Help with becoming a Pharmacist

[André]

Hi Guys,

I currently work as a Reg.Pharm Tech., and, after much deliberation and some procrastination have decided I really do want to become a pharmacist.
I have GCSE's A-C in English, Maths, Science..
I have Btec Nat Cert. & NVQ 3 Pharm.Serv.
The problem is, I didn’t do A levels I went straight into Pharmacy an studying from work.. and I think I need 3 A levels, and with me just turning 24 I am not eligible for A-levels at my local colleges…
What can I do? - As I really want to study to become a Pharmacist no matter the odds.. Is there a foundation year? - Will they even look at my previous history of being a pharm.tech with the relevant qualifications?

Please help – any advice greatly appreciated.

My Regards,

Andre

[André]

There's probably other similar questions asked on this, but I feel my situation is different to the norm... can anyone offer any advice?

[johnep]

Just ask them and see. Pharm techs have gone on to be pharmacists in the past. Was an article in the PJ a few years ago.
johnep

[gigeordie]

There are foundation courses out there. They tend to be two years and include work placements and some of the first year of the MPharm degree. You need 240 points at A2 level which I think equates to two full A levels (I could be wrong there)

I guess the best thing to do would be to ring the GPhC and see if they can offer any further advice. They should at least be able to recommend approved establishments.

Could be costly what with the rise in tuition fees so think carefully. Technicians have gone on to be area trainers and branch managers with previous companies I have worked for so if your ambitious which you must be this could also be a good career path.

[Sue1512]

Hi Andre,

I began the Master of Pharmacy degree in Aberdeen as a Pharm Tech. I had worked as a tech for around 10 years from qualifying and only left when due to have my first child. I had child 2 and basically was a full-time mum for the 5 years gap, applied for a 1 year college course - 'Access to Science', which was recognised by Robert Gordon Uni along with my work experience and a good UCAS application and they accepted me onto the course!
There was a course at the college which was the equivalent of 4 'Highers' and would have been an alternative. Also the other Uni in Aberdeen had an access course which probably would have done too. I'm sure these courses are not unique to Scotland - have you looked into this kind of route?

[André]

Thanks very much for the replies everyone, I am going to contact the Uni (as Johnep said), as I have read they have information on access courses.
I personally, believe there should be an option for pharmacy techs - if they want to go the extra mile, to pay for a pharmacy specific access course to guarantee them on mpharm. But nevermind..
Sue I admire your determination