Guy Said:

Alot of people (pharmacy related people) have been telling me that optometry is a not the best field to go in?

We Answered:

Optometry is an excellent field to be in. Yet, I think it ultimately depends on you. If I were you I would research, research, research. I cannot tell you how important that is. I would work as a pharm tech/optical assistant if possible, go to the pharmacy/optometry schools during their open house days and continue talking with pharmacist and optometrist and getting their opinions about their field. Anyone who does not actually work in a field can only give you a "grass looks greener on MY side" perspective. I would also look into the financial aspects of getting a professional education because it is not cheap. Also the amount of work you have to put in to become a professional is a lot. Optometry is still going strong in the states (I don't know about other countries because the scope of practice varies). It doesn't matter if multiple people graduate from optometry school; if you can set yourself apart from the other graduates by your patient interaction the patients will come to you. I promise you that! Salary: O.D.s get paid well, but you may have to work hard to get that three figure salary. I wish you the best in your choice, whatever it may be!

Edward Said:

Career possibilities related to Pharmacy?

We Answered:

You may also work for software companies in the business of developing software systems to be used by pharmacist or researchers. However, this type of role would require someone who has some experience in those businesses.

Best wishes.

Dave Said:

pharmacy career related question?

We Answered:

Of course pharmacists will still be in demand, even more so than they are now. The baby boomers will start retiring soon, and retirement age usually means they start needing more prescriptions!

Delores Said:

What would be a good health-related career?

We Answered:

http://www.explorehealthcareers.org

Use the "Career Explorer" feature to search through the careers listed.

Brenda Said:

What career choices are similar to pharmacy and/or engineering?

We Answered:

Think about going into pharmaceutical sciences. Type it into wikipedia and there is a great deal of info on the subject. It is a great field to get into if you like chemistry/biology over medical practice, but still want to be part of the health science industry - which is the fastest growing and safest industry to be in during these troubling times. Maybe you could go into medical research to develop new drugs and cures for several diseases!

Brian Said:

Chemistry-Related Majors/Careers?

We Answered:

Thoughts from a chemistry grad student..
I considered both chemical engineering and pharmacy when I was about your age, and after wasting of lot of time in bio classes, I realized it wasn't right for me and that physics, which is loaded with fun just like chem, involved too much math to explain the simple things. Chemistry allowed me a chance to balance my math with abstract thinking (go organic chem!). Ironically, depending on the area of chemistry you go into, you may never have to work with chemicals (pure math/physics, almost) OR you may go in to an area where taking a swig of methylene chloride may be part of your daily routine. It's a great major where you can mix whatever other science you want in and specialize (personalize I guess) in a certain area. Hell, you could probably make your own specialty if you were technical enough with your studies. But ultimately, as already recommended talk to others about what your goals are and pay close attention to your level of enjoyment with what you do; you may have to take a couple courses to find out your interests. And I would highly recommend not getting discouraged. A chem. major is not easy, but for me the effort I put out is well worth the happiness I have from doing what I do. I wouldn't focus on money; I know some pretty intelligent chemists who make very very little and I know some dingbats who make a generous amount. The money you make will be based on your skills ( usually, unless you're a smooth talker then you'll make more than you deserve), not just a large company saying, "Oh, you're a chemist. Let's dump 80K a year on you!" You'll make the big bucks when you prove yourself; if money's your goal then you'd better be willing to sacrifice yourself for it, otherwise just be a car salesman, they make good money quick I hear. Good luck in your studies!