Nursing careers in Pharmacology?!

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I posted a similar thread in the Research Nursing forum but was hoping to get more of a students' perspective so I can start to plan out the next steps of my education.

I'm in my 2nd semester of an ASN program at a respected CC. I have a good GPA and generally enjoy school. I took Pharmacology last semester and absolutely LOVED it - and I think I was one of the only ones in my class who got an A. I loved the research aspects of it enjoyed learning about the different classes of drugs. I've always loved and excelled in science classes and labs.

Are there are any realistic careers for RNs in the field of Pharmaceutical study or Pharm research? I'm planning on getting a BSN right after I get my RN, but I'm a little confused about the MS option. Would I need one? If so, would I be better off getting one in nursing, or one in chemistry or biology? This is something that I'm really passionate about, and would love to pursue if it's possible! I'm still young (early 20s), so I have the time to really dedicate my future career to something that I really like.

Thanks for your input.

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN

2,139 Posts

You could be a drug peddler or a pharm tech rather easily. You could go to pharmacy school if you took the prereqs since you say you excel at science. You could pursue study in pharmacology at the graduatte level and be a pharmacologist.

FreudianSlip

41 Posts

Specializes in Behavioral Health.

Good for you that you've found something you love! Now, about making a practical buck off that...

As an ADN...nope. As a BSN...maybe you could get your foot in the door with a Pharm company as a rep (Sales), but not likely these days and it doesn't sound like what your interested in.

As an MSN/PhD/or DNP...yes, research is definitely an option...although with all that education, perhaps becoming a PharmD would make more sense (non-nursing) and be more appealing.

Honestly, if you are committed to nursing, I highly recommend that you focus on your nursing career and gaining valuable work experience once you graduate to help guide where you truly want to evolve.

Good luck!

ErinRN2B

315 Posts

Oh, I definitely plan on working for a few years after I get my RN to gain experience. A MS program in Pharmacology sounds interesting - I'll research it. Thanks!

coast2coast

379 Posts

If you really want an MS in pharmacology, do some major research into that now. You will need to take many more advanced science courses (& research experience) than your BSN requires.

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN

2,139 Posts

You could be a drug peddler or a pharm tech rather easily. You could go to pharmacy school if you took the prereqs since you say you excel at science. You could pursue study in pharmacology at the graduatte level and be a pharmacologist.

*graduate*

Typing on a Droid. Geesh.

ErinRN2B

315 Posts

The local University nearest to me, Purdue (I can walk there from my house) has a really good Pharmacology grad program that I spent a while researching online tonight. Their minimum requirements are a BS degree with basic Chemistry and Biology taken and passed with a B or above, and transcripts of GRE scores. The focus of their program is on drug development and research which is the part of pharm that really interests me more than being a pharmacist or a sales rep. My dad actually works in academic advising at Purdue so maybe I'll have a chat with him later this week...

Also - don't get me wrong, nursing is something that I am passionate about, and it is my career choice for right now and several years to come. I worked hard to get into my RN program. I'm also a young mom and wife, so having a stable job with a good income and insurance are important.

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN

2,139 Posts

Also - don't get me wrong, nursing is something that I am passionate about, and it is my career choice for right now and several years to come. I worked hard to get into my RN program. I'm also a young mom and wife, so having a stable job with a good income and insurance are important.

Well, just remember you don't owe it to anyone to be a nurse. I've walked into a career before only to have a better one become interesting and fall in my lap out of the blue. I followed up on it too and did well. I certainly never thought I'd throw it away and go to nursing school, lol.

chobi

11 Posts

I'm curious to know how things turned out for you. I just recently completed an MS in applied pharmacology degree while working as a BSN RN at a local hospital in Jamaica. I have been a nurse since 2013.

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