job market for licensed pharmacists??

[bioengineering]

Dear friends,
I have been looking for a job as a pharmacy intern since the last 8 months but with no luck. I already have a H1B visa with my current employer. So all I require is a transfer of my current H1B visa.
My question is: if I finish my internship hours working voluntarily, pass NAPLEX and MPJE and become a licensed pharmacist, will it be easier getting a job? I mean how is the job market for licensed pharmacists if they require H1B sponsorship??
Any reply would be highly appreciated.
Thanks

[Laura.pharm]

It will increase your chances but not by 100%. Undoubtedly, pharmacy chains are more interested in pharmacists, however, you still need an employer to carry on your H1B.
Do you mind me asking how did you get an H1B Visa if you are looking for intern job? In my best understanding employer ( company) should provide you with job if they sponsor you.

[bioengineering]

I have got a PhD from US and working as a Scientist....my current employer had sponsored my H1B Visa....so if I join a pharmacy chain ( change employer), I need a transfer of my current H1B.....

[Laura.pharm]

ok, make sense

[Actinomycin]

Hey bioeng,
I would recommend you first work (volunteer part time) as an intern for a few days before giving up your scientist position. I really doubt you would like working at a pharmacy..of course unless you have lost your job or its a big jump in pay..

[bioengineering]

Hey Actinomycin,
Thank you so much for the reply...am bored with research........have started working voluntarily as an intern....could you please provide any info on how is the job market for a licensed pharmacist???? same as a pharmacy intern or better??

[shalu_enigma]

Hello Bioeng,

The job market is definitely better for a Pharmacist as compared to an intern.
I struggled to get an intern job and just couldn't find one because of the large number of hours which the state required.
I finally landed up doing voluntary work just to finish my hours.
I am positive that getting a job as a pharmacist is going to be way easier than getting an intern job, as these days companies prefer pharmacist rather than interns.
thanks.

[levann]

hi bioengineering,i have done also my (1000) hours of internship for new jersey and i am about to send my application for ATT,but i have been told by the board that i might not be qualified to take the NAPLEX and MPJE since i need an H1b sponsor,do you have any information if it is necessary to have work authorization to take the naplex or MPJE for nj.thanks

[bioengineering]

Hi Levann,
It doesn't make sense to me that somebody who is already in USA legally would require a H1B sponsor in order to be qualified to take the NAPLEX and MPJE. I didn't find any such info in any website. Are u sure what u are saying is correct?

[levann]

thank you bioengineering for replying.i am on h4 visa but i don't have a work authorization,i volunteered for my 1000 hours internship,so i need an h1b sponsor,when i called the nj board to send in my application the women ask me if i have a work authorization and i said no,but i said that i have a ss number,and she said that i might not be qualified to register for Naplex and mpje,but as i go through the forums i see a lot of peoples are taking the naplex and mpje then getting an sponsor for h1b,i don't know if u have any information about this.thanks againg