Career in Pharmacy

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Ricky G - 27 May 2004 02:19 GMT

Hello All,

I have recently completed my third year of pharmacology at the
University of Alberta. Following my fourth year, in which I will get
my Bsc, I am thinking of entering the Faculty of Pharmacy.

I would like to know what the job landscape looks like for pharmacists
in the United States, in relation to demand. Furthermore, would any
pharmacists have any advice for me on whether I should enter the field
- for example, do you enjoy your job?

Thank you,
Ricky

Reply to this Message

Sam - 27 May 2004 08:00 GMT

Hi Ricky,

I'm a 2nd year student in the Pharmacy program at the University of Alberta.
I'm not 100% sure about the job outlook is for pharmacists in the US, but
here there is an overwhelming demand and wages are constantly going up every
year. Right now pharmacists average around 35-40$/hour (CDN) inside the
cities, and well over 50$/hr (CDN) in rural areas.Imagine that only ten
years ago they averaged around 25$/hour (CDN).

In the US I'm pretty sure that pharmacists make even more. A friend of mine
recently graduated and is currently working in Seattle; hes making $100,000+
(US) right off the bat. I'm sure alot of pharmacists on this newsgroup can
confirm this.

Although I'm not a pharmacist yet, I'm doing my internship at a London Drugs
chain and I'm enjoying it alot. I love the interaction with people and using
my knowledge to help them out. There is alot of stress involved especially
when its really busy and you're needed in 4 places at the same time, but
overall I think its a great profession.

Sam (caligstar2000@yahoo.com)
U of A Pharmacy

> Hello All,
>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> Thank you,
> Ricky

Reply to this Message

Ricky G - 27 May 2004 23:17 GMT

Hey Sam, thanks for the reply.
I would just like to know what GPA you had to have to get acceptance
into the Faculty? As well, is it true that if you already have a
degree, it's easier to get in?

Thanks once again
- Ricky

> Hi Ricky,
>
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> Sam (caligstar2000@yahoo.com)
> U of A Pharmacy

Reply to this Message

Sam - 28 May 2004 04:03 GMT

I got in with a 7.8 when they had the 9 point system in place. The last
person in my class got accepted with 7.7 (so I was pretty lucky lol). I'm
not sure what the GPAs are on the 4 point system, but I expect a minimum of
3.3 or higher.

It's easier to get in if you have a degree, thats for sure. So if you had a
3.5 average, and a first year student had a 3.5, they would take you first.
I also think that a pharmacology degree would give you an edge over other
applicants for obvious reasons. Also make sure to write a good letter of
intent. It's probably the most important part of your application. I've
talked to members of the addmissions committee and they couldn't emphasize
how much its worth.

If you have any more questions just ask.

Hope this helps,

Sam

> Hey Sam, thanks for the reply.
> I would just like to know what GPA you had to have to get acceptance
[quoted text clipped - 26 lines]
> > Sam (caligstar2000@yahoo.com)
> > U of A Pharmacy

Reply to this Message