Bad Pharmacy Tech Schools

ImaCPhT in Sacramento, California said: Hi. I am a recent A.S. graduate from Carrington College California, formerly Western Career College in Citrus Heights, California. I have been reading about everyone complaining about how much school costs, how no one wants to have student loans and how easy it is to get hired as a Pharmacy Tech. Now, maybe it is because the majority of you are not from California, but out here, to be hired as a Pharmacy Technician, you MUST attend an ASHP accredited school. There are only a handful of them around out here and all the employers insist on the student having hands-on training/experience BEFORE they become a regular employee.

"Pharm tech teacher" is right...about everything. You DO get what you pay for. I was not thrilled about paying $27,000 for school, but guess what? I payed attention, did what was asked of me, graduated 1st in my class as a mentor AND had perfect attendance. I took the PTCB exam and scored very high. Some places look at the fact that you took the CPhT exam and others do not. As for pay scales, you get paid less to work in retail pharmacies such as Walgreens. It is still a retail environment not matter how you slice it. I saw a few people complaining about how you only get paid $10/hour as a tech and let me assure you, you are wrong...unless you live in the middle of nowhere. In California, a tech at a retail pharmacy can look to make between $15-17/hour. If you get into a hospital pharmacy like me, then you will make between $21-23/hour to start.

Stop complaining about the cost. Education is priceless.

$27000 for pharm tech education is a total rip off.
it's true that a formal education will strengthen your application, but $27000 for a dead-end job is irrational. you may be able to become slightly more specialized, but you aren't going anywhere. you'll be stuck as "pharmacy technician" with a maximum pay of around $30/hour.

i hear other accredited programs going for around $10000 or less, and much less at community colleges. if you were willing to pay $27000 for this, why not just choose nursing instead? all you need is an associate's, and you get a higher starting salary as well as more advancement and employment opportunities.
the average salary of all pharm techs is what? around $37,000 per year in california? the average salary for registered nurses is $85,000 per year. specialized nurses, anesthesiology nurses to be specific, make over $150000 per year. i forget the exact number but they're in the neighborhood.
$27000 for pharm tech education? think again. you did not get what you paid for.

Sounds like in CA it's the certification/license + either the formal training from a school OR hands on experience through volunteering. I have Carrington close to me but it cost $27,000, and laso a community college that offers a certificate program for $1200-it takes 24 weeks-4 days a week for 4 hours.

ImaPhT are you saying in your experience you have found you cannot get hired as a tech without formal training? Will passing the test with a good score + training by volunteering work to get hired in a hospital setting?

weeee in Monrovia, California said: $27000 for pharm tech education is a total rip off.
it's true that a formal education will strengthen your application, but $27000 for a dead-end job is irrational. you may be able to become slightly more specialized, but you aren't going anywhere. you'll be stuck as "pharmacy technician" with a maximum pay of around $30/hour.

Last time I checked, $30/hour isn't dead end. $10/hour is.

Mindy in Pleasant Hill, California said: Sounds like in CA it's the certification/license + either the formal training from a school OR hands on experience through volunteering. I have Carrington close to me but it cost $27,000, and laso a community college that offers a certificate program for $1200-it takes 24 weeks-4 days a week for 4 hours.

ImaPhT are you saying in your experience you have found you cannot get hired as a tech without formal training? Will passing the test with a good score + training by volunteering work to get hired in a hospital setting?

Yes. You have to have formal training. There are some other schools that only offer the certificate, but you only get the basics of what you are learning. You don't learn anything about what the drugs are for and how they affect the body. In my opinion, I'd rather know, to the full extent, what I'm doing and why I'm doing it. If I didn't want to continue on and get my bachelor's degree, I would have gone to a cheap certificate program that barely got my foot in the door. When you apply for your CA state license, it asks you how you qualify. Either you qualify by getting a degree or by completing 240 of HANDS ON training (your externship) or by passing the PTCB. For me, the PTCB was not hard because Carrington over-prepares you. However, there are questions in the exam that have to do with what drug treats what disease and which drugs are beta-blockers and which ones are anti-cholinergenic. There are a lot of places that will not hire you if you do not have your PTCB certificate. A lot of places also want to see that you have a degree. The places that want you to have a degree and be nationally certified through the PTCB will pay more.

weeee in Monrovia, California said: i hear other accredited programs going for around $10000 or less, and much less at community colleges. if you were willing to pay $27000 for this, why not just choose nursing instead? all you need is an associate's, and you get a higher starting salary as well as more advancement and employment opportunities.
the average salary of all pharm techs is what? around $37,000 per year in california? the average salary for registered nurses is $85,000 per year. specialized nurses, anesthesiology nurses to be specific, make over $150000 per year. i forget the exact number but they're in the neighborhood.
$27000 for pharm tech education? think again. you did not get what you paid for.

