Finishing pharmacy school is a huge accomplishment and probably feels like a big weight off your shoulders. While you can catch up on sleep and binge shows you missed while in school, you can also take productive steps towards the next phase of your pharmacy career! In this blog post, we will discuss 10 important things that you can do once you graduate pharmacy school.
1. Get ready for your career
By the time you graduate, you will most likely have already matched with a residency program or are preparing for your new job, and you’ll be ready to make the transition from student to pharmacist. If you are beginning a residency, many start in July, so you’ll want to get all your pre-employment paperwork and screenings done and prepare your residency research project. Depending on what your practice is, your residency requirements may vary, so be sure to double check your residency needs. ASHP provides a residency guide to help you prepare.
If you are preparing for a new job as a pharmacist, it’s important to maintain and build your professional network. Keep in touch with your peers and professors from school and reach out to new communities in person and via social media using tools like Facebook and LinkedIn groups. Research potential companies that you might work with and make a list of your top employer choices. You may also try reaching out to job recruiters that either work at companies you are interested in or staffing agencies. Research recruiters at companies on your top choices list, and reach out on LinkedIn to make a connection.
2. Schedule your NAPLEX and MPJE exams
It’s important to schedule your North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination® (NAPLEX®) and Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination® (MPJE®) as soon as possible. If you are starting a residency in July, many programs will require you to be licensed within 120 days after your start date, and testing appointments at your preferred location can fill up quickly. Find all the steps to apply for eligibility on our website as well as exam FAQs. Read the Candidate Application Bulletin to get in-depth information on the application and scheduling process. We’ve also compiled a list of tips to successfully schedule your exams on our blog.
3. Take the Pre-NAPLEX and Pre-MPJE
Our practice exams, the Pre-NAPLEX® and Pre-MPJE®, are the only pharmacy licensure practice exams that include real questions from past NABP exams. These practice exams provide a trial run for test day, offering a realistic experience for the official exam. This will prepare you for the exam content and the testing experience. The Pre-NAPLEX and Pre-MPJE are affordable study tools that are highly recommended for all candidates taking the exam for the first time, or for anyone who needs a refresher.
4. Study using your NAPLEX Advantage performance report
NAPLEX Advantage™ is designed specifically for purchasing by colleges of pharmacy to help schools prepare students to take the NAPLEX. If you took the NAPLEX Advantage while in school, you will receive a performance report that includes your overall scaled score as well as a breakdown of your performance across each of the NAPLEX competency areas. The reports are provided for both pass and fail results. The NAPLEX Advantage offers a more detailed report of your performance in each competency area unlike the Pre-NAPLEX, making it a great study tool. Students should focus on the areas that you struggled with, and take note of the areas you did well in. Read the NAPLEX Advantage guide for students for more information.
5. Develop personal study habits for NAPLEX and MPJE
Everyone has different methods of studying for a big exam, no matter what the subject, and studying for the NAPLEX and MPJE is no different. Find methods that work for you, whether that is weekly marathon study sessions or shorter daily study check-ins. Try varied locations and see what works best for you, be it curled up on the couch or in a coffee shop. However you study, schedule it, and hold yourself accountable. Having study buddies can help keep you on track. This could mean having in-person or virtual study sessions, or just having a friend text you a study reminder.
6. Sign up for our NAPLEX email series
We offer a series of emails that includes helpful information about applying and preparing for the NAPLEX exam. Sign up to get these tips and reminders delivered straight to your inbox!
7. Check out the NAPLEX score transfer program
Our NAPLEX score transfer program allows you to transfer your NAPLEX score to additional jurisdictions in which you wish to obtain a license to practice pharmacy. If you’re moving away for a residency or get a position out-of-state, this program is for you. It is easier and more cost effective to purchase a score transfer for any jurisdiction where you may potentially practice than to apply for the Electronic Licensure Transfer Program (eLTP) after practicing for a year. You can purchase the score transfer when you purchase your NAPLEX exam or up to 89 days after taking the test.
Some states do not allow you to score transfer if you plan to obtain your NAPLEX license first (GA, IN, MI), and some states allow longer score transfer periods. Check your state validity period for score transfer purchases.
8. Look into professional liability insurance
Working pharmacists often purchase professional liability insurance to keep themselves protected from potential legal headaches. Even if your company provides this for you, investigate the terms of that policy and see if you’d like to add another personal policy.
9. Join an organization of your peers
There are tons of professional pharmacy organizations out there where you can meet and connect with your peers! Look into joining the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), or associations specific to your field like the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), and your state association.
10. Network, network, network!
Whether you join an association, attend a conference, or just browse LinkedIn, make a point to find likeminded individuals in your field. Being open to meeting new people and discussing your career can lead to new and interesting opportunities. Send a personal thank you note to your preceptors after you graduate for that additional personal touch!