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BPSA - worth joining?
Hi,
I'm a first year undergraduate. I had a talk today from our BPSA reps encouraging us to join. We've had so many different organisations plugging their membership that I don't know which are worth it and which aren't.
Does anyone have any experience of BPSA - past or present? Was it worth joining?
Thanks in advance for any advice
I'm a first year undergraduate. I had a talk today from our BPSA reps encouraging us to join. We've had so many different organisations plugging their membership that I don't know which are worth it and which aren't.
Does anyone have any experience of BPSA - past or present? Was it worth joining?
Thanks in advance for any advice
Scroll to see replies
Reply 1
i dont think it worth joining, especially i have to pay to get the membership. you get points by going to their functions and lectures, if you managed to collect a certain number of points they will issue you a certificate, which for me is useless. also for the points you collected, it will reset back to zero by the time you moved to the next academic year. ie say you collect 4 points in 1st yr and you dont have enough points to get the cert, by the time you reach 2nd yr, your points will be reset to zero. so all your hard work in 1st yr just wasted. you may have time to go to their functions and event in 1st yr, but by the time you get to 2nd, 3rd and 4th year, you will hardly get anytime to do anything apart from studying if you want to get a decent grade in pharmacy. btw all my potential employers never ask me anything about bpsa cert or anything related to bpsa.
i think British pharmacy conference (BPC) is more worth going than joining bpsa. bpc is a conference that happen every year for pharmacist. google it or check pj.
i think British pharmacy conference (BPC) is more worth going than joining bpsa. bpc is a conference that happen every year for pharmacist. google it or check pj.
Reply 2
10
Doesn't really do much for you at all. Most of the publications etc you can get free anyway online!
Reply 3
Brilliant - thanks for your help
Reply 4
recneps
Doesn't really do much for you at all. Most of the publications etc you can get free anyway online!
So what really is a good thing to do to make a pharmacy undergraduates CV look better?
Reply 5
Leilah
So what really is a good thing to do to make a pharmacy undergraduates CV look better?
work experience, lots of lots of them and put them all in CV. doesn't have to be pharmacy related as long as it shows you have skills like teamwork, communication etc
apply from summer placement @ pharmacy or hosp every summer
Reply 6
10
when it comes to a pre-reg application, the interviewer is going to be looking what experience you've had, not whether you were a member of a society!Reply 7
When can you start to apply for a placement in summer '08?
Reply 8
BPSA is excellent!! I've been a member since last year - 25 quid for 5 years membership with which you get great pharmacy contacts, a biannual magazine, a fabulous website that my friend designed and professional insurance for when you are in a pharmacy (including your pre-reg year) ...
I've been to a conference at JMU, the BPSA day in Manchester and went to the BPC Student Day (£5 is a bargain for entry - you get lots of freebies and great info on pre-reg and summer placements). There is also a week long amazing conference every year - in 2008 its in Kingston University (London)
The scheme you mentioned is the PDP scheme. Basically over the course of an academic year if you earn i think 5 PDP points you get a certficate. Its a great start to CPD which is mandatory for Pharmacists. Points are awarded for attending the conferences and for doing the PDP exercises in the Future Pharmacist magazine.
You might not think an interviewer will look but when we graduate there will be a ton of students vying for each post and little things like BPSA can make the difference. I'd also stress that its not a Student Union society its an actual professional society for students backed by the RPSGB.
I'd definately recommended joining!!
I've been to a conference at JMU, the BPSA day in Manchester and went to the BPC Student Day (£5 is a bargain for entry - you get lots of freebies and great info on pre-reg and summer placements). There is also a week long amazing conference every year - in 2008 its in Kingston University (London)
The scheme you mentioned is the PDP scheme. Basically over the course of an academic year if you earn i think 5 PDP points you get a certficate. Its a great start to CPD which is mandatory for Pharmacists. Points are awarded for attending the conferences and for doing the PDP exercises in the Future Pharmacist magazine.
You might not think an interviewer will look but when we graduate there will be a ton of students vying for each post and little things like BPSA can make the difference. I'd also stress that its not a Student Union society its an actual professional society for students backed by the RPSGB.
I'd definately recommended joining!!