There are other accredited programs for less, but they are not degree programs. They are only certificate programs. Yes, there are some community colleges that offer the program. Consumnes River College out here in Sacramento offers Pharm Tech. However, you will still have to complete your general ed to receive your degree. Yes, it will be cheaper, but it will also take longer depending on whether or not you have to work and whether or not the classes that you need are available during that particular semester. Trust me, I looked into it and I was not thrilled about the thought of $27,000, but after being laid off for the second time in one year (I was a manager at Office Depot for 6 years, then at Micheals for 1 year), I needed to make a change. I contemplated a nursing program, but like I said, I needed to make a change and waiting for a slot in a nursing program in California takes at least 2 years. There is no guarantee you are getting in because it's a lottery. If you don't get in in 2 years, then you get in by default. Going to a technical school isn't for everyone, but in my case, it was perfect. I got in, did great, got a great job and can move on with my life.

Thanks for all the info Ima... I'm a 48 year old stay at home mom, looking for a way to re-enter the work force now that my youngest is getting older. I need to supplement my husband's income, now that we have two kids in college! I was thinking that studying for and passing the test on my own would be the quickest route, however, it seems you are saying that yes, I will find a job with just the certificate and some volunteer experience, but in the end, the pay is higher if I have the classroom training and even better with the degree. I cannot afford the Carrington program, but the community college has a certificate program that offers the externship and is only 6 months and $1200. Unfortunately I missed the cut off for applications for this year. I guess I'll make some calls this coming week to ask what is really expected at the places I'd like to be working at. Thanks again!

You are very welcome!

Regarding pros and cons of school versus on-line versus no school:
If you're dedicated, motivated and diligent about studying and can understand and complete assignments with little or no explanation, a practice PTCB book is OK. If you are rusty on math skills or need extra help to understand calculations (and there are quite a few !) an actual person is helpful...it should be someone familiar with pharmaceutical calculations.... and they should be available at all times when you are actually studying. Nothing is more frustrating than not having anyone to help when you are trying to study... and don't 'get it' This is where the actual classroom situation is most beneficial. You will learn because you will have assignments and regular quizzes to check your understanding. You will be motivated to complete assignments rather than put off opening a book until you're "in the mood". While I would hesitate to spend 15,000 on a course, one that costs 2000 or so is well worth it. Be careful with the on line courses. Most do not offer an externship, or you may be required to pay your own malpractice insurance. A course with an externship is essential. Many of my students have been hired right at their externship sites. Keep in mind that having an actual instructor will offer invaluable insight as to what a pharmacy tech actually needs to know. You cannot learn sterile technique or pronunciation from a book. My classes set up 'mini' pharmacies and practice with mock prescriptions, both retail and hospital IV type settings. As far as hiring, I would hire someone with classroom experience over someone who read a book and thinks they know it all. My advise would be to find a class and sit in for an hour or two to get a feel for the teacher, or speak to several students (not just 1 ) that are in the class.

Techteacher said it well. Some classes lend themselves well to on-line teaching, pharm tech courses are generally NOT among them. Some schools are worth much more than $2000 BUT if you pay a lot make sure you are getting academic college credit that will transfer to other programs, at least as electives. I just had a 2008 graduate accepted to pharmacy school. Although she still had to take physics, calculus, etc her pharm tech courses were electives. Also, be aware that when you register for the CPHT exam or apply for a job you must be able to pass a Level III BACKGROUND CHECK (Lev III is the most intense). Do not apply for a job if you have lots of piercings, tattooes, etc---bad impression---and know that you cannot wear jewelry, makeup, or fake nails in an IV room. These things limit your chances. And you don't walk into a job as president of the co.

techteacher and pharm tech teacher are absolutely correct! I couldn't have said it any better.

weeee in Monrovia, California said: i hear other accredited programs going for around $10000 or less, and much less at community colleges. if you were willing to pay $27000 for this, why not just choose nursing instead? all you need is an associate's, and you get a higher starting salary as well as more advancement and employment opportunities.
the average salary of all pharm techs is what? around $37,000 per year in california? the average salary for registered nurses is $85,000 per year. specialized nurses, anesthesiology nurses to be specific, make over $150000 per year. i forget the exact number but they're in the neighborhood.
$27000 for pharm tech education? think again. you did not get what you paid for.

