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Hey guys, currently I am 2nd year pharmacy student, and i really dont like pharamacy. The only reason that I am doing it is that it is one of the most stable jobs that are out there. Also the pay is about 80-90k year on average. There is something about law enforcement that is apealing to me, I dont know. I was just wondering what would I have to do in order to become a state trooper in MA. How much is the pay on average, and what kind of hours do cops work usally. Sorry if it in the wrong place in forums. Any information will help, thanks.
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Originally posted by Saj Hey guys, currently I am 2nd year pharmacy student, and i really dont like pharamacy. The only reason that I am doing it is that it is one of the most stable jobs that are out there. Also the pay is about 80-90k year on average. There is something about law enforcement that is apealing to me, I dont know. I was just wondering what would I have to do in order to become a state trooper in MA. How much is the pay on average, and what kind of hours do cops work usally. Sorry if it in the wrong place in forums. Any information will help, thanks.
well the pay will be about $40,000 a year. It is a long process that takes about 2 yrs to be a officer on the street alone. You have to apply then take about 6 tests then go to the academy for about 20weeks. then your in a phase with another officer for about 13 weeks. shifts for new officers are mostly night shift. you might wanna look into something called a reserve officer who is an officer but works on a volunteer basis along with his full time job. If you have anymore questions just let me know.
well since a state trooper is a STATE postition and not FEDERAL...the hiring process and pay rates vary greatly, TN hiring and positions are not necessarily the same in MA.
Your best bet is to figure what state you wanna work for, and go to their website. Some states require a 2 year degree, others dont. All require a diploma or GED.
Usually they will test 2x a year, your placed on a list by your score, and they go through the rest of the steps based on your place on that list and their hiring needs. Most often the next step is the drug/medical test (you must have good uncorrected vision & hearing), then theres a structured interview (where you meet with a board of 3+ past or present supervisors), once you pass that you will likely undergo the background investigation which covers everything from the past 7-10 years...ANY felonies EVER will automatically disqualify your ass (even DUI), and ANY i mean ANY misdemeanors that involve drugs or violence even if they are "off" your record will also disqualify you. They will check your credit, you may also have to do a polygraph and a psychological test.
After youre hired you will be sent to their acadamy within the first year. Youre a cadet for a year or so, then you finally become a trooper and may work independently. Most salaries start between 25-35k a year while youre a cadet (higher if its a more expensive metro like LA), you will get large annual increases every year for the first 5 years.
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I can add nothing more to what these guys have said. Excellent responses guys.
What I want to say is dont let the hiring process scare you off. If you want it, go for it. Being an officer has by far been the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life.
Its not a job, its a way of life.
Plus the chiks dig it!!! hee hee.
Best of luck to you brother, in what ever you decide.
Originally posted by integrals Don't even think about it saj... you need to make that 80k a year
State trooper = you can get shot and have to do work
Pharmasist = Stay behind the counter at CVS and put pills in bottles
now what kinda job do you want?
Pharmasist = BORING!
("i need a refill", "um excuse me sir, where are the condoms?", "sir can you scan this for me, the price fell off", "I need my Hemroid Medication!!!!!!!")
Cop = FUN FILLED ACTION EVERYDAY, FINE ASS HOE.Z COMING UP TO THE CAR, KICKING PEOPLES ASSES, DRIVING FAST WITH LIGHTS AND SIRENS
(saving peoples lives, protecting the innocent, and catching the bad guy, being a hero, playing an active part in your community, etc)
in massachusetts, to become a state trooper, you need to take the state police test, as well as the civil service exam. its quite confusing, and only the highest scoring applicants are considered. if you are looking to make a lot of money, stay with pharmacy. also, massachusetts does not require a polygraph (quite nerve-racking, speaking from experience). your best bet would be to try a local municipality first. do some job shadowing, go for a ride along or two. if you do decide, its worth it, i find it rewarding.
Pharmacy shcool is 6 years in total. The last year is your rotations, kinda like residency, you pay the school to send you to dif work locations. So its only 5 years of actual studies. It is split up into 2+4 years, the first two years are your pre-profesional years in which you take general education classs. The focus is on science, obviously. 1st year is a joke, its basic chemistry and biology throw a little electives in and its done. Second year will be remembered as two words, Organic Chemistry. Its not that it is extremly difficult, but you must remain on top of it at all times. Besides that 2nd year is also a breeze.
3rd year is where it becomes challenging, and 4th year continous it. Medicinal chemistry, pharmacokenitics. 5th year is apllied. Just PM me if u have ?'s.
Considering Law Enforcement Career.. 
Don't even think about it saj... you need to make that 80k a year 
