PHILIPPINE FPGEE SHARING INFORMATION AND COMMENTS
Hey Everyone! I have shared my story when I passed the test back in Jan this yr. http://abbyandwin.net/blog/2008/01/
I noticed that in most forums they really discouraged forming a group base on race, as reasonable as it is, sometimes we would still want to talk specifically to somebody who we can relate to.
I am dedicating this page for those who will be taking their Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Exam who are Filipino and who would want to share their experience or perhaps for those who may have some inquiries. Feel free to help anybody or blog about your experience. My goal here is not to discriminate rather than to support those who are having difficulty getting information. Hopefully I can help in my own little way as well as those who will be blogging and visiting this site.
I have shared my experience to this site since I myself took the FPGEE too last Dec 2007. We have a group in LA (all Filipino) that help each other to make the review easier. Its not a formal review with a guideline of what to discuss per week but nevertheless it has been most helpful. There are some who made a comment already after I posted my experience back in January, but really the reason why I had that post is chiefly to share how I am feeling at that time I got the result. But now, I am opening this to help our kababayans who will be on the same process.
I am studying now for my TOEFL, hopefully everything will turn out good so I can start my internship already here in CA.
Some Books I suggest you read before taking the test:
1. Comprehensive Pharmacy Review by Leon Shargel- this is a great book but I think it is not enough to use alone for the FPGEE, as the title says this is a review so there may be some topic in which you have to browse to the basics again. But if everything is still fresh on your mind then it would be easier to study this. In my case, I graduated 10 years ago so, there are things that I forgot already that didn’t stop me from my goal of being a pharmacist. So I supplemented other materials for the test.
2. Manan Shroff- I bought the whole set 5 books and cds. I will say that it is a good supplement but start with other material first since there is quite a number of errors in this book. Thus, if you have prepared well already you will be familiar with those irregularities. Generally, there is still a lot you can learn from this book. I know somebody who passed the test, she took a risk and just used this material. The main purpose of her taking the test is just to familiarize herself. Risky but she made it. I wouldn’t suggest it though. It is still better to be prepared in a battle. The Pharmacy Management and Pharmacoeconomics are really important as well for the afternoon part of the test.
3. Dr Dutta Pharmacy review I have never used this, but I have heard good reviews about this because it follows the FPGEE blueprint. So if anybody has used this please share what you think of the book.
I am a person who use book as my security blanket, thats why if I feel what I know is not sufficient enough I borrow books from the library. 10 years of not dealing with the basic pharmacy subjects is a long time, although I am a doctor our study is more on diagnosis and management, in contrast to making a drug work to be used for the diagnosis and treatment. I borrowed several books from the library like Easy Way books of different subject matters, Organic Chemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, and I also got an Immunology book. I bought a separate book for General Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Calculations. I am not saying this step is the right step to partake to be successful in the exam since everyone of us has a different study pattern and habits. I just want everyone to know that even if I am a doctor I still went through the same process as most of the test taker has gone through, back from scratch since I was not expose to the work field of a pharmacist. More or less if you are able to answer the 1000 question and answer from Manan Shroff(80%), it gives you an idea on how far you have gone to your study. Just don’t take the basic subjects for granted cause even if it doesn’t have the same bearing as the major subject has like those of the Phar Cal or Phar Chemistry, everything counts since we don’t know which questions are just being used for evaluation for the next exam.
Good Luck to Everyone who is Taking the test this June 28th!
August 9th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
hi! i’m ann. i graduated bs pharmacy last 2006. since i only have a 4 year curriculum, i am not qualified to take the fpgee since they require a 5 years course. is taking pharmd here in the phils qualify me for the said exam? do you know any options? thanks.
August 12th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Hi Ann! I am not that familiar with your situation although I heard cause one of those who attended the review with us took masteral in a university in Manila said she was rejected by NABP. I also heard that they offer a curriculum somewhere in Cebu maybe in San Carlos, I am not that sure but they said that this was acceptable. That person that I was referring to is currently completing some subjects here in USA so she can sit in for the next test.
I would honestly suggest that you talked to persons who graduated after 2003 since they will be more knowlegable with regards to your situation.
Sorry for the limited info.
Hopefully when I get a chance to meet with the study group again, I will inquire about your case.
