[missrebecca]

I have spent 3 years at university, and I have yet to complete year 2 of my Pharmacy degree. Last year I failed both the original exam and then the resit for Pathology and Chemistry. This year I've managed to pass chemistry, but not pathology. My last chance to resit shall be in 2 weeks time, and I'm exploring my options.

My main goal is to pass this exam, to have at least passed my level 2 pharmacy degree, because then I can dispense (I'm a medicines counter assistant atm, but a dispensing job has opened up in our shop). However, after that I'm stumped.

While I don't like to be a defeatist, the fact remains that come this time next year, I may need to do more resits at the end of level 3 - I may even fail out (an believe me, a person can only fail so many times before it begins affecting their health). At which point I will most likely regret carrying on through level 3 instead of doing what I'm thinking of doing now;
Changing my degree.

But what to? I don't want to move too far away from pharmacy, the course itself is so interesting. But do I really want to spend the next 40 years, standing at the end of a dispensary counter, double checking prescriptions and making sure the right number of tablets are in that box? (because let's be honest, that is what most people with a degree in pharmacy end up doing) And I don't think I can.

I've looked at biomedical science (which looks interesting), pharmacology (which doesn't so much). What I need is advice.

So, if you were in my position, what would you do? Take your chances (if I manage to pass this exam) with the other two years and simply become a pharmacist (because at this point, where my pre-reg is almost guaranteed in the place I work, that would be the easiest option), or do something different?

And if you did something different, but in a similar discipline, what would it be?

[Inspire12]

If you don't mind me asking what uni are u currently at? Personally I think you should go for it, you didn't spend the last two years to quit! Try looking at it from an objective view, imagine if ur not a pharmacist, realistically what do u see yourself doing and would u be happy with that choice in the long run? I think you should give it ur all, pester ur tutors and get them to help you! All the best with ur choices

[Inspire12]

p.s I understand about failing and retakes, I'm the same except im doing my A levels

[missrebecca]

(Original post by Inspire12)
If you don't mind me asking what uni are u currently at? Personally I think you should go for it, you didn't spend the last two years to quit! Try looking at it from an objective view, imagine if ur not a pharmacist, realistically what do u see yourself doing and would u be happy with that choice in the long run? I think you should give it ur all, pester ur tutors and get them to help you! All the best with ur choices

I'm at Sunderland. And retaking exams might be the worse thing, no matter what level you're at (good luck with your A-levels).
See this is what I think, I've already done 2 years, should I simply continue? I don't know, big decisions. But you're definitely right, I need to be happy with whatever I choose in the long run, because it'll be my career path for the next 40 years xD which is a long time to have any regrets.

[hollybanolly]

What made you get into pharmacy is the first place? Then you've got to ask yourself that same question now and if its different then maybe a change is needed as you don't want to be unhappy. Or go for it, there are always loads of careers after the degree besides the traditional dispensing role (I've firmed my offer at Bath for starting this september and I'm having my doubts) It's difficult knowing what to do.

I suppose you have do something you want to do, not what you have to do. You don't have to carry on with the course but do you want to? Its a difficult call, I'm kind of in the same position as you are in a way so you're not alone.