Reply 9
I think BPSA is definitely worth joining!!! I've been a member since my first year and I'm now starting my fourth year - I have got so much out of it!
A few people have mentioned the Professional Development Certificate (PDC) Scheme - this is the BPSA's version of CPD for students. It is really easy to get a certificate (just collect 5 points) and you can get one in each year - THEY ARE NOT WORTHLESS!
I have just got my preregistration place sorted for next year and the fact that I have been an active member of BPSA has definitely helped! Employers recognise the BPSA as the official student's branch of the RPSGB (the people you have to register with when you graduate) so they DO take notice when they see it on your CV. Not only that, but it shows that you are aware of Continued Professional Development. As a first year this may seem really irrelevent to you but it is never too soon to start adding things to your CV that will help you in the future - in fact, the sooner the better!
BPSA events are a great way to meet new people, get involved in educational events outside of your degree, and have some fun in the process! I have been to two BPSA Annual Conferences (Bradford 2006 and Manchester 2007) and I can honestly say that they have been amazing!! And I'm sure that Kingston 2008 will more than live up to expectations! Only BPSA members can attend the Annual Conference and you get SO much out of going! It is a week long event full to the brim with debates, workshops, speakers, presentations; but there are also amazing social events every night! Ranging from fancy dress parties and pub crawls, to an RPSGB reception (with a four course meal) and the Annual BPSA Ball! You will also make friends that you will have for the rest of your life - Pharmacy is a VERY small world - and in my case I even met my boyfriend through the BPSA!
The Area Conferences are a great way to learn more about interesting topics and meet people from Schools of Pharmacy near you, and they are usually really affordable, with reduced rates for members; sometimes even free!
The BPSA also run some great competitions with really good prizes (can be cash, chances to go to international pharmacy events, or free places to their Annual Conference) and you get a PDC point just for entering each one! The competitions are suitable for people from first through to fourth year - I've taken part in them from my first year and have never found them difficult.
On a more serious note, the BPSA are also there to support you throughout your degree so if you have any issues they are there to help you deal with them! Either through pointing you in the right direction and signposting you to people who can help, or directly by voicing your opinions in front of loads of really important people in the world of pharmacy! At the Annual Conference you get the chance to put forward motions which are debated and if delegates vote in favour of them, they become BPSA policy, which they have to act on!
Basically, I think it is really worth getting involved! They are not just a "student club" they are an official student's association - the equivalent of the NUS but just for pharmacy students! For those of you that don't think it's worth while, maybe you haven't made the effort to attend events so you don't feel that you have got anything out of your membership! If you make the effort to get involved you will easily get your money's worth and a lot more!
If you're still not convinced, take a look at their website (www.bpsa.co.uk) and get in touch with them - they are really friendly and approachable so will be happy to answer any questions that you have!
A few people have mentioned the Professional Development Certificate (PDC) Scheme - this is the BPSA's version of CPD for students. It is really easy to get a certificate (just collect 5 points) and you can get one in each year - THEY ARE NOT WORTHLESS!
I have just got my preregistration place sorted for next year and the fact that I have been an active member of BPSA has definitely helped! Employers recognise the BPSA as the official student's branch of the RPSGB (the people you have to register with when you graduate) so they DO take notice when they see it on your CV. Not only that, but it shows that you are aware of Continued Professional Development. As a first year this may seem really irrelevent to you but it is never too soon to start adding things to your CV that will help you in the future - in fact, the sooner the better!BPSA events are a great way to meet new people, get involved in educational events outside of your degree, and have some fun in the process! I have been to two BPSA Annual Conferences (Bradford 2006 and Manchester 2007) and I can honestly say that they have been amazing!! And I'm sure that Kingston 2008 will more than live up to expectations! Only BPSA members can attend the Annual Conference and you get SO much out of going! It is a week long event full to the brim with debates, workshops, speakers, presentations; but there are also amazing social events every night! Ranging from fancy dress parties and pub crawls, to an RPSGB reception (with a four course meal) and the Annual BPSA Ball! You will also make friends that you will have for the rest of your life - Pharmacy is a VERY small world - and in my case I even met my boyfriend through the BPSA!
