What are my options after failing three times?

[Ap0thecary]

Technicians in community may well just have a basic education. Technicians in hospital may well have a science degree.
However, we have enjoyed 60 years of chronic shortage of pharmacists. One employer said at the interview that 'pharmacists were like snow in summer'. Now we are getting back to conditions in the 30s.
johnep

Why; in the 30s was there an abundance of pharmacy graduates being churned out by every other polytechnic with a chemistry lab?

[Dorothy Drury]

Jzd4rma is absolutely right of course. Chances are you won't fail. Pass rate is up in the 90's IIRC. If the worst does happen, you've got a good degree, which could, perchance lead you, after a PGCE or other relevant qualification, to teaching. Alternatively there are often vacancies in industry which don't require registration. Or you could do something in which a good grounding in science would be an advantage.

But, as I said, jzd4rma's advice is very sound!

I consider myself very lucky qualifying in 1974 as I did the 3 year degree plus the one year pre-reg year where there was no exam , you qualified by putting into practice what you had done in the undergraduate course. I did then do an M.Sc degree in clinical pharmacy while I worked at a hospital as a senior grade pharmacist on a good salary, while the degree was paid by my employer. I had no student loan. I feel for the younger and nearly qualified pharmacists. I did try when I was a member of council of the RPSGB to change the pre-reg -exam back to a pre-registration year where you get on with practice and not more examinations. Practical experience is much more important at that stage. Getting good patient skills was what was needed. Good luck.

[Ap0thecary]

I consider myself very lucky qualifying in 1974 as I did the 3 year degree plus the one year pre-reg year where there was no exam , you qualified by putting into practice what you had done in the undergraduate course. I did then do an M.Sc degree in clinical pharmacy while I worked at a hospital as a senior grade pharmacist on a good salary, while the degree was paid by my employer. I had no student loan. I feel for the younger and nearly qualified pharmacists. I did try when I was a member of council of the RPSGB to change the pre-reg -exam back to a pre-registration year where you get on with practice and not more examinations. Practical experience is much more important at that stage. Getting good patient skills was what was needed. Good luck.

I have consulted websites such as PJ and C&D to gain an insight for the future (I am a 4th year student), but is there a lot of scope for pharmacists in East Yorkshire? I am from West Yorkshire.

[johnep]

'Why; in the 30s was there an abundance of pharmacy graduates being churned out by every other polytechnic with a chemistry lab?'
Following the first world war with the government having to try to keep its promise of 'a land fit for heroes', qualification requirements for professions were relaxed and many ex servicemen became pharmacists. There were too many and it was said that you could earn more working as a cinema attendant. (cinemas were a new thing then and the audience were conducted to their seats as continuous performances meant the lights were down). Many pharmacists opened small shops in obscure locations. One wrote in the PJ that he had been paid £8 week as an employee, the first week of business he made £10 and never looked back.
We are returning to the 30s in many ways, but now there are few cinemas and they certainly do not bother with ushers.
johnep

[crazebel]

Hi, I'm a registered pharmacist in the Philippines. Can I work as a pharmacy technician here in the UK without requirements to registration? please reply, thank you very much.

[johnep]

No. You will not be able to earn sufficient to gain a visa. Pharmacy Technicians not in shortage and UK candidates finding it hard to get a job.
johnep

[crazebel]

No. You will not be able to earn sufficient to gain a visa. Pharmacy Technicians not in shortage and UK candidates finding it hard to get a job.
johnep

Thank you for your reply. I'm currently working here in the UK and planning to apply as a pharmacy technician in the future since I can't work as a registered pharmacist yet. Do you think I can apply as a pharmacy technician? Am I qualified? Do you know the requirements if I will apply to register as a pharmacy technician in the GPhC? Please reply, thank you very much.

[jzd4rma]

My advice is to check with the GPhC because they have all the upto date information!