Jenny Said:

Can you help me out with this? Considering future options?

We Answered:

Let's say you do a biology degree and it doesn't go as you plan and now you have a biology degree with a GPA not high enough to go to a professional school or grad school. What then? I have friends that have mediocre GPAs and biology degrees. They work as bureaucrats managed by people with masters degrees or doctorates. If they want to go further they need another degree (which you can't get if your marks suck).

It seems to me that a better plan would be to figure out what you are interested in and just study that. I promise you that you'll have better marks if you actually like the material that you are studying. A lot of the health professional schools don't care what you have your undergrad in so long as you have certain courses (most are intro level).

You already said that you like counting money (who doesn't really?). Let's say you studied business, maybe accounting, and just took the right health career prerequisites over the summers or as electives or as a minor. Now let's say that for whatever reason, you didn't get into the professional schools you wanted. Well, you have a business degree. Maybe you can apply to work at a bank, or a consulting company as an intern, or maybe you want to start your own company.

Terry Said:

can you do on the job training to become a pharmacy tech? where? how?

We Answered:

At least in Arizona, you can be hired as a pharmacy-tech trainee, I work for Walgreens.com. We trained for the CPhT exam at work, we even got reimbursed for the test when we passed it. Check with your local pharmacies and see what kind of programs they offer.

Jack Said:

Funding Cuts in Ontario?

We Answered:

I don't know which Ontario you are referring to - any Ontario in the US OR Ontario in Canada. I’m not sure what an SDM is, BUT I CAN assure you this:

I make it a point to patronize local small businesses as much as I can. This includes the two (2) independent pharmacies I prefer doing business with.

Why two? The pharmacy where I get my prescriptions filled is about 4 miles from my home. I know Tom and his bride as well as the staff. We are on a first name basis.

The other pharmacy is about 12 miles from home. This pharmacy has all the medical supplies I need. Granted it's a pretty good distance from home, BUT I get the personal service I prefer. In fact, I walked in as a total stranger, told Joe about mu situation with my boot. He asked a few Qs, then made a phone call to a distributor. Within two days I was given a replacement boot - at no cost! Yes, it cost some time and some gas, but I was expecting to pay a price for that much-needed boot. He solicited my business. I told him I was doing business w/ an independent pharmacy and he totally understood.


Within "a stone's throw" (about a mile radius) from my door are the well-known national drug store chains. I won't have anything to do with any of them. The folks working in them don't have the customers’ needs or desires at heart. In fact, all they want to do is fill the prescriptions and continue doing the high volume they do.

There was a time - about 10 to 12 years ago - when I went to the national chains. On quite a few occasions I told the folks working in the pharmacy department I HATE those child-proof caps. The information was entered into the computer. When I called-in my order, I was provided with those lousy caps. I complained bitterly - to no avail. Finally I told the pharmacist I had enough and went with an independent. I never looked back.

It's a long answer - almost a non-answer - but I believe my information is helpful to everyone using the national chains and looking for a change.

Thanks for asking your Q! I did my best to answer it!

VTY,
Ron Berue
Yes, that is my real last name.

Jerome Said:

Is it (relatively) easy for Canadian pharmacists to work in the States?

We Answered:

Licensing can be a big issue for international grads. There is no need for pharmacists in the U.S. There are enough already here. Since there are enough, no one will want to deal with a international grad.

Leo Said:

Is it possible to request daytime working hours in a retail, drugstore or pharmacy environment?

We Answered:

You can request it, but may not get it if the business is needing someone to work nights only. You may be able to go back to school and take some classes on line. That would cut your commute back and forth to the college. Since you are now living in a small town, jobs may be very scarce.

Gilbert Said:

Based on my age and other factors, do I still have a chance to do either of these jobs in the Navy?

We Answered:

You would have a hard time doing either at this stage.

The age limit is 28 for both.

But given the time, to apply for and be accepted into OCS

Then actually be slotted for OCS, attend and graduate.

Would most likely pish you over the age requirement.