October 4th, 2008 at 3:52 am
Hello! You are worry of having 4 year Pharmacy curriculum? Then come to Davao City . One Pharmacy School named: University of Immaculate Conception (UIC) is offering a 1-year Clinical Pharmacy, to add -on your 4 year BS Pharmacy Curriculum in order to qualify the FPGEE requirements.
Hopefully, you can enroll for 2nd Semester or next school year.
WELCOME to Davao City.
October 9th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Hello there, I’m also in the same situatio, having graduated from a 4 year pharmacy course, Is the univeristy of Immaculate Conception a sure thing? Would it really qualify us to sit for the fpgee? Thanks any info would do
December 9th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
hi abby i found your site at testmagic.i really enjoyed reading your blogs.i took my fpgee last december 6 (just few days ago) in chicago. honestly, i had a hard time with it.
December 9th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Thanks Lanie. I hope some info I shared will be of help to you. Actually when I took the test last year, I had a hard time too. All I can think of are the mistakes I made and the difficult questions I encountered. I was pessimistic at first but then I manage to keep my hopes up and expect for the best. Thank God! my prayers and hard work has been answered. Enjoy the holidays and keep hanging in there. God has wonderful plans for each of us
Stay positive!
December 12th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
hi, I’m tina…found your site at test magic.. I have been wanting to take FPGEE for a long time now,, but really worrying for a lot of things…I think I worry too much that i can’t decide what step should I take first…hope you could advice me.. By the way, I am located in the Philippines.
December 13th, 2008 at 1:47 am
Hi Tina! Thanks for visiting our website. First of all I would like to know more things about you, like when you graduated? Are you willing to go through tremendous task for the sake of achieving whatever your goals are? What are your expectations?
This would give me an idea of more or less what will be the best step to take, an advise as a colleague and not an expert
Hope to hear from you soon.
abby
December 16th, 2008 at 3:20 am
I graduated last 1999. I know that it really takes a lot of hardwork and perseverance to passed FPGEE and I am willing to do that. I would like to work in the US and a pharmacist and taking and passing the FPGEE is one of the steps I should take to do it. Hope to hear from you again.. Thanks!
December 17th, 2008 at 12:22 am
I graduated in 1997, then that means you don’t have to worry about the cut-off which is 2003 I think which needs some additional subjects for completion.
There are several review class in Manila where you can enroll for some refresher of the pharma topics but if you are not at ease doing that then you can self-study just like what I did. Although I attended group study on saturdays for most of the week I studied by myself. It’s just that having a group also helps for some support and additional info that you may need.
Another thing that is important to consider is Visa. It is a fact that just because you will be taking FPGEE you will be given a visa. There are some who may be lucky to get one but not everybody will be given due to this. If you will be able to take care of your visa first then that will be one less thing to worry and at least once you started studying you know for sure that you will be able to take the test.
Once you get here and pass, you can then apply for sponsorship offered by some companies though you have to wait for 1-2 yrs I think. I am not so familiar with the whole process since I came with an immigrant status acquired by marriage. But maybe this forum might help you for some additional info http://www.testmagic.com/forums.
Good luck to you. Happy Holidays!
December 24th, 2008 at 6:52 am
Come and join us in our forum http://www.pinoypharmacy.com
February 6th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
hi abby i’m very happy to inform you that i passed the fpgee last december. although my score is not that impressive i’m so happy that i passed. I just want to share with you my happy news and for those who are planning to quit dont just keep on trying. the list that you gave on this website truly helps thank you very much.
March 24th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Hi Abby its me again hope you’ve read my first comment. Anyways Ate your one a kind person such a nice person sharing your info. bout the FPGEE. Ate I would like to know where is that Pilipino organization or review in LA. Keep in touch ate. Hope you can help and also. I found your page at friendster. Hope you can add me up my email is maysej_16@yahoo.com. I can’t add you up your on private. Thanks ate. I’d love to hear from you.