I also did not have to pay $27k for my degree. I had the majority of my credits transfer over as well as some grants and I tested out of some classes. So, in the end, mine will cost me less than half. I'm looking at around $10-12k.

Hi everyone,

I need feedback, here is my situation. I am a full-time bookkeeper and I love it but I need supplemental income and decided on Pharmacy Tech. I have my license here in Illinois to train in pharmacy but I don't have much experience. I'd like to apply for on the job training. Has anyone in Chicago done this? Please let me know. What books can I purchase to train for it? What exactly do we need to study concerning technicians?

cpht in Plainfield, Illinois said: Pharmacy tech prep at Pharmacy Rx

www.wiziq.com/tutor-profile/226711-crystal-zamudio

Here's what I found out through tons of research. I am currently studying via an online course for the CPhT exam, and this will be a career change for me. First of all - go to www.ptcb.org and read the requirements for sitting for their examination. This is one of only two acceptable certification boards in the US, and most states require the PTCB certification - check your own state pharmacy board to verify. The PTCB DOES NOT endorse any school or course program - you just need to pass their examination. They do, however, have a list of study materials they recommend. Any of these materials can be obtained at online bookstores. Next, call your state's board of pharmacy, or visit their online website, and verify just what your own state's board requires!!! My state, Arizona, requires PTCB certification (via passing the exam), and then you have to apply for a State CPhT license, which is issued upon providing proof of passing the National PTCB exam - a "pass" letter will suffice as proof, because the PTCB can often take several months to send your certification. It may be helpful to note that the person I spoke to at my State Board of Pharmacy told me that they could not recommended any schools either, but that self-study was perfectly acceptable to them as long as you passed the National PTCB exam!!!

My online course is quite inexpensive, basically the cost of the study materials. I did communicate with several for-profit 'schools', but if you read their fine print, you are offered a completion 'diploma', not any sort of certification, and you STILL have to pass the PTCB exam on your own time and with your own money. Nowhere on my state's application for a CPhT license does it ask you "what school or training program did you attend?" It just asks for proof of HS Diploma or GED, no criminal record, and your PTCB proof of passing their exam.

In addition to what I posted above, here is where I'm at on all of this - I'm halfway through the course, and it is somewhat difficult. I was not taught the metric system in public school so I am having trouble with conversions. Also, I have a pharmacy math tutorial, as I have only used a calculator these past several years, and have forgotten alot of math...also, alot of the material is memorizing, especially the drug names and the sigs. Now for the bad part. I have been following local CPhT job postings for hospital, retail and mail-order pharmacies, and frankly they ALL require at least 1-2 years experience. It's a Catch-22, because you cannot get experience unless you get hired! The 'schools' DO NOT have job placement guarantee - if they say they do make them PROVE IT before you sign any contract. I have tried unsuccessfully to find a "Trainee" position. I did get an interview with a CVS regional training manager (only because I know someone who is a manager at a CVS and he made a few calls for me), but even he told me that they only hire very experienced technicians, that I'd have to start at "the front of store" as a cashier, that they'd loan me as cashier help to the pharmacy on really busy days, and that ultimately I could fill in for tech's on vacation, and then "work my way up" over time. Apparently the pharmacists do not like training anyone, and there are too many certified techs with experience for the jobs to go around anyway. I'm frustrated at this point, but will finish the course and take the exam anyway. Lastly, you have to be agressive because this is all face-to-face "asking to see the store manager" type of job searching. And the hospitals will not let you just come in and apply. You have to do the online app, and hope human resources gives you a call back. And many hospitals will interview you only if you have previous hospital pharmacy experience. Another Catch-22. Before you sign up for any course, read your local pharmacy tech ads!!!!

I would like to give you advise, volunteer at some of the major hospitals in your area and that way you will be getting the experience you need and you can also add that to your resume. Try the Veterans Hospital or County Hospitals where they need additional help.

Don't be discouraged. Pharmacy tech jobs are expected to grow because of the baby boomers in the next 10 years. Hang in there, this profession is here to stay. But please don't take out a hugh loan unless the credits are transferrable to a university. You may want to become a pharmacist and the time and money you spent will be worth it. The pay rate is unfair because of the stressful work involved. If all technicians went on strike they would truly see the importance and value of pharmacy technicians.

