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would getting a pharmacy technician intership be helpful in my path of becoming a pharmacist?

Its one of the options I have currently
#pharmacy #pharmacytechnician #pharmacist

pharmacy pharmacist pharmacytechnician
Thank you comment icon I believe that it would be beneficial for you, I started out as a pharmacy tech to see if I would be interested in the field of pharmacy and I enjoyed working with the pharmacist and that made going to pharmacy school an easy decision. Aj
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Brittany’s Answer

It is not required but in my opinion highly beneficial!!!
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Kody’s Answer

Hey there,

I actually became a pharmacy-technician before pharmacy school. It definitely helps your application when applying to pharmacy school. And you'll be constantly surrounded by drugs and the "fast movers" which will help you get a leg-up on the Top 200 drugs you'll be learning while in school. Just being immersed in the field helps. So I would definitely recommend going to your local CVS/Walgreens/Kroger/etc and applying to become a pharmacy technician!

Once you're in pharmacy school, the company will usually promote you from technician to Pharmacy Intern.

If you have any other questions about the pharmacy field, feel free to ask!
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David’s Answer

Yes, absolutely! Being a tech is a great way to get the experience working directly with patients. For anyone in a tech role, use that opportunity to learn as much as you can about the medicines -- read the prescribing information -- and that knowledge will be amazingly helpful, providing an advantage in your pursuit of a PharmD.
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Lindzie’s Answer

Korey,
Upon deciding to apply for pharmacy school, I also applied to work as a pharmacy technician. It has been one of the most useful decisions that I made in trying to prepare for pharmacy school. It has also helped alot in solidifying the knowledge that I learned in classes- I am a big hands on learner. It is also important to keep in mind that school will become a HIGH priority when starting pharmacy school, so it is important and invaluable to find an employer that is going to appreciate this and be understanding of your school work load and schedule availability. Additionally, if you are having troubles finding the right technician job for you now, some schools have introductory rotations in the retail setting at the beginning of schooling- this is a great opportunity to develop relationships and create a strong foundation in learning how to work at the facility (as each retail pharmacy has there own small differences in the way of running things).
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Lee’s Answer

Being a pharmacy technician before pharmacy school can be helpful in many ways:
- get a feel for pharmacy (I was a technician at a specialty pharmacy before school, you aren't limited to retail)
-become more familiar with medications and pharmacy law, which will help you in pharmacy school
- make connections (possibly someone who can write you a recommendation letter)

Would definitely recommend :)
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Leonora’s Answer

Absolutely! Some of my best hires were pharmacy technicians that just graduated high school and were applying to pharmacy school. Besides seeing the practical side of things that's often very different from theory you'll be learning ins school, it's extremely beneficial to be exposed to drug names, dosing, dosage forms etc as this will help you tremendously when you will start learning about medications in detail. Also, it's so good to have some exposure in the practice of pharmacy as you might decide that the retail or hospital setting is not the right fit for you and steer towards other career paths that are available for pharmacists. Good luck!
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Dinah’s Answer

Becoming a pharmacy technician is the best way to get some pharmacy experience. You can apply when you are 18 years old in some states to work in the pharmacy. It is a great way to be exposed to medication names, dosage forms, dosing, calculations, phone calls, and so much more. By the time you get into pharmacy school, you will be changed into an intern, which can do pharmacist things, under the supervision of a pharmacist. This will allow you to know if retail is for you or not. This will also help you when you take courses in pharmacy school because you will be somewhat familiar with drugs and classes. Hope this helps.
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Che’s Answer

Practical Experience is invaluable & an internship will give you an opportunity to learn things that aren't detailed in a textbook. I would highly recommend that you take advantage of the opportunity!
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Sanober’s Answer

Hi Korey!

Many people who are in pharmacy school work as a pharmacy technician while in school to gain experience and learn first hand what a day in the life of a pharmacist looks like, since you are working closely with them. I would recommend you take that opportunity in the form of an internship or part-time job if you have the chance to :)

Hope this helps!

Sanober
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Eniola’s Answer

Definitely! I think it'll serve you well if you get a first-hand experience of working in the pharmacy prior to going to pharmacy school - for many reasons. Firstly, it'll give you a sense of what you intend to commit to. Secondly, you'll be able to gain real transferable knowledge that may be beneficial in pharmacy school especially with being familiar with certain drugs. Thirdly, it'll give you a better advantage during your application process to pharmacy school because it'll show you have gained some professional experience in your intended field. For these reasons and more, I'll recommend you getting some experience whether in the form of volunteering, scheduled Shadowing, internships, job, etc.
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