May 17th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Hi, i I have completed Bachelors in Pharmacy in the year 2006 and Masters in Pharmacology from Mumbai University in the year 2008 in INDIA. Currently I am working as Clinical Research Assistant in Dept of Pharmacokinetics in INDIA. I want to work as Pharmacist in USA, but I know that before that I have to complete FPGEC certification of documents and also some education assessment agencies in USA which verifies documents and its grading according to USA system. After that I have to apply and clear FPGEE/TOEFL/NAPLEX/MPJE of respective state and after that applying for with 1500 hrs internship in retail/hospital or clinical settings. I have mailed FPGEE committee regarding this but haven’t found satisfactory reply and suggestions. I want to know actually the individual and total time for clearing all the exams. Have I to join the college again i.e I think if I want to work as pharmacist no need to join the college but if I want PharmD degree then I have to join the college and it is 2.5-3 years course. Also inform me about the fees for all exams completion and their due scheduled dates taken in year. Also would like to know that before getting license of respected state how can I work in pharmacy related area?
Awaiting for suggestive and fruitful information.
May 18th, 2009 at 12:19 am
First, have your credentials evaluated by ECE. As of this year I think the exam now for FPGEE has changed from paper to computer and the month it is given changed too. You can visit their site at http://www.nabp.net for further information regarding the fee and schedule. Now regarding the eligibility honestly I have heard different stories, a colleague of mine who finished in 2005 completed Masters degree to be able to meet the FPGEE requirement. However, she was denied to seat in for the test and was advised to complete some more units here in USA, so it doesn’t matter whether you would want to work as a PharmD or pharmacist the key is they have to approve your credentials to seat in for the test. If you would like to get further info in terms of these experiences I suggest you browse through http://www.testmagic.com, this site has been helpful for those who would want to practice pharmacy here.
Also, regarding your question about pharmacy related area, you can work as a pharmacy technician but you have to be a certified technician. I took their test and I think you will not have a problem passing this. This will be a good exposure while you wait for your certificate or while you wait to be employed as an intern. For the Pharmacy technician test their website is http://www.ptcb.org
Hopefully this will help you. Good luck!
July 10th, 2009 at 10:04 am
hi abby, Good day!
I’m praying to God, asking help to guide me the ways of finding my dreams! I was surfing thru net about how to become a licensed pharmacist in texas and I KNOW GOD SHOWED ME THE WAY! my eyes caught attention on your blog! thank you so much, for the information you’ve share.. i know God make u as instrument to help those confused filipino pharmacist,like ME who wants to practise in US. by the way, I graduated in Southwestern University in Cebu last march 2001.. and Im here in Vancouver,Canada work as a caregiver.. but I really feel my calling of become a pharmacist but to tell you honesty, sometimes, I feel scared and depressed… but i want to try……. i just hope and pray that it will turn good for me! abby, can you advise me what will be the first steps im going to do? do you think im qualified to take FPGEE? thank you som much and hope to hear from you soon… god bless u and ur family!
July 20th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Hi marie! I am glad that my blog has given some birds eye view of what you need or expect to take the FPGEE. I know how you feel I graduated as an MD and right now I am pursuing a path to be a pharmacist. Well its not that bad, its just that you studied and work hard for long time to be in a certain field and you end up being in another. Anyways, God know whats best for us so everything comes in His time. Now going back, the first step that you need to do is have your credentials be evaluated by ECE. By doing this you will know if you are eligible to seat in for the test. In my opinion,you are qualified since you graduated 2001 but of course i am not familiar with your schools curriculum so only ECE will be able to access you qualifications.
Good luck to you. Don’t lose hope and be optimistic, always hope for the best and it will happen.
July 24th, 2009 at 2:25 am
hi abby, sorry for late rply… i got so busy with my work lately.. but, thank you so much! u really an Angel to me.. anyway, i order a reference book today at pharmacy exam.. and to let you know, that there’s a 1 question on the where did you hear pharmacy exam? i answer it on ABBY’S AND WIN’S BLOG! thank you so much for your advise and courage.. god bless you!
July 26th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
Good luck to you Maricel! Hope you will keep us posted. I am happy that I could be of help.
July 27th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Hello Abby,
Thanks for all the wonderful blogs and comments you have on this website. In greater extent, you have helped a lot of foreign educated pharmacist (from PI) understood the process of FPGEE. I my self is from the Philippines and would like to try the FPGEE but i do have a specific situation i wanted to share with you and probably be able to help me understand the possibility of taking the FPGEE.
I graduated in 1992 BS Pharmacy from the Philippines. Back then i am a Filipino citizen but NEVER took the local board exam because i started working overseas back in 1992. At present i am now a naturalized US Citizen and is now thinking of trying the FPGEE. Will i still be required to take the local board in the Philippines or i can apply using the alternative path? PRC told me that due to my present citizenship they will not allow me to sit for the exam but they can issue a letter that says that “i met all the requirements for BS Pharm” except that due to nationality i can’t be licensed in the Philippines.
