American Pharmacists Month on October, 2024: I want to become a pharmacist?

October, 2024 is American Pharmacists Month 2024. AMERICAN PHARMACISTS MONTH AMERICAN PHARMACISTS MONTH

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If you are in high school and are interested in pharmacy school, I recommend that you take a look at a few 0-6 years program schools. This program works this way. The high school student applies into this program. As long as the students get the minimum grade point average (GPA) and SAT scores they should be able to get into the program. An interview may be required at some schools, so please check with each individual school. After 2 years of pre-requisite coursework with high marks, the student then proceed into the pharmacy school, where they complete either 3 or 4 years of pharmacy school coursework. Once completed, the student can opt to a 1 year residency or could go out and practice pharmacy immediately.

The shortest 0-6 years program school is University of the Pacific's (UOP) School of Pharmacy located in Stockton, CA. They offer a program that is as short as 5 years.

Below are some schools that offer 0-6 year programs:

Albany College of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Florida A & M University, Hampton University Massachusetts - Boston, Northeastern University, Ohio Northern University, Philadelphia, Rutgers University, St. John's University, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, University of Findlay, University of Missouri at Kansas City, University of Rhode Island, University of Texas at Austin, University of the Pacific and University of Pittsburgh

Now if you are a college student or non-traditional student, the road to becoming a pharmacist is similar to a high school student. Basically, you'll need to complete the pharmacy school requirements, take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT - if appropriate) and apply to the pharmacy school of your choice. There are many roadblocks that a student who are applying to pharmacy school may face. These questions include: How do I prepare myself to apply to pharmacy school? What should I major in? What extracurricular activities should I be involved in? Do I need to graduate with a bachelor's degree? Etc.

How To Get Into Pharmacy School ebook will show you how one student got into the pharmacy school of his choice within 4 short months after applying.

After graduating from pharmacy school, the student is now a fully-fledged pharmacist and only after becoming licensed, by taking the required test for the state the student is interested in practicing in, then he or she can begin working as a pharmacist.

As a pharmacist, you must renew your licensure every 2 years. This licensure process requires the pharmacist to take 30 units of Continuing Education (CE) classes either online or by signing up for a class. Other than this, the pharmacist can enjoy his or her career in the field of pharmacy.

Starting Early

* High school is the best place to start if you want to become a pharmacist.

1. While still in high school, you should take all the steps necessary to get into college.

2. Take as many mathematics and science courses as possible, preferably advance placement classes such as AP Biology, AP Calculus, AP Chemistry and AP Physics.

3. You will also need to strengthen your writing skills.

4. Learning a foreign language-- especially Latin-- can also be helpful.Pharmacy Information Web Portal: How To Become A Pharmacist1 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Pharmacy Admissions2

5. Obtaining experience working in a pharmacy, hospital, nursing home or similar setting is also beneficial.American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Pharmacy Admissions2

* -This can be either paid or volunteer work. Not only will you acquire skills that will help you later on, it will look good on your application to pharmacy schools.

* YouTube Video: A Career in Pharmacy: UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (Time: 5:38)

Many students these days are pursuing a career in pharmacy. And I can't blame them. Some advantages of becoming a pharmacist are:

1) Starting salary can be anywhere from $75,000 to $150,000 depending on location and need

2) A pharmacist's work schedules are flexible. You can work 7 on and 7 off, work during the evenings or work the usual 9-5 job

3) You will come out with less debt compared to other health professional schools.

4) You can become a fully-fledge licensed pharmacist in your early 20s and do not have to complete a residency

5) You won't have to deal with blood

There are many other advantages to becoming a pharmacist. Above are just a handful of them.

Best adaptogen ginseng? Siberian, Asian, or American?

Natpractitioner is right... just also wanted to add that true ginseng is quite stimulating (Asian/Red ginseng and American/White ginseng.) It is actually considered a "drug of abuse" from a TCM perspective. These herbs can be wonderful adaptogens when properly applied, but should not be taken long term (more than 3 months at a time.)

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosis) and Indian ginseng (Withania somnifera) can both be taken long term. They are adaptogenic, but not overly stimulating.

Consider also Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) or Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) as other options in combination with the above.

And in all cases, talk with a qualified ND (or your pharmacist) about every med you're taking, including herbs and nutritional supplements, to be sure that there's no potential for interaction.

Is American Career College considered a "real" college?

It's like a trade school.

A lot of the programs offered are entry level positions that you could get without having to go to school. Just know the right people in the doctor's office or hospital.

Also, those who graduate have a hard time getting work because a lot of employers, like a pharmacist, doesn't want to hire some kid who sat in a classroom for 6 months. They're handing out medication. Come on.

OR

You have a lot of students who will get work that only pays $13 bucks an hour (not a lot of money considering the student loans you have to pay back). You STILL need to go back to school if you want to move up. Otherwise, you're just a bottom-rung worker.

For instance. A medical assistant. You'll basically be escorting the patients from the waiting room to the exam room and you get to throw away the tissue paper from the exam tables. All this for $15k or more in student loans.

You can go there if you want, but I think it's a waste of money and your time.

Good Luck!