Too old to study Pharmacy?

[peace800]

Hi

I may start the Pharmacy degree next year at the age of 29. I have spoken to various schools and I have given them all the relevant infirmation. I have spoken to the University tutors and they have said that my chances are good and they will get back to me.

My main worry is I will start the Mpharm as a 29 year old and will be around 34 when I (hopefully) finish the pre reg. I sometimes have doubts that that might be a bit old to be a newbie Pharmacist, competing with the young 20 somethings and also the fact that I would like to have somewhat of a comfortable living financially(and I feel I may have left it late). Also I find it a bit daunting that I will be studyong with 18 year old whiz kids at uni. Don't get me wrong this is something I really want to do as I need to make my career but I have doubts in my head due to my age and hope to have your thoughts.

Thanks.

[Nik]

Also I find it a bit daunting that I will be studying with 18 year old whiz kids at uni.
Thanks.

Hmm not sure about that . There are a lot of mature students on pharmacy courses and all the people I've spoken to have not regretted the decision in any way, and nor do they feel intimidated by younger students. There have been other people who have asked the same questions you have on this forum (check out student section). Hopefully you'll find some relevant advice there as well. All the best.

[Mr Pharm S]

Go for it!!!

We are getting 2nd and 3rd year Pharmacy Students from Local Uni every wednesday as part of their course and some of them are proper divy's!! Alot are uncomfortably shy and have no people skills what so ever. So a bit of life experience will only do you good for studying for a degree at 29. I think I'd take in alot more now at 29 than when I was at uni at 19-20.

Forget your age! Main question is are you sure you want to do Pharmacy?

I wouldnt if I had my go over again!!

[johnep]

Way back in the 50s, we had a student aged 31.
johnep

[electra316]

Hi Peace,

I'm also 29 and starting the MPharm on the 28th of this month.

I studied a foundation year last year as I didn't have the right A-levels to go straight onto the MPharm, and I found that a high proportion of the people on my foundation year (mixed for pharmacy, medicine, nursing and physio) were "mature students"-partly because of the nature of the year, but it shows that there are others in the same boat as us!

Of course the majority on the main course will be around the 18yr old mark, but I think you'll find there will be plenty of mature students around that you don't feel out of place.

If it's what you want to do, go for it!

[BigSupi]

Hi Peace

I was 36 when I started the MPharm and I am about to go into my 4th year.
There are 5 other mature students in my year, and I have never found it intimidating to be surrounded by a bunch of much younger people.
The thing is to remember why you're doing this - if it's for the money then you need to re-think your motivation! It's for a challenge and ultimately job satisfaction, then that's heading in the right direction.
I found being a mature student was an advantage - I have a background working in the biosciences and I found my expertise coming in very useful for me and I was in demand amongst my fellow students.
Also, when I applied for hospital pre-regs this summer, I was invited to interview at all 4 hospitals and I have been offered places from 3 so far. All interviewers commented on my 'different' CV and life experiences which I could offer pharmacy.

Don't be put off by age - go for it!

[peace800]

Many thanks guys. You have given me good confidence : ). I really appreciated your posts.

[Batfink]

When I started my degree (in the 1990s) I was a naive 18 year old straight out of sixth form and was surprised at the number of mature students on the course (mature meaning anything from 22 to mid-forties). Generally they were were very hard-working having to fit studies around family committments and having given up good jobs to do the degree. Consequently a number of them ended up with first-class degrees.

As has been said in previous posts you have much more life experience which can only benefit you both at uni and afterwards in your career as a pharmacist.

Go for it.

[amjon]

You're not too old but hopefully you're too clever.

[Belle]

Hi Peace,

My reply maybe a bit late ,but it might still makes sense.. Go for it as long as that what you want..It's never too late,,, Do what you want to do, No matter what!!!!the age, the city,people talk!!!! etc--- No surrender, No white flag....remb. always how does it feel when you achieve your own goals as for me now, I need some help on the OSPAP thread. Come! Join me for OSPAP!