I had a 42 year career in Pharmacy and discovered that the last thing that I wanted to do was be a retail pharmacist. I found that you can use a Pharmacy degree to go in a lot of different directions. I ended up in Hospital Pharmacy management and enjoyed it most of the time. Other options are Compounding Pharmacy, Nursing Home Pharmacy, Research, FDA, DEA, Military. I even know a Pharmacist who went into criminal justice and became a Forensic Pharmacist. Also, another Pharmacist became a legal researcher and work for a law firm. So, look around, get varied rotations and try different aspects of Pharmacy and you will find your niche. It is a good profession but retail is tough. Good Luck

This is basically an american problem i think its worth you mentioning this so not to discourage future pharmacist who are young and impressionable from countries like Canada, the Uk, south America and the carribean where there are hardly any pharmacist and the demand is high I use to listen to videos like these and think it was for every country cause this is a universal platform but when i began asking people i realized that there are hundred of jobs available stores and communities begging for pharmacies walgreens and cvs and walmart has only infiltrated America the rest of the world is leaps and bounds behind America in terms of automation accreditation isnt even required in most carribean and latin american pharmacies all kind of improvement and work is needed if any of you qualified pharmacist need a job reforming the carribbeans pharmacy system you are needed and will be appreciated people are literally dying cause of how backwards our system is its crazy

I was a pharmacist for 30 years, I enjoyed it, and it was rewarding. Most of the time, jobs were plentiful. Towards the end, jobs started to dry up. I read an article by a pharmacist my age in which he stated the number of pharmacy schools in the USA has doubled in the last 40 years. I believe there are too many pharmacy schools in the USA now.

Guys this video is from Oct 2019. This is PRE-COVID. Pharmacists make way more than $35-$40/hr for new grads. Even back then it was never that low. Right now it’s more like between $50-$70 an hr

I am 16 right now, what should I do, I was looking into pharmacy, but everyone is like "its shit now".

Halfway through school, pray for me

As a recently graduated pharmacist (this year), I can confirm this is a very American problem. Pharmacy is brilliant in Ireland right now, very high demand. Added to the fact that student debt is practically non existent for school leavers, pharmacy is a great option imo. Praying it stays that way.

Man I used to watch your videos when I was applying to pharm school about 4 years ago. I’m now in my fourth year on rotations and its kinda crazy how things have changed. I think its important for people to do their research before going into any profession. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

I believe that before even enrolling in undergrad, students need to work in customer service and find out how well they can handle complaints and irate customers. If students dislike this part of customer service, they will not enjoy dealing with the complaints that many healthcare providers, such as retail and hospital pharmacists, receive. This would be a case when students should not dream of those careers. I say this because I hope this can save students time and money in their schooling.

Switching from pharmacy school was one of the most difficult things for me to do. I had wanted to do pharmacy since junior year of highschool and had bought all the study material for the pcat and told family members I wanted to be pharmacist for a long time. And switching and preparing for a whole new career path was daunting. But I made the switch and I'm glad I did before enrolling in pharmacy school. For those who are having a difficult time making the decision, just know it will be hard especially if ur still in college to make a switch but its not impossible. It sucks at first but it gets easier

I was at the point of applying to my pharmacy schools and after working my butt off the past four years in and out of the classroom to get to myself to pharmacy school I decided It wasn’t for me anymore and I’ve been on the fence because I’ve put so much time and hard work till now.. I realized my passion was blind sided and it wasn’t for me. This video helped me a lot, given that I needed some reassurance about my decision and still was a little bit on the fence. Thank you for this!!

I understand what you are saying. I graduated in 1997 before the 6th year was required (a mistake in making mandatory if you ask me) and before all.the new pharmacy schools came online. I had minimal loans because I only paid for my 5th year. I went into pharmacy school knowing I didn't want to be a retail pharmacist. I discovered nuclear pharmacy and have been extremely happy with my career at one of the best hospitals in the country. If you're passionate about chemistry and medications look into nuclear, industry, and plenty of other options for pharmacists outside of retail. Also, I'm a strong believer in public colleges. There's no need to go into debt for a pharmacy degree.

When I went to pharmacy school, everyone , family and friends , just kept calling me a future druggie.....honestly people are so ignorant when it comes to having a true passion in the field

As a recent pharmacy graduate, I have no plans to practice because I completely agree with you. I am not passionate about the field and I strive for a better income and pharmacy doesn't provide that. Honestly wish I knew 4 years ago but I was lucky enough to get into pharmacy school at a young age Should've become a dentist lmao

If u finish college is it hard to get the job??:/ I'm just thinking abt my future at this rlly young age so I'm prepared:))

Hi! I know this comment is late, but I was wondering if the same counts for pharmacology. I’m really interested in it and it perfectly combines my interest in biology, chemistry and other life sciences. However, I’m in 10th grade and still have time to consider other courses. Therefore I wanted to know whether pharmacology has higher demand in jobs, because it’s more research related and not working in an actual pharmacy, but rather in a lab.

i worked as a retail pharmacy tech and the pharmacist gets disrespected all the time they are verbally attacked a lot it is a depressing environment to work in.