I will appreciate very much hearing your reply.
Sincerely,
Jerome
jeromeg43@yahoo.com
August 4th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Hi guys, i’m a fresh pharmd graduate from the philippines and i’m qualified to take the FPGEE this oct1, 2009. so for those who are graduates of a 4yr curriculum pharmacy course after 2003, you have a chance to sit for fpgee if you complete the additional 2yr pharmd program.
You may check the newly revised qualifications of FPGEE applicants.
August 6th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Hi Jerome, your case is quite complicated. I will try to read more about their policies or better yet if you are here in USA you can call NABP for clarification. I don’t want to give advise for something I am unsure of. I will get back to you once I run through some information.
Thanks
August 6th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Thanks Toni! Hope this will give hope to those who graduated after 2003 who wants to seat in for FPGEE.
Good luck to you!
August 8th, 2009 at 6:57 am
hey i hav completed my b.pharmacy and even additional one year from nirma university so i hav completed 5 years course curriculum which is require to be eligible for FPGEE exam now my question is…… is there any rule by ECE or NABP that one should have to have the clinical pharmacy subject in there four year b.pharmacy curicullam to be eligible for fpgee however i had that subject in my 5th year so will i be eligible for EPGEE??
August 12th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Hello everyone! I’m Clarise. I took up a 4-year pharmacy course and I graduated on March 2003. I passed the board exam on the same year. I really wanted to take the FPGEE. I then visited a review center in Manila because I heard that they were conducting an orientation every month. I was really excited to enroll for a review. Surprisingly, the speaker of the orientation announced the very frustrating news… that 2003 graduates are no longer qualified to sit for the FPGEE. I went home so disappointed that I didn’t want to hear any news regarding the FPGEE. I am currently employed as a company Pharmacist at a distribution firm. I worked here for 5 years already. I heared the news from a friend that some universities offer a 5 year curriculum in bs pharma. Do you have any information regarding this? I still hope that I’ll be qualified to take the FPGEE. I hope you could help me on this. Thank you very much abby!
August 17th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Hi Clarise read on the blog somebody made a comment about those who graduated past 2003. In my opinion, it is still best to have ECE evaluate your credentials since they know best if you are qualified to seat in for the test.
Good luck!
September 20th, 2009 at 10:20 am
My son is currently taking a 4 year BS in Pharmacy degree in Saint Louis University in Baguio city. Since the FPGEE requires a 5 year degree or PHARMD, we are now looking into the next step. I saw a blog from pinoypharmacy regarding PHARMD in Centro Escolar University and that you can take the FPGEE. So our first thought was for him to transfer to CEU after he graduates the 4 year BS degree to take the additional 2 years to complete his PHARMD. My son met a guest speaker in their school giving information about schools and exams in the Philippines. During their discussion my son had mentioned his plan to transfer to CEU and the speaker told him that from what he knows, people who has gone to CEU and passed have tried to apply the FPGEE were turned down. He’s saying that the U.S. prefers a straight 5 year course transcript and don’t particularly like that of transfers. Can anyone confirm if this is true?
October 10th, 2009 at 12:05 am
sorry for the late reply.
As I have mentioned in my previous blog, I know somebody who took a 4 yr course in one of the university in manila then she heard that San Carlos College in cebu was offering a completion for the 5 yr course. She completed this but was denied to seat in for the FPGEE and was advised to get some units here in USA, which for information she said will cost around $18,000/sem. This does not mean that it will be the same for everybody, since I have been reading for those who graduated in another country even having graduated in the same university was sometimes denied. I honestly do not know the protocol but I am just basing this from what I heard from somebody I know. The reliability of what I read on some post from some websites is another story.
In my opinion it will be the same whether you graduate from a straight course of 5 yrs or 4 course plus completion, what they will look up anyways will be the curriculum being similar to what is required here to practice pharmacy.
Just to share to you too, I am working now as an intern in an independent pharmacy. Once in a while there are some foreign grad substitute in the store, They share their stories saying when they got here they had a hard time passing the FPGEE so then they decided to take up further units which took them another 3 yrs of study here in CA. From what they say the practice of pharmacy here is so different from their country. I personally feel the same way. Pharmacist here are called doctors, at first I was surprised when customers will call our pharmacist “doc”, they deserve the term since they do consult them like doctors. They know the management of disease and they are able to diagnose.
