The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 267 No 7174 710-713
17 November 2001

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Letters to the Editor

Pharmacy education

Unusual route into the profession

From Mr G. P. Bunn, MRPharmS

Like Beverley Stephens (PJ, 15 September, p349) I, too, had an unusual route into the profession. I had obtained my pharmacy technician's qualifications and also had a Higher National Certificate in chemistry. Together with 12 years in hospital pharmacy, three "O"-levels and no "A"-levels I applied to all the pharmacy schools in England. Only one invited me for interview. Only one admissions administrator had the courage and the confidence to offer me a place. My family and I owe my career and success to that admissions administrator. In 1985, I moved with my family to restart my education at the then Brighton Polytechnic. No, it was not easy to bring up a young family, study, work and support them. Yes, I did retake one examination but I knew when I entered that examination room for the second time that there was nothing going to stop me passing, and I did.

I graduated with all the other students in 1989 and entered the pharmaceutical industry. Today, I own my own business as an independent consultant to the pharmaceutical industry in the United States.

Potential students who believe pharmacy is the career for them should not hold back in applying for places even if they do not have all the required qualifications. They should consider gaining experience before applying.

Graham Bunn
Berwyn, Pennsylvania

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