% ( 43% last year). Plus, this money I put in will be compounded. Another advantage, anyone can withdrawn any amount of money from their IRA towards higher education without being penalized for a early withdraw (still taxed though). This can be used to pay my tuition without using money from my F Aid.Plus, I figure I will be able to make up the difference in what I withdraw early with the dramatic increase of pay after Im licensed. What do you guys think?

You have to sign a legal form when you apply for financial aid that states that you will not used the money for anything other than school/school related items (living, food etc is included in school related items). If they catch you using it for something else, you wont be able to receive financial aid EVER again, will have to pay it back immediately and could result in legal charges. I am not sure, but what you are planning on doing may be considered fraud. Do whatever you want, but I wouldn't advertise the fact if I were you.

Best of luck.

 

[UTPharm]

I work about 12-15 hours a week. Do I skip more classes now? yes. but, overall my grades are the same, and the classes are harder, so I would say it has not affected me too much.

Go for it, you learn more at work that you can apply to when you're the pharmacist in charge!

 

[PharmApp2008]

Does working while in pharmacy school mean that you will either have no life or not do as well? I worked in undergrad and got really burnt out. It took me 2 years to even want to get back in school. Anybody have any input?

 

[mike36]

I work about 10 or 12 hours a week. It really is not that bad. I don't see how they can prohibit you from work, unless you are dishonest about it when you apply for financial aid. I actually have two jobs, one at a pharmacy and one in a reference lab (I started out as a lab technologist, then went back to pharmacy school; still work at the lab job).

It probably depends on how well you learn things. If you can remember and retain what is given in lecture pretty well without excessive hours studying it, then you will be fine working a few hours a week.

 

[PharmApp2008]

Should I go for a pharmacy job or just keep the job I have now (It is in a chem lab and pays more than I'll get at a pharmacy). I guess it is a petty difference at this point as opposed to getting real world experience in the field I will have a career in.

 

[mike36]

Should I go for a pharmacy job or just keep the job I have now (It is in a chem lab and pays more than I'll get at a pharmacy). I guess it is a petty difference at this point as opposed to getting real world experience in the field I will have a career in.

When I was applying to pharm school, I decided to keep my lab tech job and not get pharm experience due to the big pay cut I would have to take. So far, it really has not affected me too much, except that learning the top 200 drugs is a little more difficult for me than those in my class that have been dispensing them in a pharmacy.

I did not start working in a pharmacy until a few weeks a ago. The only reason I am doing it is because I need 200 hours of intern hours before my fourth year starts.

 

[lessotto]

I will be working during pharmacy school. I think 10-15 hours/week sound reasonable. In ideal world ... I would prefer to be working on Sat and Sunday.😀 It is not as busy and (crossing my fingers) there will be time for me to study.
We were reading magazines at work yesterday anyways!

 

[chelu55]

You have to sign a legal form when you apply for financial aid that states that you will not used the money for anything other than school/school related items (living, food etc is included in school related items). If they catch you using it for something else, you wont be able to receive financial aid EVER again, will have to pay it back immediately and could result in legal charges. I am not sure, but what you are planning on doing may be considered fraud. Do whatever you want, but I wouldn't advertise the fact if I were you.

Best of luck.

Ouch! I did not know that. Thanks for the info. Guess I have to come up with another plan. I owe you one.