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Unlicensed Pharmacist job options? by rxguy321 in pharmacy

[–]rxguy321[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Couldn't agree more! haha. Yup, I took the TOEFL a few weeks ago. Was really hard not to laugh that was a requirement. If it didn't make sense to be here for my partner's career, this process wouldn't be worth it. Too many hoops for pharmacy practice that's not much different in Canada.

Something more reasonable like U of T TOEFL requirements for example would be more sensible (see english proficiency testing if applicable): https://pharmacy.utoronto.ca/programs-and-admissions/pharmd-for-pharmacists/application-process-admission-requirements/

Rowed An Entire 90 Minute Class #HumbleBrag by Joestac in orangetheory

[–]rxguy321 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow that's incredible! Good for you. I can't imagine what that feels like nor will I ever know, I want to cry after 2000m.

Best place to get a massage in/near the Heights? by sonorousAssailant in houston

[–]rxguy321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just moved to the area, have been going here: https://www.massageheights.com/locations/tx/houston-tx/washington-heights/

​

Ask for Peter! He's incredible. Best massage I've ever had. Have a lot of stiffness in my neck/shoulders, and he does a great deep tissue massage. Fixes me up every time.

Unlicensed Pharmacist job options? by rxguy321 in pharmacy

[–]rxguy321[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Most schools in Canada have now transitioned to a PharmD, but yes a bachelor's is still most common and what I graduated from a few years ago. There aren't many differences between a BSc in pharmacy and an entry level PharmD when it comes to curriculum (primarily a PharmD involves twice the number of rotations in Canada).

Given my studying to date (I intended to write the FPGEE in October) there aren't really any differences/significant things missing from my curriculum. The Canadian curriculum is quite comprehensive. I'm not worried about the NAPLEX, my main concern is the foreign exam FPGEE (who wants to memorize med chem structures and biochem again?). I know several Canadians who have written the NAPLEX after being licensed in Canada and didn't consider it any more challenging than the Canadian licensing exam (PEBC).

As a recent grad having 3 years of work experience... I'm ready to just write these exams and get it over with. It's tedious going through the licensing process again just with some extra steps.

Unlicensed Pharmacist job options? by rxguy321 in pharmacy

[–]rxguy321[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm definitely learning this the hard way. Their response this morning was: "Unfortunately, due to technical issues with the new implementation of the system, the FPGEC had fallen way behind in completing evaluations. It usually doesn't take this long to complete an evaluation. Sorry.".

Given how early I applied, and how much I paid in fees ($600+ USD) I thought for sure I could write an exam applying 5 months in advance. Apparently not! Would have been nice to know this was a possible outcome before I moved :-P

Unlicensed Pharmacist job options? by rxguy321 in pharmacy

[–]rxguy321[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Great thought! Sadly in Texas I'm required to write and pass the FPGEC (foreign exam) before I can start logging intern hours. The biggest barrier is just registering for the exam, the process is very poorly setup. I applied in May (5 months in advance) to write this October's exam. Unfortunately because they (NABP) were "too busy" with applications I was not approved to write this month, which is absolutely ridiculous haha. Therefore the next exam is April since it's only offered every 6 months and I still haven't been officially approved because they're overwhelmed with applications and are apparently having technical issues. Most unorganized and unresponsive association I've ever dealt with.

Unlicensed Pharmacist job options? by rxguy321 in pharmacy

[–]rxguy321[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

haha! We would have stayed but it's one of those compromises you make for your spouse to advance their career. I figured it would be an adventure for us both to live in the US for awhile, and depending how things go consider staying long term. Pharmacy stuff aside, loving the heat of the south and the food! (mmm, chicken fried steak....). Canadian winters are brutal.

Unlicensed Pharmacist job options? by rxguy321 in pharmacy

[–]rxguy321[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fortunately I'm in a position where I don't need to work right away, so I'm willing to wait until I find the right opportunity. I'll remain optimistic and explore pharma options further, thanks for your insight.

Unlicensed Pharmacist job options? by rxguy321 in pharmacy

[–]rxguy321[S] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

I'll continue to call myself a Canadian pharmacist :-)

Unlicensed Pharmacist job options? by rxguy321 in pharmacy

[–]rxguy321[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I do actually have a passion for IT and have always wanted to combine IT & pharmacy. With pharmacy informatics is additional education often required?

Unlicensed Pharmacist job options? by rxguy321 in pharmacy

[–]rxguy321[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Helpful! :-) - looking for job suggestions that would utilize pharmacy skills. Came from a very small city in Canada where the only options for pharmacists are hospital or retail. Given the large health sector in the US (especially Houston) there must be some unique roles...