Pharmacy work exp

10

How bad is it if I don’t manage to get any pharmacy work experience? I can’t find anywhere that would accept under 18 and I’m currently writing my personal statement
(I was originally interested in another course but I switched hence some gaps)

Reply 1

McGinger

20

You don't need it. Universities are very aware that this is difficult to get and it is not essential. You do need an awareness of what Pharmacy practice involves and how it fits into the larger NHS picture. If you have any 'people experience' this is a major plus for answering interview questions about 'difficult people and situations' - retail, hospitality or even volunteering in a charity shop.

Useful resources for MPharm PS and Interviews - The Student Room

Reply 2

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

17

Original post

by astudent789

How bad is it if I don’t manage to get any pharmacy work experience? I can’t find anywhere that would accept under 18 and I’m currently writing my personal statement
(I was originally interested in another course but I switched hence some gaps)

Hi,

Universities understand that it can be difficult to get pharmacy work experience, especially as a student. You don’t need it to apply, so don’t worry. Once you start the MPharm course, there are many opportunities to gain experience through placements in different sectors such as community, hospital, and primary care. These will give you a great insight into what working as a pharmacist is really like.

Hope this helps,

Tayba
Student Rep

Reply 3

De Montfort University

Official Rep

17

Original post

by astudent789

How bad is it if I don’t manage to get any pharmacy work experience? I can’t find anywhere that would accept under 18 and I’m currently writing my personal statement
(I was originally interested in another course but I switched hence some gaps)

Hiya lovely

I wouldnt worry too much a lot of universities understand that it can be really difficult to get pharmacy work experience if you’re under 18. Many placements require you to be 18 for insurance reasons, so admissions tutors won’t expect everyone to have direct experience in a pharmacy.

What you can do is show your genuine interest and understanding of the profession in other ways, having passion for the course you want to take os the most important. For example, in your personal statement you could:

•

Talk about any volunteering or part-time jobs that show transferable skills like communication, teamwork, attention to detail, or responsibility (all key for pharmacy)

•

Reflect on what draws you to pharmacy — e.g., the science behind medicines, the patient-care aspect, or problem-solving in healthcare.

•

If you switched courses recently, you could briefly explain what made you change your mind and how your interests now align with pharmacy.

Basically, focus on motivation, awareness of the role, and relevant skills,that’s what unis really look for if you don’t have direct experience yet. As it showcases your passion for what you want to do, one of the things I included I my own personal statement was my hobby of doing escape rooms, which seems random but it showed my critical thinking skills along with pattern analysis which are important in forensics.
So I wouldn't worry you've got this

Kind regards Aneta PhD Chemistry

Pharmacy work exp

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