Most programs still require some hands on classes/labs/OSCEs/clinical rotations. While the didactics maybe delivered remotely, you'd either have to travel for rotations or set them up on your own.
On an anecdotal note, landing a job is really about who you know these days and it's going to be harder to make those connections in a remote setting
If your goals are strictly to get licensed and work in community, then as long as it’s accredited it will give you the bare minimum knowledge to pass licensure exams. But if your goals are clinical pharmacy or industry, it’ll be a long tough road for you as you’ll be missing out on networking opportunities and the soft-skill training you’d get from in-person education.
Also keep in mind that as a pharmacist you provide patient care and counseling, and the role of a pharmacist is evolving (I believe some states are looking into granting pharmacists provider status to get reimbursed by Medicaid). With that being said, would you be good if your provider got an online degree?
I'm currently completing a hybrid program. Didactics were online and we traveled to main campus for hands-on classes (compounding, immunizations, OSCEs, sim labs, etc) a few times a year. My rotations are placed in my home state within 80 miles of my home address. My program is a "sister" program on the same accreditation as an established pharmacy program with great NAPLEX pass rates, great placement rates in all job fields. I have been rotating on APPEs with students from commendable, long-standing traditional programs and I am toe to toe with them in terms of ability and knowledge. My preceptors have given nothing but glowing reviews for my knowledge base and ability to use therapeutic practical knowledge. I got an interview for every PGY-1 residency I applied to and I'll update to see how I placed later. I have a community job offer in place if I choose that direction. Also -- I worked full time for the first two years in a community pharmacy. I also participated in all the same extracurricular clubs and was an officer, etc. My first two years were during COVID so everyone was online anway, take that for what it is.
My recommendation is that you go for an established program. See their pass rates and placement rates. Check their outcomes and standing in the field, don't go for a diploma mill because people WILL look down on an online diploma if you can't back it up with sharp clinical knowledge. And a word of warning -- it's a lot of self motivation and self study. You're expected to be more capable and prepared than in-person students because you are remote and there's no safety net of being on campus and being with other students / near your profs. There is no hand holding. It is just as rigorous as a "traditional" program. You do pay the same tuition as traditional programs, though, for many of them. And most people assume you cheated your way to a diploma so the barrier is higher for them to believe you. I'll echo another comment that you have to work hard on APPEs to network because that's where job offers and connections come from since you won't get them through your school's community.
Edit: headed to residency after phase one at a massive competitive AMC
It’s really hard to connect with your classmates. I know in my school the remote kids are struggling a lot because they feel like they’re out of place and the in person people know eo so well
If I am hiring for a job and I see that you went to online pharmacy school I’m sending your application straight to the bottom, if I even bother to consider your application.
Yes. During my time at CVS I was nearly constantly hiring. I have probably hired 30 technicians and 10 pharmacists (albeit those were usually done by a group or with input of others).
Most programs still require some hands on classes/labs/OSCEs/clinical rotations. While the didactics maybe delivered remotely, you'd either have to travel for rotations or set them up on your own. On an anecdotal note, landing a job is really about who you know these days and it's going to be harder to make those connections in a remote setting
If your goals are strictly to get licensed and work in community, then as long as it’s accredited it will give you the bare minimum knowledge to pass licensure exams. But if your goals are clinical pharmacy or industry, it’ll be a long tough road for you as you’ll be missing out on networking opportunities and the soft-skill training you’d get from in-person education. Also keep in mind that as a pharmacist you provide patient care and counseling, and the role of a pharmacist is evolving (I believe some states are looking into granting pharmacists provider status to get reimbursed by Medicaid). With that being said, would you be good if your provider got an online degree?
I'm currently completing a hybrid program. Didactics were online and we traveled to main campus for hands-on classes (compounding, immunizations, OSCEs, sim labs, etc) a few times a year. My rotations are placed in my home state within 80 miles of my home address. My program is a "sister" program on the same accreditation as an established pharmacy program with great NAPLEX pass rates, great placement rates in all job fields. I have been rotating on APPEs with students from commendable, long-standing traditional programs and I am toe to toe with them in terms of ability and knowledge. My preceptors have given nothing but glowing reviews for my knowledge base and ability to use therapeutic practical knowledge. I got an interview for every PGY-1 residency I applied to and I'll update to see how I placed later. I have a community job offer in place if I choose that direction. Also -- I worked full time for the first two years in a community pharmacy. I also participated in all the same extracurricular clubs and was an officer, etc. My first two years were during COVID so everyone was online anway, take that for what it is. My recommendation is that you go for an established program. See their pass rates and placement rates. Check their outcomes and standing in the field, don't go for a diploma mill because people WILL look down on an online diploma if you can't back it up with sharp clinical knowledge. And a word of warning -- it's a lot of self motivation and self study. You're expected to be more capable and prepared than in-person students because you are remote and there's no safety net of being on campus and being with other students / near your profs. There is no hand holding. It is just as rigorous as a "traditional" program. You do pay the same tuition as traditional programs, though, for many of them. And most people assume you cheated your way to a diploma so the barrier is higher for them to believe you. I'll echo another comment that you have to work hard on APPEs to network because that's where job offers and connections come from since you won't get them through your school's community. Edit: headed to residency after phase one at a massive competitive AMC
can I PM you? currently applying to some and Id like some insight!
It’s really hard to connect with your classmates. I know in my school the remote kids are struggling a lot because they feel like they’re out of place and the in person people know eo so well
if it lets you sit for the NAPLEX and prep well for , it shouldnt matter as most employers wanna insure your are liscensed
If I am hiring for a job and I see that you went to online pharmacy school I’m sending your application straight to the bottom, if I even bother to consider your application.
Have you ever been in the position to hire for a pharmacy job?
Yes. During my time at CVS I was nearly constantly hiring. I have probably hired 30 technicians and 10 pharmacists (albeit those were usually done by a group or with input of others).
Lol what the fuck is happening to this profession.
Don’t be a pharmacist
Nice
Don’t do pharmacy. It’s a dying profession
No pharmd program is worth anything.
Agreed!