I want to work in a pharmacy but how?!! Any help much appreciated!!!

[Rosie Lowe]

Hey Everyone- I really need some advice/help...
I have been trying to look for a job in a pharmacy as a dispenser/technician but have had no luck (I have just graduated with a 2:1 in biology). I know that you need at least an NVQ level 2 in pharmacy services to be able to work in a pharmacy but I also have found out that some pharmacies can train you on the job as a trainee.
I have sent out about 30 applications and CVs to random pharmacies in my area to directly ask if they can train me however I have had only 2 responses who said no and no luck there.
Therefore I decided I will pay to do a course to train for an NVQ in pharmacy services in birmingham as i live near to there. I found that you need to be working in a pharmacy to even begin this course. I am very confused. You need to be working in a pharmacy to do the NVQ pharmacy service course and you need to have an NVQ in pharmacy services if you want to apply for a job. Its just a cycle I can't get into. I am getting so desperate now and have no help or advice from anyone.
Would it be possible to ask pharmacies whether I can train in their pharmacy alongside my training at birmingham college to get the NVQ and ask not to be paid so do it as voluntary??
Pleeease please someone give me advice. I am so confused =(=(=(

Thankyouuuuu....Rosie

[johnep]

You want to enter a branch of pharmacy as a graduate and just get the minimum wage!?
Unfortunately, I have met several Biology graduates working as assistants in pharmacy. You should have entered pharmacy as a student. Very poor advice from someone. Jobs in biological sciences are few and far between. Generally, Biology graduates have to stay in academia and get a doctorate or teach Biology.
johnep

[Defblade]

It's not really a catch 22; pretty much every assistant we take on needs training up to NVQ 2 or 3 from no previous background and that is 100% expected. The problem I think you've got is that you're writing to pharmacies who aren't currently recruiting staff. Although when they are recruiting, obviously a ready-trained person with experience will usually beat a newbie. Sadly, a lot of these positions are filled by word-of-mouth and also in these tight times a lot of places have a hold on recruitment anyway. If you're determined to get into pharmacy, then general shop assistant experience doesn't go down too badly either, so might be worth taking a job like that in the meantime.

Just keep looking and good luck! (Or do a PHD )

[sparkybw]

Alternatively you could apply for a pharmacy technician course within the NHS. It's better money than community training and as they are training so few now you stand a reasonably good chance of getting a job at the end of the course.

The next recruitment cycle begins in about February/March time so you should keep an eye on the NHSjobs website or even sign up for emails from them. In the meantime you could do some voluntary retail work to get customer service/till work experience or look for seasonal vacancies especially in places with pharmacies. You may be able to kiss ass your way into a dispensary assistant job!

[Erystiva]

The next recruitment cycle begins in about February/March time so you should keep an eye on the NHSjobs website or even sign up for emails from them. In the meantime you could do some voluntary retail work to get customer service/till work experience or look for seasonal vacancies especially in places with pharmacies. You may be able to kiss ass your way into a dispensary assistant job!

If you can get work within the pharmacy regardless of area (dispensary, distribution, stores etc..) and prove that you are hardworking you stand a much better chance of being accepted for a student tech post. The biggest benefit being that you will be able to gain experience and advice from colleagues which will allow you to better prepare for the student tech job interview. We recruit new students each year, this year we advertised for 4 students (2 per hospital site) and had 250 applicants.

[Buttercups]

There are a number of ways you could start your career in pharmacy.

As a starting point for somebody completely new to pharmacy, it may be beneficial to look at Buttercups introductory course entitled 'So you want to work in Pharmacy?’ This course serves as an entry point as to what pharmacy is, what it is about and how to get involved, along with who is who in the pharmacy and what each job entails.

Another route you could take is to seek a voluntary placement of 2-4 hours per week in a pharmacy and complete the Dispensing Assistant's Course. This would give you the qualification required to work as a dispenser and thus a route in to pharmacy.

Once you have your foot in the door you could then go on to study to be a Pharmacy Technician and work your way up the pharmacy ladder.

If you would like to discuss your options further please email Buttercups via training@buttercups.co.uk

[Rebenga]

Is it possible to complete the MCA course with buttercups in less than a year? Getting a bit long in the tooth ;o( many thanks x

[sparkybw]

I did the MCA and the Dispensary Assistant course with Buttercups in 9 months working 17 hours per week in an Asda pharmacy and doing the third year of a Physiotherapy degree. You should be looking at completing the MCA within about 3 months.

At the end of the day, though, it is down to you. Keep plugging away at each module, get them sent in for marking and while you are waiting to get the results back get on with the next module.

[Rebenga]

Sparkybw you fill me with confidence ) Im very impressed and feeling capable thanks xx

[weeneldo]

You want to enter a branch of pharmacy as a graduate and just get the minimum wage!?
Unfortunately, I have met several Biology graduates working as assistants in pharmacy. You should have entered pharmacy as a student. Very poor advice from someone. Jobs in biological sciences are few and far between. Generally, Biology graduates have to stay in academia and get a doctorate or teach Biology.
johnep

Johnep, you show great skill in the art of "rubbing it in" lol