As a pharmacist for almost 8 years now. it's the worst in the healthcare sector. if you're not a pharmacist or at least worked in a pharmacy, you will not understand what we're talking about.

What are your thoughts with Covid happening

thanks, I wish I would have known this 4 years ago. What do I do now??

Opened my own pharmacy. Three months in, I make almost enough to cover the cost. 🔥 🔥 🔥

you didn't tell me to eat my veggies😢

Long time pharmacist and multiple pharmacy owner, I can now hire a pharmacist for half of what I did just 5 years ago. The ever declining insurance reimbursements are taking their toll. This is no longer a profession, you will just be a pimp for the insurance companies.

Pharmacy is such a great career! You get paid more than most professions and you get to have a positive impact on the people of your community.

I used to watch this channel 6 years ago when I was applying to pharmacy schools. As a retail pharmacist I agree 100% with everything said in the video. :(

Pharmacy is the only thing I can think of currently. Ik its difficult but at the same time anything is possible if you really put time and effort into it. Good luck to everyone!

Hey I was looking into being a pharmacologist, would this video still apply to my situation and are you speaking about anything in the realm of pharmacy? I know that the two are somewhat similar but have their differences.

My sis did pharmacy and she got a part time job after lot of struggle. I took pre-reqs for pharmacy school and my sis told to look for something else as the market is completely saturated.

thinking about going into pharmacy school, so thanks for the video, even though its from 4 years ago. If pharmacy does not work out for me Ill just have to suck it up and get a job with my engineering degree. But really want to do pharmacist thing instead.

i just had my diploma and was that sure to get into bachelor in pharmacy when one day i questioned myself, is it that worth it to get myself suffering from another set of student loan and to be studying in this stressful covid time? (fyi, i did pretty well in my diploma but getting a discount for my loans despite my achievements in diploma in college was..*sigh) so, i decided to work and here i am. i'm glad i made that decision ps: also, get into industrial guys. my college here offers a bachelor that specializes in making meds (i'm not that into it hence not pursuing into that direction)

yep. i was a hospital pharmacist in the US. Left the US and am teaching elsewhere now at a pharmacy school.

Hi Paul. I am also a pharmacist. Actually choosing pharmacy, I don't mean a bad choice but it's not wise too. It has been really tough to get a good start. Even in pharmaceutical industries there is a lot of pressure. Everything is time bound. Thanks for the video.

HI PAUL U R RIGHT. THIS PROFESSION IS DELIBERATELY BEING OVER SATURATED. ITS UNDERPAID FOR THE WORK U DO. AND THE PRESSURES THEY PUT ON U.

In Bangladesh, it was great in the 2010s but the market is heavily oversaturated nowadays due to a sheer amount of colleges and universities offering the degree. I assume the same for the rest of South Asia.

I would say that in Sweden you get pretty much the job before you even graduate! They are need of pharmacist here and u can choose between 3 years or 5 years :)

What if school is free, is still pharmacy a good career?

Everything you said is right leave alone the tedious licensure exams after you are done schooling. I graduated back in 2008 and I am still struggling to pass these exams..lol. I know, I feel stupid already

Pharmacy goes beyond money. So as you said, if you're going for the money, don't try. If you're passionate, definitely go for it. However, I think doing pharmacy gives you a lot of job opportunities.... The commonest yet choking part is the hospital and retail. However, with the skills you'll develop and knowledge you'll get in pharmacy, you just have to think outside the box to make decent money. Also, with the way things are going, no matter which field you find yourself in, to get lots of money, you'd have to set up your own business..... Applies to doctors, nurses, graphic designers, whatever course..... To make wealth, you MUST set up YOUR own business.

Lmao im so into pharmacy and this is what i see after getting accepted to the college

This is so unfair and fucked up that you guys up there in the US have to reconsider your dreams just because you don't have rich parents while here in Germany you don't need to pay anything to reach your goals...

It's my highly responsible profession try to calm and care while dispense the medication for past 22 years as community pharmacist ..

I’m a P4 doing my APPEs and I’m probably gonna do residency because retail is just way too saturated. There are 4 pharmacy schools in my state so I have to compete with 400 grads... plus the Walmart I’ve been working at basically told me there’s no room for new grads

I finally decided to get out of pharmacy. It’s not what it used to be. 1) There are too many schools of pharmacy that have opened up. 2) Some schools have lowered their qualifications since I was in school. 3) Corporations like Walgreens and CVS are more focused on metrics that have no impact on patient care such as signing people up for reward programs and getting a prescription filled in 15 minutes or less. 4) Staff has been cut down to the bone. It has become more like working in a fast food setting than a professional environment. 5) The respect we get as medical professionals has declined.

