Pharmacy Tech online school

sam in Hanford, California said: if you are going to cancelle, I would do it before you get to far into the program. I just got done with module 5, and Penn Foster told me that if I cancelled I would still have to pay the whole amount. So I might as well finish it. The reason I was considering cancelling is because I do not get the math part of the course. I do not understand the formulas. I heard the state test has 40% math on it. So Im a little worried.

Sam,
There's a book called, math for meds. I'm in nursing school, and it's been helpful. I used to be afraid of math. But don't give up!!!

Regina in Lititz, Pennsylvania said: Sam,
There's a book called, math for meds. I'm in nursing school, and it's been helpful. I used to be afraid of math. But don't give up!!!

Math for Meds has got to be the greatest book for figuring the math out! The book basically takes you back to square one and walks you through so that you can feel comfortable.

Tank you Regina, where did you purchase the book?

You can find the book at Barnes and Nobles. But I ordered mine through Amazon.com

Steve in Atlanta, Georgia said: Hi,

I am interested in becoming a Pharmacy Tech and would like to study online.
Could anybody please recommend a good school, I don't want to spend my money on some scam school.
Thank you very much.

Steve

I found one online for $300 plus another $130 to take the exam at a testing center. I've been researching the pharm tech openings, and most companies are requesting a diploma and certification.
Here's the link:
virtualinstitute.coursehost.com/engine/Authentication/Registration/StudReg.asp?inv=1&pcode=&LID=2&ky=OvCKfcAGn0dnQTZhgoL_Y5omF3TO6qWu

Some schools are asking $800-$1500. I'm going to this school a try.

Regina in Lititz, Pennsylvania said: I found one online for $300 plus another $130 to take the exam at a testing center. I've been researching the pharm tech openings, and most companies are requesting a diploma and certification.
Here's the link:

Some schools are asking $800-$1500. I'm going to this school a try.

Say goodbye to your $$$. for what this industry pays, its not worth spending a dime on anything other then a cheap book, and going to some cheap unaccredited school or taking some online class will not give you an edge over anyone experianced that is also applying for the job.

Regina in Lititz, Pennsylvania said: I found one online for $300 plus another $130 to take the exam at a testing center. I've been researching the pharm tech openings, and most companies are requesting a diploma and certification.
Here's the link:
virtualinstitute.coursehost.com/engine/Authentication/Registration/StudReg.asp?inv=1&pcode=&LID=2&ky=OvCKfcAGn0dnQTZhgoL_Y5omF3TO6qWu

Some schools are asking $800-$1500. I'm going to this school a try.

Hey Regina,

Did you try this school out yet? The Virtual Institute of Pharmacy Technology?

No, I haven't yet. I also looked up sterilesolutions.com and they're asking $150. It seems it's more of a prep for the test. And from what I've been reading in this forum is that's all you need to take the test. I also found a sample of the test on techlectures.com

I have this book, and I have found an error regarding how many inches into the Laminar Flow Hood a tech should be working. I am now wondering what else is wrong with this book. What errors did you find?

Emma in Mountain View, California said: You really shouldn't spend the money to go to school unless you're going for a 2-year AA. Pharmacy Technician roles are expanding and eventually just a technical diploma won't cut it.

If you want to get a simple "job" as a pharmacy tech, it IS hard, even if you have school under your belt.

Everything, and I repeat EVERYTHING you need is in the Noah Reifman certification review book. Look for that book online, study it, takes notes, and sign up for your PTCE.

The PTCE is taken at various exam centers in your city. It costs about $120.00 to take it. You can find info at ptcb.org

Some states allow you to get licensed when you provide proof that you passed the PTCE and have become a Nationally Ceritified pharmacy technician or CPhT (which is what the PTCB is in the business of doing)

The Mosby's books aren't that great - they're full of errors, and when you're a pharmacy tech you can't be making errors like that left and right.

Most of the other books I've heard are full of errors too - the Reifman book is the only one that's ever been practically flawless. Get the most recent edition, 2007 or 2008.

Where do you go for the AA degree? Any reputible online schools? I already have college credits. I did see some pharm tech jobs in PA for $20/hr on Careerbuilder.com
I know Kelly temp agenicies hire techs in MD and PA.

Ive been trying to find books to look over for the pharm. tech. exam...so far people have mentioned:

Math for Meds
Noah Reifman Certification Review Book
Delmar Pharm. Tech. Certification Exam Review
Consise Review

Everytime I look up a book, someone is saying it isn't good and they suggest another and so forth. I am coming back into school after 3 yr. break so I need the "Everything you need to know about Pharmacy Tech for Dummies Review Book"...lol. Please help!!

Thank you Regina for your find. Your comments and been very helpful as I am also looking into the PT course. The 300 dollar course sounds great to me. Wish you all much success in your endeavors.

Thank you and the same to you!

John in Eden Prairie, Minnesota said: If you really think about, you can buy a used pharmacy book online for $25-30. This site charges you a lot for a book and email support, big deal...find a free phamacy tech forum/group, and get all the support for free...do not give money to these sites, or waste $10,000 going to school. buy a decent used pharmacy tech book online, and study the hell out of math formulas...

Does anyone know if this is true for California?

