5 Secrets Pharmacy Students Should Know for Success Beyond the Classroom
During my time as a pharmacy student as well as a teaching assistant during my PhD, I learned that most of the students are motivated, ambitious, and smart. But they lack guidance and awareness on how to navigate years of pharmacy school. Based on my experience, I feel the following are basic matters a pharmacy student should know about and discuss more often with their network.
1.GPA is not everything
You are in pharmacy school because you already had an amazing GPA. Experiences in pharmacy school are far more rewarding than a perfect GPA.
GPA is just one part of academic achievement, it’s not your whole life. You need to keep your GPA above 3 to keep up with fundings scholarships etc. However, do not make your pharmacy school life miserable trying to achieve that exact 4.0! Your skills (commination, knowledge, discipline, perseverance) are more important to have a successful career. They build your persona or personal brand than GPA.
If there are job/internship opportunities, you want your network to direct it towards you, believe me, GPA plays the last role in it. If you are accommodating, collaborative, involved with multiple professional groups you will get more opportunities. GPA is not a reflection of your identity. And it plays a pivotal role in your life.
2. Get involved in organizations within the pharmacy school.
Pharmacy school is always busy and time-consuming, but do not let that deter you from getting involved. This is the most exciting part of your 4-year journey. Find professional pharmacy associations that appeal to you, become a member, organize events, and network. Early involvement with these organizations will help your growth as a pharmacy student as well as your career in the role of the pharmacist.
You can join organizations such as American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP), State Pharmacy Association, National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)
Taking up leadership opportunities in these organizations highlights your strength. And will prove helpful while seeking a job. Pharmacists have to act as leaders on a day-to-day basis and hence employers evaluate leadership roles while hiring. Consequently, in long run, this will only be positive.
Remember that getting involved in organizations during your time at pharmacy school can play a vital role in your academic and professional success.
3. Pharmacy schools are hell expensive.
It is not a secret that pharmacy education is costly and on average, the complete cost of a pharmacy school program can range from $65,000 to up to $200,000.
I have seen students graduating with $150,000-200,000 debt. Students think they will get 120k jobs and their life will be normal soon. But taxes play a wicked role. Around 35-40% of salary is lost in taxes and managing your loan and bills becomes a task. Thus, keep your mind ready for years of struggle after pharmacy school to pay off the debt.
Find ways early to take care of loans and other costs. Try to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or state-based funding/scholarships to pay for your pharmacy school. If you plan to work for the government or a nonprofit, there are pharmacist loan forgiveness programs. Some residency programs allow payment deferment.
You can apply to multiple financial assistance programs to pay for college expenses. CVS Health Minority Scholarship for Pharmacy Students, Walmart Health Equity Scholarship for Pharmacy Students, American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education, Tylenol® Future Care Scholarship are some of the programs you can search for financial aid.
4. Pharmacist roles beyond retail stores
When I talk to American pharmacy students, they always have two roles in mind: retail and hospital pharmacist.
There are career pathways beyond just being a pharmacist at a pharmacy store/hospital. I knew them when I was entering pharmacy school, but fewer students have that exposure.
You can be academic pharmacists (educating the pharmacists of tomorrow); nuclear pharmacy (radioactive drugs to diagnose and treat specific diseases); pharmaceutical researchers (either in the lab developing dosage forms or other roles such as HEOR, market access, marketing), etc. Explore Non-traditional pharmacist career pathways from the first year to understand your passion and interests.
5. Surviving rotations
Both IPPE and APPE Pharmacy rotation is great opportunity to get practical experience before starting your career. And it is a big deal! Most students don’t think so and then suffer the consequences of unprofessionalism. Primarily, it helps you prepare for North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), improve your critical thinking, communication, etc.
Be proactive, don’t wait for your preceptor to provide details. If you don’t know about something, ask questions. Being an active learner sets the right mood for rotations. Dress appropriately, it’s basic but mostly students forget the sartorial importance of professional life. Always try to arrive early.
Location of rotation should be selected meticulously, not because the preceptor of that site allows you to leave early. Don’t select a faraway location – you need to save time and energy.
Pharmacy school is undoubtedly challenging, but it’s also an incredible opportunity for personal and professional growth. By focusing on what truly matters—building skills, getting involved, and preparing for the long-term journey ahead—you’ll set yourself up for a successful career beyond graduation. Remember, it’s not just about grades, but about shaping the pharmacist you aspire to be. Embrace the process, seek out opportunities, and stay open to new paths—because the journey is just as important as the destination.
