Possible routes for a career change to pharmacy?

[thedoc]

I am interested in finding out possible routes into pharmacy. I am reasonably well educated with a science background (MChem in medicinal chemistry, PhD in organic chemistry) and since the death of research chemistry in the UK, I have been interested in retraining as a pharmacist. What routes are available to me? I am perfectly willing and would be happy to complete a 4 year undergraduate degree but money may be a bit of an issue so on the job training may be more realistic. Is this a possible route? Does anyone know anyhing aout obtaining student loans as a mature student for a second degree?

[WalkeRx]

if only it weren't for the increase in tuition fees.. I'm afraid there's no 'on the job' training available to become a pharmacist (you need an MPharm) and working as support staff would be a huge step down for someone with your background.

Does anyone know of any accelerated pharmacy degree courses for postgraduates?

[thedoc]

Thank you very much for your reply, you have confirmed my suspicions and what I have gathered myself in my initial investigations I'll have a look myself and see if I can find an accelerated course.

Does anyone know anything about distance learning courses and whether or not student loans would be available to cover the tuition fees/course costs as I feel I could cope working part time and studying alongside.

[sleather1]

friend of mine on my course is a mature student with masters in biochemistry. he got a career development loan from barclays to help fund part of the fees

[Pharmanaut]

I'm not aware of any official way to shorten the MPharm Course.
You might get a waiver on a module or two, but the degree is all about pulling the threads of the life-sciences together so that you don't compartmentalise information.
FWIW...
You should really be looking at an accelerated medical degree.
I'm less optimistic about the future of pharmacy as an autonomous profession than I am about medicine.
Also medicine is a more portable qualification than pharmacy if you want to move internationally.

[hibernia]

AFAIK pharamcy courses have to be four year full-time courses, plus the pre-reg year, in order to qualify as recognised courses to allow for free movement within the EU and so all the courses are designed to meet this requirement.

Have you thought of graduate entry medicine?

[thedoc]

Thank you very much for your response, it has proved quite useful, I'm looking into this avenue right now. Much appreciated.

[thedoc]

Thanks for the response, also nice to get your opinion on the career prospects, I got caught out going down the research chemistry route just as the industry collapsed in this country, don't fancy going down another dead end, I'll consider your suggestions as I make my decisions. Many thanks.