Meet Marieli Ruiz Cortés, a third-year PharmD candidate at the University of Puerto Rico School of Pharmacy.

Crossing the finish line of the PharmD program means you stand at the crossroads of your career and it’s time to sign that shiny new job offer. But hold on, future pharmacist, there’s more beneath the surface than just the salary figure.

Making the leap from student to new practitioner is exciting—and expensive. The transition can feel like a financial whirlwind, where one-time expenses hit and income is unpredictable, creating a perfect storm of financial stress. But there’s good news: With proper planning, you can ease the burden and set yourself up for financial success.

Meet Gracie Manis, a final-year PharmD candidate at South College School of Pharmacy. 

As 2025 is here, my heart is filled with excitement and gratitude. I am on the brink of a major milestone: graduating in May with my PharmD and Master of Public Health degrees.