ImaCPhT in Sacramento, California said: There are other accredited programs for less, but they are not degree programs. They are only certificate programs. Yes, there are some community colleges that offer the program. Consumnes River College out here in Sacramento offers Pharm Tech. However, you will still have to complete your general ed to receive your degree. Yes, it will be cheaper, but it will also take longer depending on whether or not you have to work and whether or not the classes that you need are available during that particular semester. Trust me, I looked into it and I was not thrilled about the thought of $27,000, but after being laid off for the second time in one year (I was a manager at Office Depot for 6 years, then at Micheals for 1 year), I needed to make a change. I contemplated a nursing program, but like I said, I needed to make a change and waiting for a slot in a nursing program in California takes at least 2 years. There is no guarantee you are getting in because it's a lottery. If you don't get in in 2 years, then you get in by default. Going to a technical school isn't for everyone, but in my case, it was perfect. I got in, did great, got a great job and can move on with my life.

hi i see that you are very knowledgeable in the pharmacy tech process becoming one etc. and i was wondering if i would be able to contact you to get help

I'm sorry, but you are so wrong it's laughable.

I start my training in a Target pharmacy on Friday. I'm not certified in anything. I started working at Target in July as a cashier, and I asked the lead pharmacist to train me. I'm in nursing school (RN - graduate in May) and have recently been accepted to a major Big Ten university's bachelor of pharmaceutical sciences program - I eventually want to get a professional degree, not sure what yet. The point is, I would NEVER pay money to become a pharmacy tech.

Your opinion of nurses is insulting and demeaning. It takes a lot of specialized skill and knowledge to be a nurse. That's why you can't to go to a shady, fly-by-night scam school be get your RN. They also ARE NOT lazy and DO NOT "sleep" on the job.

Trade schools prey on the weak and the stupid. They charge outrageous tuition while making false promises to people dumb enough to believe that yes, they too can support a family as a pharmacy tech or medical assistant making $10/hour, paying back their ridiculous student loans. You wonder why these schools advertise during Maury and Jerry Springer?

P.S., I'm not sure why my computer is saying I live in NY. I live in the Midwest.

You sound really dumb and uneducated by making your comment about trade schools preying on their weak. Not all people who goes to trade schools are dumb. I was accepted into UC Berkeley and decided that I did not want to be a stuffy attorney. I went to Carrington College obtained my AA Degree, and got offered a job right out of school at Stanford Hospital as a pharmacy technician, compounding IV's and medications making $35hr full time(w/o overtime)to start. Now, only two years later I'm a pharmacy technician supervisor making $45hr full time(w/o overtime).So lets see I only owe $10,000 in loans and make approx $5-$10/hr less then a pharmacist who owes back $100,000+ in loans. So you do the math and figure out which school is really getting over. It seems to me you being in a top college is obviously doing you no justice.

ME in Hayward, California said: You sound really dumb and uneducated by making your comment about trade schools preying on their weak. Not all people who goes to trade schools are dumb. I was accepted into UC Berkeley and decided that I did not want to be a stuffy attorney. I went to Carrington College obtained my AA Degree, and got offered a job right out of school at Stanford Hospital as a pharmacy technician, compounding IV's and medications making $35hr full time(w/o overtime)to start. Now, only two years later I'm a pharmacy technician supervisor making $45hr full time(w/o overtime).So lets see I only owe $10,000 in loans and make approx $5-$10/hr less then a pharmacist who owes back $100,000+ in loans. So you do the math and figure out which school is really getting over. It seems to me you being in a top college is obviously doing you no justice.

It is amazing that you were able to find a job immediately.

ME in Hayward, California said: You sound really dumb and uneducated by making your comment about trade schools preying on their weak. Not all people who goes to trade schools are dumb. I was accepted into UC Berkeley and decided that I did not want to be a stuffy attorney. I went to Carrington College obtained my AA Degree, and got offered a job right out of school at Stanford Hospital as a pharmacy technician, compounding IV's and medications making $35hr full time(w/o overtime)to start. Now, only two years later I'm a pharmacy technician supervisor making $45hr full time(w/o overtime).So lets see I only owe $10,000 in loans and make approx $5-$10/hr less then a pharmacist who owes back $100,000+ in loans. So you do the math and figure out which school is really getting over. It seems to me you being in a top college is obviously doing you no justice.

I agree with you 100%. I was accepted to many good universities as well. It's just a personal choice. I was also hired by the hospital I externed at right after school and it's the best decision I've ever made...and I also went to Carrington and earned my AA and was hired full time with overtime and full benefits.