Anyways, I hope someone can share their opinions too or better yet someone who graduated past 2003 and had seat in for the test.
My regards to your family. Visit http://www.testmagic.com, there is a forum there for FPGEE test takers perhaps somebody maybe in the same situation as your son.
Best of luck.
October 14th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Abby, thank you very much for your reply. We’ll keep on researching on this issue to help my son decide on what would be the next step.
October 15th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Hi Abby,
I would like to specifically answer Jerome G.’s inquiry on wether he will be allowed to sit for the FPGEE exam or not. In order for you to sit on the exam first you have to pass the licesure exam because the application will require you to enter the date when your license was issued etc. pls see note below:
6. PHARMACIST LICENSE AND/OR
REGISTRATION
6 A. Was an unrestricted license required to practice
pharmacy? Indicate whether or not an unrestricted
license was required to practice pharmacy in the
country or jurisdiction where your pharmacy degree
in item 5A was earned.
6 B. Was an unrestricted registration required to
practice pharmacy? Indicate whether or not an
unrestricted registration was required to practice
pharmacy in the country or jurisdiction where your
pharmacy degree in item 5A was earned.
6 C. Date license was issued. Enter the month and year
in which your license to practice pharmacy was
issued as indicated in 6A.
6 D. Date registration was issued. Enter the month and
year in which your registration to practice pharmacy
was issued as indicated in 6B.
NABP will evaluate this credentials while the ECE will evaluate your transcript from the University where you earned your Pharmacy Degree. So you need first to Passed the Licensure Exam for you to take the FPGEE.
I would also like to share my experience in the FPGEE Exam last OCT 1, 2009. I am a 1992 BS Pharm graduate and got my License on that same year in the Philippines. From there on I worked as a Medical Rep till we migrated here in Illinois last 2005. I would just like to advise all the future FPGEE takers to be strong on the Basics like Chemistry and Physiology. Also know the different adverse effects of drugs.
I will try to post more next time
Good Luck!
Gabriel
October 15th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Thanks Gabriel! This is exactly what I want, helping each other out. I really appreciate it, I’m sure that your information is valuable to whoever will run to our website. I will be forwarding your email to Jerome.
Best of luck!
October 16th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Hi Abby! Knowing that a lot of Filipinos have passed the FPGEE, really helps. I graduated Pharm in 1993 and went to dental school 2 yrs later. I did not really practice pharmacy so reviewing is not easy. But if your mind is really set on something, it’s not a problem. I’m planning on taking the April 2010 exam. I have all the books I need except for practice and management. Which would you recommend? I plan on buying Remington and Manan books, are they helpful? What about US healthcare? I’m not even familiar with that one. Please let me know. Thank you. and to Gabriel, thanks for the tip.
October 17th, 2009 at 8:35 am
hi abby! i am already a fpgec holder since last april 2008, i am here in the philippines and would like to look for an internship in the US. unfortunately, most of the companies like cvs, walgreens and walmart said that there is no opening yet.
i read here that you will soon start your internship, are you on a working visa? would you know an agency that will help me and those on the same situation as with me regarding this, just like how nurses are being recruited?
hope that you could reply on this. thank you very much.
October 17th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
I know what you mean since I did not practice being a pharmacist too in Phil. For the management I have Manan, is it helpful…in a way it is but most of the question is common sense or more of scenario and what is the appropriate thing to do. Actually, I have no idea if my answers are correct, I feel that there are two other answers and I can justify why choose my answer best.
I did not use Remington, if you have time and you will be more confident taking the test using this material then I think that will be best.
Good luck to you.
October 17th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Congrats to you. I came here(USA) with a green card since I was petitioned by my husband who is a US citizen. All I know are those companies that you mentioned gives sponsorship. You can go to their website and search under career opportunities. I know it may take awhile since there are a lot of applicant. I think it is worth the wait so just submit your applications to the big companies. Mostly retails companies offer this since they run a chain requiring more pharmacist unlike those of the hospitals which only need few pharmacist. So nurses have more offers since each hospitals needs lot of them per department.
