DO NOT ENROLL IN ANY PHARMACY TECH SCHOOLS!! WASTE OF TIME!!!

I'm a certified pharmacy tech, have more than 4 years experience and I think all of these schools are SCAMS!! Why would you pay thousands of dollars to go to a school when you can get a position without ANY training?? I feel so bad when I watch commercials advertising pharmacy tech programs because they are wasting innocent people's time and money!!

If you want a easy way to get started in pharmacy, do this:

-Go directly to a Walgreens (in person) and tell them you are interested in a position in the pharmacy. Talk to the manager.

-The manager will have you fill out an application on the computer.

-Most likely he will call you a few weeks later. They will not always put you in your desired store and you might be shuffled once or twice.

-Start working in the pharmacy as a cashier.

-If there is no opening in the pharmacy, just work in another department and do an awesome job there. People call out in the pharmacy all the time, so tell the pharmacist beforehand that if people call out, you're willing to cashier. After a few months, you will likely be transferred to the pharmacy. There is a lot of turnover, because most workers are college students who are just waiting to get into pharmacy school.

-When you start working in pharmacy, it will really suck because you will probably get stuck at register for like 4 hours a day. At the same time, you will be doing a lot of training on the computer so it can be very stressful. But....once this training is over (about 2 weeks) it will become really routine and easy.

-After 1 year, Walgreens will pay the $120 to take the PTCB exam and you will get a 50 cent pay raise. But sometimes it is a pain to get the pharmacist to file the documentation. Don't wait for him (like i did), just pay for it out of pocket whenever you feel confident about the exam and you will make up the money after a month.

I started off at $7.80 in 2004 (my first job), then i got up to 10.50, then 11 then finally 12.25.

By the way, pharmacies are really unfair about compensation. I found out a guy who started two years after me was making $13/hr, which was really unfair. They knew I had no choice but to keep working, so they would not give me my raise, which I was due for because I had gotten my certification.

Personally I would only work as a pharmacy tech if I was in college (it's a good way to meet other ppl and you do learn a lot) or if I was pre-pharmacy. I could never imagine doing it as a lifelong career. Even though it was a good job, I wish I worked less hours.

There are many other attractive options in the allied health fields as careers; pharmacy tech is not one of them.

Sidra in West Palm Beach, Florida said: By the way, pharmacies are really unfair about compensation. I found out a guy who started two years after me was making $13/hr, which was really unfair. They knew I had no choice but to keep working, so they would not give me my raise, which I was due for because I had gotten my certification.

Personally I would only work as a pharmacy tech if I was in college (it's a good way to meet other ppl and you do learn a lot) or if I was pre-pharmacy. I could never imagine doing it as a lifelong career. Even though it was a good job, I wish I worked less hours.

There are many other attractive options in the allied health fields as careers; pharmacy tech is not one of them.

You can't honestly make blanket condemnations about all schools because you had a bad experience.

TimothySkowronek420@msn.com in Indianapolis, Indiana said: You can't honestly make blanket condemnations about all schools because you had a bad experience.

They are scams-at least the for profits are. Community colleges are different.

And LOTS of people have had bad experiences in these "schools"

Tracy in Denver, Colorado said: They are scams-at least the for profits are. Community colleges are different.

And LOTS of people have had bad experiences in these "schools"

I agree Tracy, so why do they keep advertising these schools that claim they will train pharmacy technicians then find them a job. It's so bogus, when all you have to do is do your research on the internet.

Did you have any experience whatsoever?

Not all of the schools are scams i just went through one for pharm tech and it was great. My clinical site hired me right on at 13/hr not all are scams.

wizzy in Oneida, Tennessee said: Not all of the schools are scams i just went through one for pharm tech and it was great. My clinical site hired me right on at 13/hr not all are scams.

I am looking for a good pharmacy tech school that will not rip me off. Can You suggest any schools. How doyou feel about on-line courses?

thepharmacyprofessionals.vpweb.com/default.html

check it out, excellent

Did you attend at that school Gina?

try looking at community colleges in your area or vocational technical schools run by your county, not an outside company. votech schools are less expensive and courses usually go for around $450 (that was for a dental assisstant course, i know it's not the same but it is more extensive than pharm. tech.) for a full year of study and the community college in my area costs $800 for pharmacy tech. classes. much less expensive then those other schools and you know it's not a scam.

what is the difference between a pharmacy tech program in a community college and a pharmacy tech program in another kind of college?why are they "scams"? Has anyone ever gone to one,completed it and learned nothing useful?

