how hard is pharmacy is it doable at all

[Temi]

hello everyone, i know pharmacy is not easy in any means whatsoever but since i've heared scary stories of people that are way clever than me droping out and retaking, i was just wondering if current pharmacy students or whoever knows about pharmacy could tell me how hard it is and what are the things that the course involves, isit a lot of maths, long study hours or too much practical i mean is it doable at all because i'm going to apply to enter by this 2009 so any comment, opinion and advice will be appreciated, I had failed my A level result because i was sick and i hate to give up so i have aplied for an access to science course to try again becasue most university i contacted ask me to complete an access course and they'll consider me especially that i have A's in all my GCSE'S. thanks

[johnep]

Oh dear. Regret that necessary to pass exams unless have great deal of experience and A levels taken at evening school etc. You could always try one of the internet unis who will give you a certificate on payment!
johnep

[caz]

Hi Temi,

I am glad to hear you are interested in pharmacy, if not fully sure. I would say that I am an average student - I am not exceptionally intelligent, but I work hard - and I have just got into the fourth and final year without having to re-sit. Pharmacy is definitely do-able, as long as it is the course that you want to do, and you are sure you want to be a pharmacist. If not, you will struggle as your heart won't be in it. Unfortunately lots of people on my course haven't made it through, but that’s because they just didn't have the right attitude. I thoroughly enjoy pharmacy, and recommend it to everyone... I just can't wait to start being an actual pharmacist!!

HTH,
Caz x

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by Temi

was just wondering if current pharmacy students

I'm an age away from current, but the purpose of a university is to get bums on seats and award degrees.

Failure is much more likely to be due to an extended interest in the distractions available than an inability to pass the course.

Jeff

[Pharmanaut]

Originally Posted by Temi

hello everyone, i know pharmacy is not easy in any means whatsoever but since i've heared scary stories of people that are way clever than me droping out and retaking, i was just wondering if current pharmacy students or whoever knows about pharmacy could tell me how hard it is and what are the things that the course involves, isit a lot of maths, long study hours or too much practical i mean is it doable at all because i'm going to apply to enter by this 2009 so any comment, opinion and advice will be appreciated, I had failed my A level result because i was sick and i hate to give up so i have aplied for an access to science course to try again becasue most university i contacted ask me to complete an access course and they'll consider me especially that i have A's in all my GCSE'S. thanks

I have seen people who are 'clever' fall behind and the ones who aren't 'shine'.
You have to apply yourself and get the work and play balance right to suit yourself.

[Lazy Nite]

Hiya Temi…..cute name

I’m a junior pharmacist (graduated in 2006) and I can tell you pharmacy is about ‘what you put in is what you get out’…

Pharmacy is a hard course, but nothings easy in life…everyone has to work hard to achieve something. The first two years are ok, not too much course work and some free time to study. The 3rd and 4th years get harder, because you start the ‘professional practice’ units, OSCE’s and the MPharm project. It will vary between different Uni’s.

I can tell you, when I was at school, I was never studious. I jus wanted to have fun all the time. Parents weren’t too happy.

When I started college, Uni…I changed and everything fell into place. Each day I would set a side sum time to read up my notes etc. I never failed any exams.

You just have to be really organised, read up on your notes each day or within the week, go out once in a while, have a good relationship with your teachers, and generally enjoy studying!

I totally agree with caz …you have to be passionate about doing well and achieving.

Anyone can do it…so can you….

[Pharmanaut]

[quote=Lazy Nite;12747]

You just have to be really organised, read up on your notes each day or within the week, go out once in a while, have a good relationship with your teachers, and generally enjoy studying!

QUOTE]

Learning how to become organised especially when the pressure is on, is definitely a skill that will help you during your pre-reg and throughout your career as a pharmacist, regardless of your career path.

[Temi]

thanks y'all, what you've said are very supportive

[Prospective Student]

What are OSCE's?

Lazynite suggested a form of assessment called OSCE's, on the Mpharm course?

Can someone explain what that is?

Does every University use this as assessment,
especially 1) Kings / 2) School of Pharmacy / And 3) Medway (3 schools i'm interested in)?

[shivpopat]

hey, ive just finished my third year at sop and from what ive heard we have to do OSCEs in the second half of next year and for us it is worth 10% of that semester
im not 100% sure what its like but from what ive been told its like various stations where you need to provide different information for different situations, it may be something like checking up interactions in the BNF