Pre-reg in hospital/Community/ independent community?!

Hello everyone!
I need some advice about Pre-reg, as Ive had an offer from an independent pharmacy but they want a response within a week! They offered the same course structure as Boots, but I don't know anyone who chooses to do their pre-reg at an independent pharmacy.

Are there any disadvantages compared to pre-reg at hospital or one of the large chain community pharmacies (eg boots)?
Would future employers be more impressed with those trained at the chains stores than an independent?
Also, what is the average salary of a pre-registration trainee, and what is the starting salary afterwords?

Thanks for your help!! :smile:

Reply 1

Random.Girl

The society has guidelines so people can't force us into accepting an offer until that date (and it's ages off since most community pharmacies are only just starting to have interviews and the hospital deadline hasn't even gone).

I guess one of the disadvantages would be you won't really have contact with any other pre-regs? Both for community with the larger chains and with hospital they have regional days/weekends/weeks where all the pre-regs get together for learning (and having fun :smile:

)

Has this independent done pre-reg places before? If they have ask them what the pre-reg exam pass rate of previous pre-regs has been. If not then personally I wouldn't wanna be the guinea pig so to speak.

I think average pre-reg pay in community is around 16k and for hospital it's set at 18 and something grand (more in London). However community pays better intially once you're qualified.

Reply 2

LadyCoca

Thank you so much for the reply!

Maybe I should inform them of the guidelines? because I should be allowed until october the 6th to make my mind I think, but I'm afraid they might retract the offer.
Also they haven't done any pre-reg training before, but he outlined the course and it sounded really good, although I don't know if I want to take the risk.

If I train at a community pharmacy, but after I qualify I change my mind and want to work in hospital would I be able to do that? Or will I have to stay in the community field forever?

Thanks for your help! :smile:

Reply 3

Jimmocrates

the pre-reg exam is more geared up towards community places so i'm told, but hospital pre-reg pay is around £2-3k more.

I started pre-reg in hospital 3 weeks ago and i'm loving it! :-D

If its still the same as last year, you don't have to accept a place until early october, though when i was asked, it was made to sound more like if i didn't accept the place there and then they'd withdraw the offer. that seems to be where problems lie.