I'm wondering the same thing.... there is one state college nearby that offers a 10 week course for 995 and then another state college that offers a 7 month course, including an externship for 2695

i was lucky becasue after i got laid off after 23 years of service i was able to go back to school under wia, worker ivestment act. so my 14 week course was free. i didn't pay for my 3 books either. we had a great teacher with 15 people in my class. i loved my class. and i passed the borad test as well as a nha exam. i am not having any luck finding my first job. i am working with the state of ct to find a job.

I would like to bring up the fact that PharmTech schools have more value since the new law that passed this year. I dont know if its national or just here in Florida, but all PharmTechs are required to be licensed and registered with the state within the first 90 days of employment, I believe. Or maybe its before they get hired at all. Anyways, employers aren't going to want to invest money (paid training and exam fees) on someone who just walked in the door and might decide they don't like the job 91 days later. And then go to another pharmacy and get hired with the certifications their previous job paid for. Therefore, most companies require you to already be certified and registered before they even look at your resume. Unless you're really lucky, and know someone who owns a mom and pop pharmacy, you'll have to hit the books like everyone else.

I'm 21. I remember when I was 16 and got my first job at Walgreens I was offered a pharmacy position after 3 months but I declined because they were going to pay me $8.50 when I had a job lined up as a host at Red Lobster for $9. Stupid me, of course back then I didn't know I wanted to pursue a career in pharmacy, I was just a 16 year old trying to make a buck. Back then they told me I would be sent to a 3 day work shop where I would get trained (and get paid for it!), and eventually they would get me certified.

Anyways, back to the present, I've studied for the Pharmacy Tech Certification Exam on my own for the past few months. I basically just went to the library and checked out a study guide and kept returning it and checking it back out. I feel pretty confident about the test, and I'm going to be taking it later this month. It's a lot of memorization of drug types, contraindications, knowing the recommended doses for the most frequently dispensed drugs, etc etc. I'm good at math and chemistry so the parts about ratios, conversions and compounding were a breeze to me. Its hard work but it can be done! It just takes a little dedication and a lot of index cards. Wish me luck!

wizzy in Oneida, Tennessee said: Not all of the schools are scams i just went through one for pharm tech and it was great. My clinical site hired me right on at 13/hr not all are scams.

They are scams, because you dont have to go to school to be a pharmacy technician, all you have to do is take the goverment test, buy a pharmacy tech book and study it then take the test. I didnt pay for 1 day of school and passed the test with flying colors.

...ie. You could have started there making $13 p/h without paying for school

You may know WHAT to do, but not necessarily the WHY. Surely you see that, when entrusted with substances that can cure or harm, more education is preferable to less.

Confuse either going to Pharmacy Tech School or not. The school charging me for $3500(including books and uniform)for a 3 month program. Do you think guys its worth it to enroll. Class will start on May 17, 2010. Want this job but don't know what step guide to go to.

After reading many posts by people on this forum, I have opted out of going to to the Pharmacy Technician class at a local community college. However I would like to know which Pharmacy Technician book I should study?
Delmar's Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Review by Patricia K. Anthony
Or
Mosby's Review for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination
Or another one I don't know of?

Does anyone know what the guidelines are for in Minnesota to become a Pharmacy Tech as well?

Any feedback would be great.

Thanks in advance.

Ralph in Waipahu, Hawaii said: Confuse either going to Pharmacy Tech School or not. The school charging me for $3500(including books and uniform)for a 3 month program. Do you think guys its worth it to enroll. Class will start on May 17, 2010. Want this job but don't know what step guide to go to.

I wouldn't simply because you can go to community colleges for a whole lot less for the same training and preparation for the certification. That is highway robbery to pay $3500 especially if it is coming out of your own pocket. Most employers care less about what school you went to and whether it costed you a fortune.

In reference to past posters: Someone was correct when they stated you can get certified without taking any classes whatsoever. But i think it is wise to take more inexpensive but comparably same if not higher quality and trustworthy courses at a community college if this is your first experience in this sort of field. Pharmacology is nothing to play with and although being a CPhT may not be rocket science to some of you who believe it is a super easy job, it is important for those who aren't familiar to become properly educated and informed in this science....just know you don't have to pay an arm and leg to get certified! Some of these schools are just waiting for anxious people ready to bite the bait.

CAP in Auburndale, Florida said: They are scams, because you dont have to go to school to be a pharmacy technician, all you have to do is take the goverment test, buy a pharmacy tech book and study it then take the test. I didnt pay for 1 day of school and passed the test with flying colors.