If you're in pharmacy school, I would suggest finishing and then getting into PA school. I just about did that when I complete in 2014. I work in a rural hospital and feel slightly protected.

i got job.... works for me....

I’m really tired of thinking about what major I should pursue. My English is not good so not sure if I would pass the writing English class in this quater lol. I heard that computer science major would give us a good job but why I hate it. I don’t know what I want to be:((. I think I will major in Math. Can anyone give me an advice or tell me what I can do with a Mathematics degree and should I do the Math major??

Currently I am reading PharmD from a state university where the annual fee is only about 100 US dollars(Not in America, I've just converted from our currency), Also I am earning enough from my part time online lectures to cover all the expenses.My plan is to start my higher education(PhD/M. Phil) immediately after my degree. I am hoping to become a research scientist, and develop my career in teaching.

Hi love your content! I’m at the start of my pharmacy KZfaq journey so any advice would be greatly appreciated

Can someone plz TELL ME ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY??

These fools get $140k per job to stand behind a counter and seal pill bags. They hide and get mad for the most insignificant things.

Hi people, do you think if someone has studied pharmacy could do researchers in synthetic biology?

$30 to $40 an hour for pharmacists? How much was the hourly rate before?

Schools getting rid of the PCAT? What a shame. I was proud to get my degree but pretty soon everyone will be a pharmacist lol. I can't imagine taking $30/hr after all that schooling. Feel fortunate with my current salary.

Absolutely NO NO NO job 😢😢😢😢😢😢

I so wish I knew this 2yrs ago before started school.

Then which is best to go?

Nothing he said was incorrect or disputable. Currently a pharmacist. Watched the video back in 2012 but ignored the writing on walls. If you are using loans, it is def not worth it.

Hyy Paul.liked your video but .I think the scope me might be narrrorer in some countries but not all..it varies.. Paul what's the scope of microbiologst?is it worth after 10years also..kindly mention.

Which part of pharmacy are you prospective people so passionate about? Getting bitched at by customers, nurses, doctors, front end managers, etc? Picking up the phone? Not have bathroom breaks? Being blamed for everything and anything that goes wrong while the doctor/NP/customer is always right? Owing 200k+ in debt while begging to get hired? Having unrealistic expectations and ridiculous metrics placed upon you from upper management that probably attended 2 years or less of Trump university? Seriously, just do something else.

I used to watch Paul’s videos on how to get into pharmacy school when I was in undergrad. Now as a P3 I’m banging my head wondering why did I miss his video about why pharmacy school might be a bad idea lol. I think a lot of other people in pharmacy school or practicing pharmacists would say the same thing now, but a few might say this is a pessimistic view. My suggestion to those thinking about pharmacy school: do your own research too and HONESTLY ask yourself if you’re passionate about pharmacy. But whatever you do, don’t listen to universities when you’re trying to decide if pharmacy is the right profession for you, they will be biased and want you to to go to pharmacy school.🤑

Interesting video... I agree to an extent.. I still am optimistic about pharmacy.. There is a lot of different roles in pharmacy rising, concierge specialty etc people making their own pharmacy consulting buisness... It depends on where you go, you can still get good pay in some aspects of pharmacy.. When i first graduated i got into specialty and it was good pay, And there are some growth in different areas of pharmacy. In the bls report it also stated that hospital sector will be increasing job impact as well. But i agree that if you have passion you should get in.. If you absolutely don't and just want to for the money you shouldn't get into it, pharmacy is about patient care not just money.

I was very surprised. Some pharmacy friends cant find full time work as the utilize pharmacist per diem mostly.

get out NOWWWW. You have no idea whats coming. Once my loans are done, IM OUT

Honest video. I agree with what you have said in this video.

I just recently looked into colleges and majors, despite being a freshman and was fascinated with pharmacology/pharmacy but the more I researched the harder I thought it was gonna be:(. For starters it would take a lot of hard work and determination to get the certification needed. Second it would cost a lot. And third America is not in high demand for pharmacology/pharmacy. Can someone offer their opinion on what I should do :(?

I’m planing to get my bachelor and maeve the masters

I wanna be a pharmacologist, not a pharmacist, theres a huge difference.

ITS WORTH IT!my grandmother's pharmacy assistance got a promotion from my grandmother to be a pharmacy,and now there pharmacist,they got wealthy bc of pharmacy as well as my grandma,the salary is worth it if you know how to save money (or if your lazy,and waste money,it ain't gonna work for you)I hated this video so much!

