pharmacy career

juanveron45

Im 28 years old , I have a diploma in Analytical chemistry and 3 years experience in the pharmaceutical/medical device field,I dont mind what im doing but the money is crap.

I am thinking of going back to college next year to do pharmacy because I have an interest in that sort of thing plus I heard the money is good too and you dont have to work shift.

I have a few questions that I need answers to?

1.I have heard form reading this site that for some reason pharmacists wont earn as much as they used to due to more competition and the market being bought up by big investors,how true is this ? and what can a graduate expect to start on and eventually earn?I heard for this reason it will be nearly impossible to own your own business,70-80k after 3-4years experience years is my expectation

2. If i do this I will be 29 when I start,have I left it too late?

3.what are my chances of getting a place?how difficult is the interview and if i was to get an interview from all 3 universities(ucc,trinity,rcsi) would the one I have listed as my third preference be less likely to offer me a place because its my last choice?

4.Im living in cork but I wouldnt mind moving to dublin I just have the feeling trinity would be the coolist place to do it?I realise they are all accredited course's but there not exactly the same either,where is the hardest/easiest to do it?

5.also If i do this I will need a part time job, is it possible to do this course whille working parttime, this is another reason doing it dublin might be better as a parttime job would be easier to come by there.

I know this is a bit long but I appreciate all of your help

thanks again

CarPark

Hey
I am not a pharmacist, but my understanding is that pharmacists can expect to earn up to 70K straight out of University. Having said that, you need to think that it will not be a very stimulating job. Basically, you probably have 560+ points in your leaving cert, but you will be a glorified shop keeper. (I'm not dissing the profession here, but i have heard that it is pretty boring).

Also, TCD were threatened with losing their accreitation a few years ago. You should check as to whether they still have it. My advice would be to make an appointment with the course directors, and ask them all of the questions you have asked us. Then go to a few pharmacists and ask them the same questions.

Eventually you will get a rounded picture.

Best of luck

kenco

Like Car Park Im not a Pharmacist but a very good friend of mine is and was in a very similar position to you several years back.

He thought he could do a year in Trinity (as he had a related degree) but then found out this was a no go and ended up doing 5 years in the UK (albeit on the lash for most of the time).

The money is good and locums are always sought out so if you got qualified and got a year or so with Boots, etc then you could pretty much work when and where you want.

That said it is a tough track and while my friend does well he definatley earns it and works most weekends.

DrIndy

You earn a lot if you go into community pharmacy, but many people find it unstimulating as all you do is dispense drugs all day. Hospital pharmacists where there is much greater involvement are paid less than this.

eoin25

I spent a year studying pharmacy in TCD before opting for a career in physio! However, my brother qualified 4 yrs ago as a pharmacist.

Basically, pharmacy is a tough but rewarding course but given your backgroung this should not be a problem. Ater graduating you will have to spend a year working as a hospital pharmacist (£36k) in order to gain MPSI accredation. After that you can do as you please.
Hospital pharmacy is more varied and interesting than community alright especially skill wise.
Senior pharmacists earn from 54k+, but the salary is high for a reason!!!
You can also work for drug companys or the health board(quality control in community pharmacy, etc.. (70k+, 6-10yrs behind u)..
A career in pharmacy extends far beyond the scope of a hospital or community pharmacist.the world is your oyster!

From an interview point for entry, you will need to justify yours reasons for wanting to become a pharmacist, your aptitude for and interest in the course and your motivation for choosing and staying at it will be assessed. If they think your only motivation is the financial rewards, then forget it.
Compile a list of questions you have and call into your local pharmacist + ask for 5mins of their time. You should also visit your local hospital pharmacy dept and explain your situation and ask if you could spend a few hours working with them to get a feel for it. (You will prob be asked in your interview if u spent time ina pharmacy dept, etc)))!:eek:

Finally, you should also consider applying to the UK, they have some of the best universities for studying pharmacy, esp to keep your options open if u are unsuccessful in obtaining a place. Besides the UK doesnt seem to be still in the stone ages compared to some aspects of irish healthcare teaching and practice!!!!
Good luck! Go for it, you have nothing to lose!