You are totally right. One must look up the state's laws and certifications to see what is needed. Each state or region is different. I went to EVEREST in Texas, WORST SCHOOL EVER...First off it was 11g's to go and I had to pay it all in loans. (DO NOT DO THIS UNLESS YOU ARE FOR SURE THIS IS A GOOD SCHOOL)
Second, the teacher was amazing as a person however she was just a pharmacy technician herself and did not go to college. She got hired on by a pharmacy and worked her way up. They say it is easier and helps you prepare for the test. WRONG...The teacher had no idea about basic algebra or college math. We had NO LAB it was a joke. Do not go to those institutes if you want to go to regular college...get an associates if you are wanting a degree and go apply at pharmacies or hospitals. Do not get scammed like me..

Recently I passed the NHA certification test for a Pharmacy Technicianbut, the pharmacy I work for doesn't recognize it as being certified what is the difference between the NHA and the PTCB aren't they both national tests? It cost me over a thousand to get this certification and it doesn't seem like it's worth the paper it's written on.Now they want me to pay more money to take the PTCB I don't think that's right.

wizzy in Oneida, Tennessee said: Not all of the schools are scams i just went through one for pharm tech and it was great. My clinical site hired me right on at 13/hr not all are scams.

Hi..!

Thank you so much for writing this Ive been trying to get this imformation from the books, internet and even this mean pharmacist! but these are the anwser to a lot of the simple, general questions that I had. but i have a question.. starting january 2011 the Florida board is requiring training programs. Iam i required to go to a school now..!? its like 15001 i hope not

thanks again and please write back!

im currently enrolled in a pharmacy tech program that is completely free here in orange county, ca. i am 2 classes away from being done.

i know what you mean by the schools being a scam...you can definitely get trained as a pharmacy tech at one of these community pharmacies..the only thing is for me personally my long term goal is to work in a hospital pharmacy as they get paid wayyyy more than a tech at cvs or walgreens. or even working at a long term care pharmacy mixing iv's etc.

no hospital is going to hire someone with no experience or education credentials.

theres a big difference between cvs/walgreens and working for an actual hospital pharmacy.

hope that info helps..

good luck to all

Hi, im thinking of doing an online program for pharmacy techs with ED2GO. The course is 2000 dollars. is it a good idea?

NOT for 2000

From Florida Dept. of Health website (doh.state.fl.us/mqa/pharmacy/index.html):

* Effective January 1, 2011, any person who wishes to work as a pharmacy technician in the State of Florida must register with the Board of Pharmacy. To register with the Board of Pharmacy, an applicant must submit the following items:

1. Pharmacy Technician Registration Application
2. $105.00 Fee ($50.00 non-refundable application fee, $50.00 registration fee, $5.00 unlicensed application fee)
3. Proof of completion of a board-approved pharmacy technician-training program.

This is on the FAQ for Pharmacy Tech on that same website (doh.state.fl.us/mqa/pharmacy/info_ptfaq.pdf):

Question: Can I work if I am not a registered pharmacy technician in Florida?
Answer: No, pharmacy technicians must be register before starting to work Florida.

I am interested in the pharmacy technition field. I have done my research and my local community college wants to charge me $500 for continuing my education. However, they will not help me find an externship. I like some of the suggestions that were posted on the forum about going to walgreens/target etc. and letting them know that you are interested in this type of field. I also liked the suggestion about just buying the books....but which ones. I need to read everything just to prepare. Can someone tell me what I should be reading?

I also want to know what is the difference between a Pharmacy Technition I and II?

i have been a certified and registered pharmacy technician for over 2 yrs now. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME WITH PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS!! i have NEVER gotten a job, even an interview!...i have searched high and low in desperation i offered my services for free to certain pharmacies as a trainee even though i was already certified , but none will even look at you without any experience...it was a total waste of my time pursuing this career...no one wants to train you.even though you have the credentials....further more, there are no consistent hours working in a pharmacy especially in a retail outlet that is heavily affected by the economy.choose some other trade like EMT which i am now pursuing...im thankful that i did not waste money going to a school, but rather borrowed the book from the libarary and studied on my own before booking the exam...

Maybe it's your region of the country, etc. But obviously, many people get interviews as well as jobs. Just because you didn't doesn't mean it can't happen.

Here in the Hospital system I work at, you have a specialty area (one where you feel you are adept at - mine is Chemo) and you test for that, as well as general knowledge of the duties. I also needed a LOR from a RPh and a Tech.