The Area Conferences are a great way to learn more about interesting topics and meet people from Schools of Pharmacy near you, and they are usually really affordable, with reduced rates for members; sometimes even free!
The BPSA also run some great competitions with really good prizes (can be cash, chances to go to international pharmacy events, or free places to their Annual Conference) and you get a PDC point just for entering each one! The competitions are suitable for people from first through to fourth year - I've taken part in them from my first year and have never found them difficult.
On a more serious note, the BPSA are also there to support you throughout your degree so if you have any issues they are there to help you deal with them! Either through pointing you in the right direction and signposting you to people who can help, or directly by voicing your opinions in front of loads of really important people in the world of pharmacy! At the Annual Conference you get the chance to put forward motions which are debated and if delegates vote in favour of them, they become BPSA policy, which they have to act on!
Basically, I think it is really worth getting involved! They are not just a "student club" they are an official student's association - the equivalent of the NUS but just for pharmacy students! For those of you that don't think it's worth while, maybe you haven't made the effort to attend events so you don't feel that you have got anything out of your membership! If you make the effort to get involved you will easily get your money's worth and a lot more!
If you're still not convinced, take a look at their website (www.bpsa.co.uk) and get in touch with them - they are really friendly and approachable so will be happy to answer any questions that you have!
Reply 10
pharmacy contacts and a biannual magazine...? how come I dont get any of this? I paid for my membership and has been going to their events...
btw, you dont have to be a BPSA member to go to the BPC Student Day (£5 for entry)..
btw, you dont have to be a BPSA member to go to the BPC Student Day (£5 for entry)..
Reply 11
booboopoo
pharmacy contacts and a biannual magazine...? how come I dont get any of this? I paid for my membership and has been going to their events...
btw, you dont have to be a BPSA member to go to the BPC Student Day (£5 for entry)..
btw, you dont have to be a BPSA member to go to the BPC Student Day (£5 for entry)..
The publications are delivered to the school of pharmacy and are usually handed out by your BPSA rep. And you can get contacts from the BPSA by asking the exec to put you in contact wth people as and when you need it!
Reply 12
It really is not worth joining...firstly, I paid £25 for 5 years membership and I have not even received a single email off them, no letters, no nothing...every now and then I hear about conferences but I am usually too busy to go to them anyway so they are useless...the points system appears to be a load of rubbish...I and im sure most other people do not need to "prepare" to simply carry out the sufficient number of CPDs each year when I do get out of uni...I am a fourth year and I go to cardiff uni...I can certainly say that at Cardiff, the biannual magazine is actually available to ALL STUDENTS and not just BPSA members because the magazines are just dumped outside the lecture theatre with barely a whisper to anyone that they are actually out!...finally, I would like to point out that I know people who are highly active members of BPSA and they do not get good grades in their degree. When you consider that a good mark in your degree is more important than showing that you're an active member of some rubbish student society, I think I know what I would do...DONT JOIN BPSA!
Reply 13
Thanks for your help pharmacystudent1. I sent off a cheque for £25 to join the BPSA back in October but it was during the postal strikes and I'm pretty sure they didn't receive it because the money hasn't gone out of my account. But a few months on, I'm kinda glad they didn't get it and, in hindsight, I don't think I'll send another cheque.
Reply 14
About the work experience thing...It is beneficial to have some good work experience but I was speaking to a hospital pharmacist from a hospital in London who recruits pharmacy students for pre-reg the other day. She told me that alot of employers dont base too much on your work experience as I was told all that shows is that you know how to follow a pharmacist around. Likewise with exam grades she said when you get good grades all that shows is that you can cram for exams. She said as long as you pass and can show that you have an interest in your career you will do well.
The BPSA has alot to offer. Like most things in life you get out of it what you put in.
I went on the BPSA Student Exchange Programme to Egypt last summer and I worked in a pharmacy out there for a month. I can honestly say that it was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had! It gave me the chance to travel on my own and be independant and i met some amazing people out there as well. It also gave me the chance to see how pharmacy works internationally and I learned alot.
