Jared Said:

Should i just change my major/career from pharmacy to something else because..?

We Answered:

It depends on what your short and long term goals are, and if you're willing to "pay your dues". Some people know passionately what they want to become and are willing to put up with whatever experience they need to to reach their goal. Do you feel the same way about becoming a pharmacist?

If the answer's "yes", then maybe you forgot why you're studying the biological sciences. Sometimes that happens in school when you're caught up in the details of your study. You have to keep reminding yourself of your career vision.

If you want to become a pharmacist as your long term goal, you'll need to suffer through the biological sciences. I don't know that there's any way around it. But when you do finally become one, you'll be set for the rest of your life and except for continuing education, your studies are done. But maybe by then, you'd be so good in the biological sciences that you actually learn to enjoy it.

If you really don't want to study those topics, then you won't realistically become a pharmacist. What other career or areas of study attract you?

Everyone in college goes through periods of frustration and doubt what they're doing. That's normal, because you're exploring your strengths, weaknesses, and life direction, and all the while, you're still changing and "growing up". Don't give up or get down on yourself.

It's worth while talking with your parents, friends, or career counselor about what your true interests and goals are and ask them to encourage you along the way. You might also want to connect with other people who are interested in becoming pharmacists and studying together. They can be your support group and remind you of your goal. It'll also call for some self-discipline too. In any case, your education will never go to waste.

Jack Said:

What a career change from pharmacy!!!?

We Answered:

I don't exactly know how pharmacy is like in New Zealand, since I'm studying pharmacy in the US where it does require a doctorate's. However, one of my professors actually completed his Pharm.D. then afterwards went on to law school and completed his J.D. He teaches law and ethics classes in the health science center, including pharmaceutical and nursing law, and even forensic pharmacy. Aside from that, he also has a firm where he mainly does elder law and estate planning, but often acts as a consultant for personal injury lawyers. In the past he also directed pharmacy at a hospital and worked in risk management.

If there are options other than retail for a pharmacist in New Zealand you should look into those - otherwise, if you're just not happy with your job then I would say go for what you would like to do, either it is law or dentistry. You could still use your knowledge from pharmacy school in both careers.

Ralph Said:

IT to Pharmacy career change?

We Answered:

You will probably have to get a second degree. You might get credit for some of the courses you previously took but you may not. Look at your state universities. Many offer degrees in pharmacy and, it's likely that the tuition will be the lowest you can find. It's going to be expensive.

Charles Said:

I'm a History Major, but I want to change my career path to Pharmacy. Is that possible?

We Answered:

Anything is possible. You do need good grades to get into pharmacy school. I don't know the exact requirements but you could find that out easily enough. As far as general chemistry, that wont be enough for pharmacy school. You'd need o-chem and probably physical chem classes as well.

Veronica Said:

Career change from Biology to Pharmacy?

We Answered:

Can you have a Pharmacist be one of the people who writes one of those letters? That's all I can think of.