3 answers
Cindy
Student
2
Questions
Asked
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How do I begin my journey preparing for retail pharmacy
Throughout high school I've tried to keep pharmacy as my main goal but left options open like entrepreneurship. I want to do more than just science classes in school.
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3 answers
Jason Lam
Managed Care Pharmacist
4
Answers
Germantown, Maryland
Updated
Jason’s Answer
I think the best way to find out, as in every profession, is to try it out. There's no other way you can fully understand unless you experience it yourself. So if you're seriously considering a pharmacy career, I suggest you get licensed as a pharmacy technician and apply to pharmacy jobs (retail, hospital, health plans, PBM, etc) and see if that is something you see yourself doing in the future. Always keep an open mind and you may even find something else that may interest you along the way.
Julia Balakleenko
Student Pharmacist
12
Answers
Bradenton, Florida
Updated
Julia’s Answer
Hi Cindy,
I am unsure what grade level you are in in high school, but I recommend looking to get a job as a pharmacy technician at a retail pharmacy near you. They train you on the job and you get to experience what all goes on in the retail setting; patient interactions with customers, drug orders/dispensing medication, and working with the pharmacist and rest of the pharmacy team. (You also get paid). Retail pharmacy tends to be more stressful kind of pharmacy environments (depending where you work, who you work with, and what the store volume is). Many retail pharmacies also have an opportunity to teach you how to become a technician immunizer, which will help you in your pharmacy career if you decide to become a pharmacist. Pharmacy is a big field and there are many things pharmacists can do besides work in retail and the hospital. I think there is an area of entrepreneurship with pharmacy that may be in the direction of medical device sales and drug reps. For more information on this, I would recommend that you find a pharmacy school local to you or that you are interested in attending and reach out to their admissions team. They usually have third or fourth year pharmacy students that can assist with their experiences and offer mentorship.
I am unsure what grade level you are in in high school, but I recommend looking to get a job as a pharmacy technician at a retail pharmacy near you. They train you on the job and you get to experience what all goes on in the retail setting; patient interactions with customers, drug orders/dispensing medication, and working with the pharmacist and rest of the pharmacy team. (You also get paid). Retail pharmacy tends to be more stressful kind of pharmacy environments (depending where you work, who you work with, and what the store volume is). Many retail pharmacies also have an opportunity to teach you how to become a technician immunizer, which will help you in your pharmacy career if you decide to become a pharmacist. Pharmacy is a big field and there are many things pharmacists can do besides work in retail and the hospital. I think there is an area of entrepreneurship with pharmacy that may be in the direction of medical device sales and drug reps. For more information on this, I would recommend that you find a pharmacy school local to you or that you are interested in attending and reach out to their admissions team. They usually have third or fourth year pharmacy students that can assist with their experiences and offer mentorship.
abbas Ismael
Pharmaceutical formula
11
Answers
Khartoum, Sudan
Updated
abbas’s Answer
It's great that you're keeping your options open while focusing on pharmacy! Balancing science with other subjects can provide a well-rounded education and help you develop diverse skills. Here are a few suggestions to consider:
### 1. **Explore Business Courses**
- **Entrepreneurship Classes:** Look for classes that cover the basics of starting and managing a business.
- **Finance and Marketing:** Understanding these areas can be beneficial if you decide to start your own pharmacy or health-related business.
### 2. **Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities**
- **Science Clubs:** Join clubs related to health sciences or pharmacy to deepen your knowledge and network.
- **Business Clubs:** Participate in organizations like DECA or FBLA to develop your business acumen.
### 3. **Consider Volunteer Opportunities**
- **Pharmacy or Healthcare Settings:** Gain experience in a pharmacy or hospital to see the field in action.
- **Community Service:** This can help you develop leadership skills and understand community needs.
### 4. **Develop Soft Skills**
- **Communication:** Join debate or public speaking clubs to enhance your ability to communicate effectively.
- **Leadership:** Look for opportunities to lead projects or teams, which will be valuable in both pharmacy and entrepreneurship.
### 5. **Network and Seek Mentorship**
- **Connect with Professionals:** Reach out to pharmacists and entrepreneurs for advice and insights.
- **Attend Workshops or Seminars:** Look for events in your area related to pharmacy or business.
### 6. **Research and Stay Informed**
- **Read Books and Articles:** Stay updated on trends in both pharmacy and entrepreneurship.
- **Follow Relevant Online Courses:** Platforms like Coursera or edX offer courses that blend both fields.
By diversifying your education and experiences, you’ll be better prepared for a career that can encompass both pharmacy and entrepreneurship. Good luck with your journey!
### 1. **Explore Business Courses**
- **Entrepreneurship Classes:** Look for classes that cover the basics of starting and managing a business.
- **Finance and Marketing:** Understanding these areas can be beneficial if you decide to start your own pharmacy or health-related business.
### 2. **Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities**
- **Science Clubs:** Join clubs related to health sciences or pharmacy to deepen your knowledge and network.
- **Business Clubs:** Participate in organizations like DECA or FBLA to develop your business acumen.
### 3. **Consider Volunteer Opportunities**
- **Pharmacy or Healthcare Settings:** Gain experience in a pharmacy or hospital to see the field in action.
- **Community Service:** This can help you develop leadership skills and understand community needs.
### 4. **Develop Soft Skills**
- **Communication:** Join debate or public speaking clubs to enhance your ability to communicate effectively.
- **Leadership:** Look for opportunities to lead projects or teams, which will be valuable in both pharmacy and entrepreneurship.
### 5. **Network and Seek Mentorship**
- **Connect with Professionals:** Reach out to pharmacists and entrepreneurs for advice and insights.
- **Attend Workshops or Seminars:** Look for events in your area related to pharmacy or business.
### 6. **Research and Stay Informed**
- **Read Books and Articles:** Stay updated on trends in both pharmacy and entrepreneurship.
- **Follow Relevant Online Courses:** Platforms like Coursera or edX offer courses that blend both fields.
By diversifying your education and experiences, you’ll be better prepared for a career that can encompass both pharmacy and entrepreneurship. Good luck with your journey!
I think this list of recommendations is amazing and comprehensive and really highlights that being a well-rounded student in high school will prepare you well for a career in pharmacy. Choosing an undergraduate program that allows you to continue building these skills in leadership, communications, and entrepreneurship will be an important next step as well. Find a university setting that has a strong network of pre-health advisors, mentors, and student clubs so you can fine tune your decision as you select the pharmacy school that is right for you. Good luck!
Erin Raney