I am starting my internship with an independent pharmacy and I am doing this as a volunteer so I do not have an income. I am after the training and what can be learned. Although one of the major retail pharmacy made an offer with a pretty decent salary with sign-in bonus and relocation allowance, unfortunately the location is in central CA where the weather is hotter in summer and colder in winter. Another thing that made me decide to stay here in southern CA is that my husband is based in LA and he might not have job offering in the location being offered. Anyways I will be done by January so I am hoping for more opportunities. Hopefully the recession will be over.
Best of luck to us.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:12 am
Hello mga Kababayan,
Thanks Abby for making this blog. Thanks Gabriel for your advices. I am here in Georgia, been here since 2006. I first took the FPGEE in December 2007 but failed it. I was so discouraged, I used CPR and Morris but I don’t think it helped me at all. Now I am trying to prepare for April 2010. I am using the blueprint as my guide on what to study, I am working in a local hospital here as Pharmacy Tech. and I have Pharmacist friends who let me borrowed their books. I will try again and hope to God I will pass it this time.
I am looking for Pilipino Pharmacist here in GA who are willing to study with me. Who are preparing for FPGEE or maybe already preparing for NAPLEX. Please let me know if you are interested and we can meet once a week. email me at lizgoodroe@ bellsouth.net
many blessings,
Liz
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:40 pm
We may have bumped into each other coz I took the test in dec 07. Good luck to your exam, hopefully you find a study partner
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Hi Abby. Thanks for putting up this wonderful site. I’m just curious about the friend that you’ve mentioned, the one who is not eligible to take the FPGEE. I am one of those who graduated after 2003. I had my transcript evaluated by ECE but never applied to NABP for the exam. I am sure, I’ll get denied so I didn’t want to waste the application fee which I think is non-refundable. Anyway, if you give me more info regarding your friend. Is she in school right now? Will she be eligible to sit for FPGEE eventually? I have been working as a Pharmacy Technician in a hospital here in the East Coast, and I feel that there’s nowhere else to go. I feel stuck and I don’t know what to do. I was wondering, maybe you know, since our equivalency here in the US is B.S. in Pharmaceutical Science, can we work as researchers? If you know somebody who is in the same boat, please let me know. I want to improve myself but I feel that doors are just closing on me. Sorry if I sound too dramatic. Frustrated, maybe. Anyway, thanks for your time, and again your website is awesome. Salamat at ingat.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Heey,
Thankyou for sharing your experience,im sure it helps alot of people.Im planning to sit for april 2010 exam,i read something on ur blog,that you had your greencard prior to the exam,im in the same situation,what i would like to know is,after obtaining your FPGEC certificate,is it easier to get a post for intern for greencard holders? whats the procedure and just a rough estimate on how much do interns earn on hourly basis?
Thanks
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Hi Sakina!
You very much welcome, I think it is an advantage having a green card since it is always being asked when you fill up the application forms. This will mean that less expense for the company since you need not need sponsorship. They have a different route for those who needs a working visa and the contract for them will be different since they have to comply with certain number of years longer than ours. As for how easy it is to find a job, with the recession it is still tough although there are jobs but you have to keep looking and if you are not picky then it will be easier. I did share my story regarding my internship, anyways I mentioned in the blog that one of the bid chain offered me a job somewhere in Central CA- sign on bonus $40k, $42/hr salary and relocation allowance. One of my friend accepted the offer from the same company last year( I was left behind since I got pregnant and stayed home for a year) with $30K sign on bonus and same salary.
It may different in certain areas, higher salaries for those places in need of Pharmacist and of course around the LA areas or the big cities the pay will be less since a lot of interns are looking for jobs. I am not that sure how much they offer around LA. In one of the website, I read that for graduate interns the range of salary is $20-45 depending on the location. Since I am doing a volunteer internship I am not being paid at the moment. As I keep mentioning, at this point my priority is for me to complete my hours so I can take the NAPLEX thus I will have better opportunities (fingers-crossed) when I become a full-pledged pharmacist or doctor
Keep me posted when you become an intern, hope you will share your internship experience as well.
Best of luck.
November 14th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
I’ve read your blog which have been a great blessing to all FPGEE candidates. Best wishes on your Naplex come January 2010. God Bless on all your endeavors ! Take care…
November 15th, 2009 at 2:44 am
Thanks for your kind words. Good luck to you too!