The Annual Conference is an awesome way to meet pharmacy students from all over the country as well as prospective employers. It is alot of fun and very educational as it combines social stuff with the ever-changing aspects of the pharmacy world that we dont really learn about untill we qualify. Pharmacy is going through loads of big changes right now and as the pharmacists of the future, how our careers are shaped is up to us. The BPSA give students a chance to voice their opinions on what they want from their futue society.
The conferences organised by the BPSA are a great way to put you in contact with people you might otherwise not get a chance to meet such as specialist pharmacists or industrial pharmacists and from my experience they are always very helpful and will answer as many questions as they can.
At the end of the day some people feel that all they need to do well is good grades but in my experience, talking to prospective employers and telling them about BPSA events I have attended definately interests them. It shows that you have an active interest in pharmacy and that you have a certain ambition to get out there and learn more about pharmacy than just what is given to you in your degree. Plus you meet some very inspirational people who have achieved so much with their careers.
The BPSA has alot to offer. Like most things in life you get out of it what you put in.
I went on the BPSA Student Exchange Programme to Egypt last summer and I worked in a pharmacy out there for a month. I can honestly say that it was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had! It gave me the chance to travel on my own and be independant and i met some amazing people out there as well. It also gave me the chance to see how pharmacy works internationally and I learned alot.
The Annual Conference is an awesome way to meet pharmacy students from all over the country as well as prospective employers. It is alot of fun and very educational as it combines social stuff with the ever-changing aspects of the pharmacy world that we dont really learn about untill we qualify. Pharmacy is going through loads of big changes right now and as the pharmacists of the future, how our careers are shaped is up to us. The BPSA give students a chance to voice their opinions on what they want from their futue society.
The conferences organised by the BPSA are a great way to put you in contact with people you might otherwise not get a chance to meet such as specialist pharmacists or industrial pharmacists and from my experience they are always very helpful and will answer as many questions as they can.
At the end of the day some people feel that all they need to do well is good grades but in my experience, talking to prospective employers and telling them about BPSA events I have attended definately interests them. It shows that you have an active interest in pharmacy and that you have a certain ambition to get out there and learn more about pharmacy than just what is given to you in your degree. Plus you meet some very inspirational people who have achieved so much with their careers.
Reply 15
Hi there. I've payed my £25 to BPSA 5 years ago and I've found it an invaluable experience. I've met influential members of the profeesion and it also made me realise how hard CPD actually is and doing the BPSA scheme it helped me get my head round it.
The no emails thing is because BPSA can't actually send you emails direct unless you agree to it so they use the reps. This is obviously less than ideal so if you want to get emails contact the it officer or the exec direct and I've done so in the [ast and they're more than willing to help.
Pharmacy is not about getting good grades. As a prereg I got a 2:2 and there is no difference between me and my collegues with a first. Grades just show you can do exams the bit that matters is prereg and BPSA do great prereg conferences which are only open to members. the first one really helped me get my head round the performance standards and I'm looking forward to the second one about the exam itself.
As for annual conference its where we do a lot of influencing. everything that is said at conference by members gets passed back to society who endevour to help the exec to help you guys.
In my experience BPSA you have to put some effort into - a pain I know - but the awards surpass the effort you put in. I'd give it a chance I know I'm glad I did
The no emails thing is because BPSA can't actually send you emails direct unless you agree to it so they use the reps. This is obviously less than ideal so if you want to get emails contact the it officer or the exec direct and I've done so in the [ast and they're more than willing to help.
Pharmacy is not about getting good grades. As a prereg I got a 2:2 and there is no difference between me and my collegues with a first. Grades just show you can do exams the bit that matters is prereg and BPSA do great prereg conferences which are only open to members. the first one really helped me get my head round the performance standards and I'm looking forward to the second one about the exam itself.
As for annual conference its where we do a lot of influencing. everything that is said at conference by members gets passed back to society who endevour to help the exec to help you guys.
In my experience BPSA you have to put some effort into - a pain I know - but the awards surpass the effort you put in. I'd give it a chance I know I'm glad I did
Reply 16
I just wanted to agree with everything that roohil and hallswdm have said. I'm in my fourth year now and although my predicted grades are not wonderful I got a hospital prereg place without any problems at all. I can honestly say that this was due to the work experience I have carried out and the BPSA activities that I have taken part in. The questions that I was asked in all of my interviews were usually unrelated to the degree. I did a calculations paper for one interview but everything else was based on my knowledge of the pharmacy world.