In the US pharmacy school average is intense 6-8 years, I’ve worked with foreign pharmacists (withholding countries identity) from overseas who went to “pharmacy school” in which the profession of pharmacy does NOT EXIST nor regulated, it’s more like 2-3 easy years of “industrial pharmacy” studie, comparable to what a US pharmacy tech knows, , take equivalently test and nabplex (both are facilitated by easy study guides) and become equivalent to a US educated pharmacist, folks it’s a JOKE, ITS ABSURD !

You should never do a career mainly for the money, do a job you will enjoy. If u do it for the money u might not enjoy the job n be miserable everyday at work. The main reason to choose a specific career is bc u enjoy it.

12 years as a pharmacist and looking at vids like this and I wholeheartedly agree... RuN!

Hey Paul do you have an Instagram account

Are you talking about US only?

You guys are lucky to pursue a pharmacy degree, I ended up to study biology degree because of my family household couldn't provide me that, I am still thinking should I take the diploma in pharmacy to strengthen my future work prospect? But I can't risk to study without any income as my family couldn't support me for a longer period of time. Maybe after 30 year old then I may be thinking of doing it to fulfill my little dream as young. 😃😃😃😃

On my second year atm in Denmark. Pharma school is no joke. It is tough work, a lot of lab hours and most of all lab reports. I would only recommend this education to people who are ABSOLUTELY sure that it's what they wanna do! If not, it's gonna be a bumpy ride. (talking from personal experience)

Is there a future for being a Pharmacy Technician?

In my country you don't go in debt for college, thankfully

I really like your channel , thank you for sharing this.

From which country are you from i am from India and it is the vast market for the pharmacy brp

I'm in my final year studying pharmacology but I'm considering going back to study pharmacy cos of how things are in my country Pharmacologists aren't really recognized here Pls advise me I'm a Nigerian

Bingo! I left in 2012.. his is old story.. there is life outside of pharmacy.

I am a foreign pharmacist and master student here I would do pure pharmacy than retail

This is the best pharmacy advice on the internet . Being a pharmacist over 30 years the profession. Has really declined to the abyss. There is no future for pharmacist. I have seen young people make the worst decision of their life choosing this profession. I have hired many depressed and broke pharmacist crying over their debt which may become impossible to pay this will run you down and ruin your physical and mental health. There is no need for pharmacists there are no jobs and automation will probably destroy the profession within a decade. Pharmacy school has been the biggest scam colleges have pulled pumping job market demand fake numbers. This is a declining profession and you are doing a great service spreading the message to stop people from making a decision that will ruin their life.

i guess it really depends on ur fate, if u r lucky u can make more money if u r pharmacist, also country matters, like in middle east pharmacy got high paid and less job, in some asian country some of their kids took pharmacy just to put up their own pharmacy, by that they earn more money

Thank you! I honestly considered a professional school, but watching this video helped me. 👍

Omg I have finished my first year of pharmacy school. What should I do? :((

I remember watching your no jobs for pharmacists video and it helped me not go into it. Now I’m in dental school haha

I got accepted to pharmacy school and decided against it. Now I'm doing a masters. Thank God.

Pharmacy... You has to brilliant Brain. Smart person when you were at high school.. If not don't get into cause you may stuck at the middle

pharmacy is really general and flexible , you have alot of career options. For me, I made it as a hobbie , I work as a part-timer in a retail pharmacy. Its really fun and self rewarding. eventho, I tried working in a retail pharmacy as a full timer before , i didnt really like it , it feels like a job for an old man and it is stressful to be in one place for 9 hours shift. The good thing , that it is a stable job , and if you are working in a medium busy retail pharmacy you will have a lot of time to run and think about another business that you can do online while waiting for the patients to come in.

I have a PharmD but Im not registered...Are there any jobs for PharmDs that dont require you to be licensed???

How would you compare the market for someone looking to do retail vs residency and then clinical?

In my country it is totally opposite lol. Some students from good universities gets hired even before completing their degree. So keep in mind that the person is talking about America. Do some research on your own about the career you want to pursue and it's value in your country

I am passionate about pharmacy and helping people, so I guess this video doesn't apply to me. This is still sad to hear. Here in Estonia it's free to study it, so no student loan. No healthy family though.

I'm a freshman I'm torn because dropping out is scary but so is continuing

i am thinking of leaving pharmacy for medical school. should I or should I get PA?

Pharmacy was the worst choice I ever made and my school was completly free.

Hell no it's an awful job right now.

My parents want me to be a pharmacist but I don't want to rather I want to be something that has to do with art and I am scrolling down in the comments seeing people who are saying I want to help people so bad I have wanted this since I was 6 etc etc and I am here knowing very well that if I don't take control of this situation I am going to become a serial killer and maybe a physco path and get arrested yay

Where are you from sir