The Three Step Blueprint for Pharmacy School Success
Entering pharmacy school without a clear strategy can be a recipe for failure. I know this because it happened to me. Initially, I underestimated the challenges and assumed I could rely on my undergraduate habits to get through pharmacy school. However, reality hit hard when I failed my first exam. Determined to become a pharmacist, I decided to create a strategy to turn things around, and it worked wonders. Now, I am sharing my 3-step strategy for pharmacy student success, along with valuable resources to help you reach your pharmacy goals.
Step 1: Create a Solid Study Strategy
A successful study strategy is the cornerstone of pharmacy school triumph. The key is to identify how you learn best and which study methods resonate with you. Consider whether videos, note-taking, group studying, or individual sessions suit your learning style. Additionally, assess whether you thrive in public spaces or prefer studying at home. Experiment with different approaches and pinpoint the most effective and enjoyable ones for you.
When crafting your study strategy, tailor it to individual courses or topics. For instance, use flashcards for memorizing top drugs, practice problems for calculations and law, and videos for grasping pharmacology concepts. Don't hesitate to seek advice from former students about their study strategies for specific classes. This can be a great starting point for you in your search for the perfect study strategy!
Now, I can’t move on to the next step without providing your with a few resources to help you on your pharmacy journey!
Here are a few study tools that I recommend:
Picmonic: learn through story telling videos, mnemonics, and quiz questions. You can get 30% off when you use my link!
Memory Pharm Top 200 Drugs Coloring Book: learn your top 200 drugs the fun way by coloring your way through the list!
Memory Pharm Antibiotics Coloring Book: it’s not easy to learn your bugs and drugs. The exercises and coloring pages within this book make learning this concept fun and easy.
Quizlet: create electronic flashcards and quizzes for any of your classes.
Pyrls: download the app or desktop extension to get access to pharmacotherapy reviews as well as medication charts and tablets.
TL;DR Pharmacy: get access to medication cheat sheets and cheeky blog posts about some of the most complicated topics in pharmacy such as vancomycin dosing, critical topics and more.
Asana: stay organized and create templates with all the steps for repeated activities.
Step 2: Gain Practical Experience
Working in a pharmacy while in school is invaluable. Practical experience enables you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios, providing a deeper understanding of the profession. Explore different pharmacy settings based on your career goals, such as:
Acute Care Residency Track: Secure a position in a hospital setting.
Ambulatory Care: Find a pharmacy with ample patient counseling and vaccination opportunities.
Industry Bound: Consider investigational drug service tech or industry-based internships.
Taking on leadership roles through pharmacy organization during your pharmacy school experience is another way to develop essential skills and build connections.
Step 3: Self-Care is Key
A packed schedule with classes, study sessions, work, and leadership roles can be overwhelming. To thrive in pharmacy school, prioritize self-care. Neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and negatively impact your performance. Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night to stay mentally sharp.
Establish morning and evening routines to maximize productivity and create a sense of balance in your day. Be intentional about scheduling self-care activities, and remember that taking a break to enjoy life occasionally is essential for overall well-being.
Achieving success in pharmacy school requires a well-thought-out strategy and a commitment to self-improvement. By following this 3-step blueprint, you can optimize your study habits, gain practical experience, and prioritize self-care, setting yourself up for success in your pharmacy career.
Remember, it's not just about getting perfect grades; it's about building a foundation for a fulfilling and rewarding professional life. So, embrace the journey, learn from your experiences, and keep living your happy pharm life. For more self-care ideas, don't forget to grab the free self-care ideas ebook.
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