I was able to talk about everything I was asked and could prove that I knew what was going on in the world of pharmacy by telling them about the BPSA conferences I have been to. Issues that were raised included the White Paper, pharmacy 2020, medicines management and clinical governance. All issues that have been discussed at Area Conferences and Annual Conferences that I have been to.
Not only did I get a place with ease, but from speaking to one of the pharmacists who interviewed me at the hospital where I will be doing my prereg, he told me that they had to fight over me with one of the other hospitals in the same region. I think that just goes to show that GOOD GRADES ARE CERTAINLY NOT EVERYTHING!
GETTING INVOLVED AND HAVING AN INTEREST IN THE PHARMACY PROFESSION GOES A LONG WAY.
I will be going to Annual Conference 2008 in Kingston and I'm looking forward to discussing the issues that matter to me such as the future of the RPSGB and also changes to the pharmacy degree. You get out what you put in to the BPSA. If you can't be bothered to go to Area Conferences or enter the competitions then you are not going to learn anything, but if you do then the sky's the limit!
Through the BPSA I have met some of the most inspirational and amazing people that you could ever hope to meet. They have achieved so much in their careers and this is usually due to their involvement in the BPSA as a student. Not only that, but i have made friends across the UK and know that if I ever need advice or just a chat about anything related to pharmacy, there are so many people that I can call on who have already been there!
I was able to talk about everything I was asked and could prove that I knew what was going on in the world of pharmacy by telling them about the BPSA conferences I have been to. Issues that were raised included the White Paper, pharmacy 2020, medicines management and clinical governance. All issues that have been discussed at Area Conferences and Annual Conferences that I have been to.
Not only did I get a place with ease, but from speaking to one of the pharmacists who interviewed me at the hospital where I will be doing my prereg, he told me that they had to fight over me with one of the other hospitals in the same region. I think that just goes to show that GOOD GRADES ARE CERTAINLY NOT EVERYTHING!
GETTING INVOLVED AND HAVING AN INTEREST IN THE PHARMACY PROFESSION GOES A LONG WAY.
I will be going to Annual Conference 2008 in Kingston and I'm looking forward to discussing the issues that matter to me such as the future of the RPSGB and also changes to the pharmacy degree. You get out what you put in to the BPSA. If you can't be bothered to go to Area Conferences or enter the competitions then you are not going to learn anything, but if you do then the sky's the limit!
Through the BPSA I have met some of the most inspirational and amazing people that you could ever hope to meet. They have achieved so much in their careers and this is usually due to their involvement in the BPSA as a student. Not only that, but i have made friends across the UK and know that if I ever need advice or just a chat about anything related to pharmacy, there are so many people that I can call on who have already been there!
Reply 17
I have to say Jodie makes some excellent points.
Working as a pre-reg I speak to lots of locums some who don't like BPSA and others that do. Those who don't have commented that the first few days as a pharmacist are difficult especially on your own. I know that throught the BPSA I have some very good friends I can ring if there is anything I'm unsure of when I get to that point.
Working as a pre-reg I speak to lots of locums some who don't like BPSA and others that do. Those who don't have commented that the first few days as a pharmacist are difficult especially on your own. I know that throught the BPSA I have some very good friends I can ring if there is anything I'm unsure of when I get to that point.
Reply 18
Hi,
If you're still not convinced, why not pay the £10 one-year membership fee and come to BPSA Annual Conference in Kingston 24th-30th March 2008. There are still a few places available and you can find out more on the website conference.bpsa.co.uk or by emailing the Conference Organisers at [email protected].
I'm convinced that once you've been to one you will realise why the BPSA is worth joining and how worthwhile it is to be a member!
If you're still not convinced, why not pay the £10 one-year membership fee and come to BPSA Annual Conference in Kingston 24th-30th March 2008. There are still a few places available and you can find out more on the website conference.bpsa.co.uk or by emailing the Conference Organisers at [email protected].
I'm convinced that once you've been to one you will realise why the BPSA is worth joining and how worthwhile it is to be a member!
Reply 19
I didn't join and I turned out perfectly fine!
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