I am finding it hard to get a PhT job without some kind of formal training. Hospitals will not hardly talk to me after finding out that I have not yet received a formal education in PhT. Some hospitals actually require a Bachelor of Science just to be a Pharmacy tech.

I am looking for a Pharmacy Tech job for almost 6 months. I am certified but the experience I only have is from my externship in a retail and hospital. Employers require a year or more to get hired. It's sad at times thinking that you have gone to school and be certified but no company wants to hire you because you lack experience.

Chriszzw30 in Moreno Valley, California said: Did you attend at that school Gina?

I go there currently and so far so good the teacher sonia is nice and her brother is very helpful too

Eddie in Chino, California said: What school was it that you went to. I currently looking for a pharm tech school.

thepharmacyprofessionals.com (AND they have payment plans and it's only saturday school)

I didnt go there but know the teacher and yes she is excellent.

hi guys I already got a book to study pharmacy tech at home. But after I read your comments I don't know what should I do? Do you guys thilnk I should take a test?

No. I think it is a waste of time. Plus, you do not make enough money to live on the salary. Try medical billing and coding at CareerStep online school. I was quoted 2,800.00 and they use great things to help you remember and memorize everything. Believe me, I went to school for teaching, so I learned the many ways and tools that can be used to help people learn.

aprillynd in Cranford, New Jersey said: No. I think it is a waste of time. Plus, you do not make enough money to live on the salary. Try medical billing and coding at CareerStep online school. I was quoted 2,800.00 and they use great things to help you remember and memorize everything. Believe me, I went to school for teaching, so I learned the many ways and tools that can be used to help people learn.

thanks a lot. I will research for careerstep school. thanks for your comment.

i sent over 2 hrs tryng to search a school that would offer a phar tech training for 3 months cuz i'm in school but cnt find any...any recommendations?

hey im about to be starting pharmacy tech school and now that i read all this i kind of think its a scam because my school has a 8 month program which includes an externship and the cost of the whole thing with books and 2 uniforms included is 14,000 somethin.. that is A lOT considering you guys talking about 2,000 for however long. should i go ahead and do this because i could do it for the working in the hospital part since in alabama you can work at a pharmacy with no experience.

That is too much money! I suggest that you do more research on many other schools. For Pharmacy tech, you can do self study and then take the exam yourself. The books can be found in your local library or if you feel that you want to own them, you can buy them. I would suggest that if you still want to go to school, investigate a school called CareerStep.com , I did and was plesantly suprised at the cost of their courses because I was quoted at Sanford Brown the same amount you were, but Career step, which is an online school that I would highly recommend, only quoted me $2,800 with a holiday break sale and 3,000 without. They are not expensive and I have spoken to a former student who was able to get a job as a Medical Transcriptionist. If you are dead set to become a Pharmacy Technition you must also do your research on the salary information. There are many other professions in the medical field that make so much more money. The hard part is actually getting the job once you have passed the test. Most hospitals require an Associates degree or a Bacholars Degree, so do alot more information gathering on the places where you want to be employed and the schools you are interested in. You do not have to spend that much money to get educated because they only care about the $$$$$$! and not you as a student. A local community college will cost you so much less too! If you are unemployed, your unemployment office will send you back to school for free. Do your research on the state aide programs in your state if you do no make enough money as well. My friend is going through TANF in Maine which if you work less than 18 hours, you get your schooling for free. If your state has something like that, you need to find out.

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.

ok well ive been lookin/ and asking around from everyone/nd every school in my city and around South florida but all of them are tryin to charge these ridiculous prices, (like a couple grand !! And for us certain people that really dont have too much money that could do a fast program or A way easier training program that culd b so much cheaper!! well can yu plz reply and help me out with some info... i live in West Palm Beach, Florida and i was gunna see if yu could find me one of them programs, or the few day training centers so plz reply back ive been going at this for a year now....!!!
Thank you: Anthony.S

so i could go to my local college to become a pharmacy technician?

You could, but it would be a waste of time. You need to be aware of the fact that the schools are after one thing only and that is your money. Try getting a job in a pharmacy first as a clerk/cashier and indicate your interest in learning. You should self educate on the terminology used. Get this at your local library. If you want to be a pharmacy tech, make sure you do your research first because most places want you to have a degree like a BA or a Assoc. Hospitals really want these. YOu could also volentier in a hospital as well. Most of all, RESEARCH is key to not paying too much money for a program that it is difficult to get a job in.