Solah
What's my next step for the summer as a rising senior intending to major in pharmacology if most are not available?
Following up with my previous question on what part time job I can get for pharmacology, I tried applying for a pharmacy clerk position at a local Walgreen. However, Michigan law (where I'm at) says that we must have a high school diploma to get a job at a pharmacy. Same with most hospitals: most prefer if you are in college or have at least some medical experience.
I am still waiting for a couple internship summer program results. I'm also trying to reach out to local college professors, research centers, and small pharmaceutical companies if they would let me intern over the summer, but I'm not so sure if they would take me in.
I do have a great volunteer work though! Been going at it for the last couple months at a blood donation center :)
Any other suggestions on what I can do over the summer to prepare myself for college?
3 answers
Jason White
Jason’s Answer
Great to hear that you have been doing your research and making strides toward your future career. I think you are on the right track. It seems that age is an inhibitor for you getting a job in pharmacies, but what about job shadowing or volunteering maybe? If you have any pharmacist or pharmaceutical friends or contacts you've met along the way maybe they might have some ideas on how you can get experience? potentially shadowing or volunteering at a doctors office might help you. The perspective from that of a doctor will surely be insightful as you begin your career.
I think I would like to try something more long-term than job shadowing, but volunteering at a hospital sounds perfect. Thank you so much!!
Solah
You're welcome. You could likely job shadow first and see if you like the environment (or get a feel for different ones) then volunteer longer term.
Jason White
Jeff Kreitman
Jeff’s Answer
Also I’m not sure there is anything that would prevent you from studying to take the PTCB exam. I didn’t see an age requirement just that you either took a training program of have worked 500 hours in a pharmacy. The sooner you take a course and the cam the faster you can get started.
Unfortunately in michigan, all associates, including clerks, who handle health information must be 18 and have a diploma.
But training program actually sounds really great! Thank you so much for the advice :)
Solah
Karin P.
Karin’s Answer
I just came across these internships with the National Pre-Medical Association:
https://www.nprema.org/internship that you might be interested in.
And you are probably aware of these programs:
Wayne State University: https://miahec.wayne.edu/southeast/highschool
Wayne State University: https://miahec.wayne.edu/southeast/m2p2
University of Michigan: https://myhealthmichigan.com/
University of Michigan: https://aspirnaut.lsi.umich.edu/
All the best to you!
KP