I desperately need some guidance!!!!!
I have searched jobs as a pharmacy technician here in Washington state, but ever single one of those jobs requires experience, certification, or education. I can't get experience as a pharmacy technician without first having a job as one. So here is what I have planned:
****I am going to take some core classes at a community college in Washington, this will take about a year. After those classes are complete, I can apply to the main program however only 9 students are accepted into the program a year! I'm not sure why.
****What I wanna do is get into the program, get a job as a pharmacy technician and use the money to continue going to school. I don't want to be a financial burden to my parents anymore (I am 20). Can someone PLEASE tell me if a $15.00-$21.00 job as a pharmacy technician is enough to pay for college? Is this a plan for failure? PLEASE HELP!

mel2010 in Seattle, Washington said: I desperately need some guidance!!!!!
I have searched jobs as a pharmacy technician here in Washington state, but ever single one of those jobs requires experience, certification, or education. I can't get experience as a pharmacy technician without first having a job as one. So here is what I have planned:
****I am going to take some core classes at a community college in Washington, this will take about a year. After those classes are complete, I can apply to the main program however only 9 students are accepted into the program a year! I'm not sure why.
****What I wanna do is get into the program, get a job as a pharmacy technician and use the money to continue going to school. I don't want to be a financial burden to my parents anymore (I am 20). Can someone PLEASE tell me if a $15.00-$21.00 job as a pharmacy technician is enough to pay for college? Is this a plan for failure? PLEASE HELP!

here in California where there is a higher min wage you can expect to be paid 9-12, Idk where you will find a 15-21 job not even hospitals will start you off at that.

starving in Yorba Linda, California said: here in California where there is a higher min wage you can expect to be paid 9-12, Idk where you will find a 15-21 job not even hospitals will start you off at that.

In Washington State. I got those number from open jobs as a pharmacy technician around where I live.

hoapres in San Mateo, California said: I am skeptical.

Let's see.

You have a chance to go to UC Berkeley Law and decide to go to Carrington College.

Stanford Hospital does not pay pharmacy techs $35 an hour and the pharmacists don't just make an additional $5 to $10 an hour.

Erase the stars between each number
fortress.wa.gov/esd/worksource/ShowJobDetail.aspx?JobID=2*2*5*1*5*8*7&SearchID=4*0*2*0*3*4*0*1*3&Sort=Title&Direction=DESC&PageSize=25&PageIndex=6&RecordCount=3*8*7&Sender=Employment

hoapres in San Mateo, California said: I am reluctant to make the following claim but suspect your plan is a failure. Talk to local hospitals to see what entry level pharmacy technicans are getting paid and also talk to the community college faculty. Pharmacy is a field that is glutted with new graduates that can't find jobs.

I have looked at jobs around where I live. I didn't make up those numbers. If you erase the stars between the numbers in the link below, u can see.

fortress.wa.gov/esd/worksource/ShowJobDetail.aspx?JobID=2*2*5*1*5*8*7&SearchID=4*0*2*0*3*4*0*1*3&Sort=Title&Direction=DESC&PageSize=25&PageIndex=6&RecordCount=3*8*7&Sender=Employment

Well i am really having a hard time deciding if to go to a pharmacy technician course in Cal State Dominguez Hills Community College. Is a really short 50 hour course that meets twice a week and for three hours, its a course that prepares you for the PTCB test and provide hands on training. Furthermore; it is just asking for $1000 for the course that includes books yet sounds to good and too short to full fill a whole course. Will it be a waste of time and money to rely on that certification program and just go to those other school like UEI etc??????

I've briefly researched this plus talk to some people working in some pharmaceuticals. In California, you can never work with drugs if you aren't certified by our state. To be certified, you must pass the State exam. But before you can take the State exam, you must have completed the required school and lab hours backed by school certificates and transcripts. Yes, some people earn $10 to $12/hr working in a Pharmaceutical but not as a pharmacy tech. Those who earn less than $15 are aids or (as I read on previous notes) pharm slaves. Yes you can still work in a pharmaceuticals without experience or certificates but you can never work with medicines. You will be only be labeled as regular worker at the lowest level. So I guess, going to school and slashing some cash to get a diploma is applicable to where I live just because you will go nowhere without it.
Again, this only applies to all California residences as I didn't researched with other states. My statement may or may not apply to other states.

Pharm tech teacher in Saint Catharine, Kentucky said: Lisa,
Don't know what school in Ky you went to, but St. Catharine is the ONLY one in Ky that is accredited by ASHP. This is something it's good to research before you pay tuition. Sounds like you picked the wrong school. We try hard to make sure our students get a thorough undertstanding of the field, and all of them find jobs easily. Good luck.

I am moving to springfield in a few weeks and have been pondering retraining for a new trade. I would like to know where to go to and who to talk about this. Please let me know. Thanks!

lilfergy in Lebanon, Kentucky said: I am moving to springfield in a few weeks and have been pondering retraining for a new trade. I would like to know where to go to and who to talk about this. Please let me know. Thanks!

I am currently in Bowling Green not lebanon.