Work Experience for Pharmacy School Preparation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What jobs can prepare me for pharmacy school?

Some examples of jobs that can help you prepare for pharmacy school are pharmacy technician, healthcare volunteer, research intern, retail employee, customer service representative, and medical scribe. There are plenty of other jobs that can help prepare you for pharmacy school-related obstacles, but these titles have been hand-selected by our team as the most impactful for preparation purposes because of the transferable skills you will bring to your pharmacy school.

What is a pharmacy technician and how can it help me prepare for pharmacy school?

A pharmacy technician works under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist to assist in managing the daily workflow of the pharmacy. Their primary responsibilities include dispensing medications, managing inventory, processing prescription orders, and assisting customers with inquiries. Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in making sure the operations of the pharmacy run smoothly. They help to ensure the safety of patients as well through safe and accurate practices while dealing with prescription medications. Refer to our “Pharmacy Technician Job” page for a comprehensive overview of this job title.

How can being a healthcare volunteer prepare me for pharmacy school? 

Volunteering in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital or clinic, can provide you with exposure to patient care and the healthcare system. Not only does it give you important exposure, but it demonstrates your commitment to the field. You will be able to observe healthcare professionals in action and learn more about the system you are entering. Having first hand experience will make your application stand out.

How can being a research intern prepare me for pharmacy school? 

Working in a laboratory, particularly one focused on pharmaceutical or biomedical research, can provide valuable hands-on experience. This is beneficial if you're interested in the scientific aspects of pharmacy. This experience will give you an idea of what pharmacy school will be like, and will make your application much more impressive.

How can retail or customer service jobs assist in pharmacy school preparation?

Jobs in retail or customer service, especially those related to healthcare or the pharmaceutical industry, can help develop communication and interpersonal skills. These skills are crucial for pharmacists who often interact with patients and healthcare professionals. Many job titles within pharmacy, if not most, require communication with either patients or other members of the healthcare profession. Further, being a strong communicator will help you nail the interview process of pharmacy school.

What is a medical scribe and how can it prepare me for pharmacy school?

A medical scribe assists healthcare providers by documenting patient interactions and managing medical records. This allows physicians to focus more on direct patient care. As a medical scribe, you would work alongside healthcare professionals, documenting patient interactions and medical histories. This role can enhance your understanding of medical terminology and patient care. Having this understanding prior to pharmacy school will look impressive to admissions boards.

What should I know when selecting a job to pursue?

When seeking work experiences, consider positions that align with your interests within the broad field of pharmacy. Additionally, participating in extracurricular activities, such as clubs related to health sciences or pharmacy, can complement your work experiences and demonstrate your passion for the field on your pharmacy school application.