I have been an X-ray Tech for 15 years, and hurt myself on the job over a year ago so I am needing a new career. I know the pay won't be comparable, but to be an x-ray tech, I had to go to an accredited school, prior to taking any exams. Any help you can provide would be great, thanks

Stacy in Turlock, California said: Does anyone know if this is true for California?

I have been an X-ray Tech for 15 years, and hurt myself on the job over a year ago so I am needing a new career. I know the pay won't be comparable, but to be an x-ray tech, I had to go to an accredited school, prior to taking any exams. Any help you can provide would be great, thanks

listen to what you are saying..you hurt yourself in an x-ray career, and you want to move into a career where there is a lot more movement involved?

Hi. I enrolled in a Pharmacy Technician class at one of our local hospitals and successfully passed it. I took and passed the State exam for Pharmacy Technicians in 2003. I was never employed as a Certified Pharmacy Technician, because of family obligations. My certification expired in 2005. After being a full-time mom for so many years, I am now determined to 'get a life of my own!' Lol. I have just come across a job opening at Walgreens and it sounds like they train on the job and help you gain certification. I'm pretty sure after all this time, I will need to retake the certification exam. I live in Indiana...jfyi. Has anyone out there been hired by Walgreens and completed their training to become certified? Thanks so much.

Nanette said: Hi. I enrolled in a Pharmacy Technician class at one of our local hospitals and successfully passed it. I took and passed the State exam for Pharmacy Technicians in 2003. I was never employed as a Certified Pharmacy Technician, because of family obligations. My certification expired in 2005. After being a full-time mom for so many years, I am now determined to 'get a life of my own!' Lol. I have just come across a job opening at Walgreens and it sounds like they train on the job and help you gain certification. I'm pretty sure after all this time, I will need to retake the certification exam. I live in Indiana...jfyi. Has anyone out there been hired by Walgreens and completed their training to become certified? Thanks so much.

I am sure they have. I have applied for walgreens many times without even a return phone call...just because they train does not mean they will hire you..i have applied many times...more then likely, they hire experiance techs, and they train you on their systems...some people think just because they say they train, then they train everyone, and that may not be true...

Hey, I'm currently taking the Pharmacy Tech course online at Gatlineducation.com through a local university here. The program is great because its self-paced and if needed they allow additional time after 6 months to complete it. I have yet to do my rotations and will go on to take the PTCB ( sooo nervous about that especially if 40% of the exam is math here in Cali as sam above mentioned.). Anyway, if you're interested in a very good comprehensive online course, please inquire about Gatlineducation. Good Luck. :)

Right now i am doing my pre-reqs for pharmacy shcool i finish my AA in science within the next 5 months so does that mean I dont have to go to pharmacy school or my pharmacy schooling will be shorter if I went?

stacy in Seattle, Washington said: Right now i am doing my pre-reqs for pharmacy shcool i finish my AA in science within the next 5 months so does that mean I dont have to go to pharmacy school or my pharmacy schooling will be shorter if I went?

I do not think so..your AA degree in science has nothing to do with becoming a pharmacist...I am not sure why you are asking this now..if you are already attending, then you should have already had a consult with your school advisors...they will tell you what you can transfer, and what will not transfer.. if you are going to an accredited school...

i recently took the exam and got my certification.
i thought that was all i needed to do to become a pharmacy technician (get certified) but while searing through the net, i realized that i have to register to get a license is that true? if so how do i register? thank you

congrats ...how was the exam ?.which book u studied for the exam ..math or pharmocolgy questions more in exam ?
thanks

vinu in Torrance, California said: congrats ...how was the exam ?.which book u studied for the exam ..math or pharmocolgy questions more in exam ?
thanks

from what i remember quesetions were mostly based on laws and regulations in terms of assisting pharmacist, maintaining medication/inventory control, and pharmacy practices. there aren't alot of pharmacology questions to affect you greatly.

How many questions were on the test?

I'm preparing to enroll in Remington College. Sure, I COULD pay $132 for 3 textbooks from Amazon to become a do it yourself pharmacy tech but what about actually gaining valuable experience with the externship program they offer? Externships can lead to employment. Some of you make it sound so easy to just buy a book and WOW! you can become a pharmacy tech overnight. Seriously doubt it. Do they have do it yourself MD books out there?

A pharmacy techinican is not like becoming a medical doctor unless you want to be a pharmacist. This forum is here to help people and avoid paying thousands of dollars for programs that people just don't have. No matter where you get a job, the company will train the way the corporation wants to.

VRose in Belle Glade, Florida said: listen to what you are saying..you hurt yourself in an x-ray career, and you want to move into a career where there is a lot more movement involved?

vrose you most hate everything about being a pt you never say anything helpfull, its all discouraging

mary in Modesto, California said: vrose you most hate everything about being a pt you never say anything helpfull, its all discouraging

I will tell you the truth, I am sorry, I am not here to please you or make you feel good about yourself. Some jobs may accommadate someone with limited movement or even a disability, but a fast paced pharamcy, or even a slow one, should they really have too? weather you like it not, its reality and a lot of liable questions behind this, and im nothing to waste my time on this any futher.

Sue in Pueblo, Colorado said: I'm preparing to enroll in Remington College. Sure, I COULD pay $132 for 3 textbooks from Amazon to become a do it yourself pharmacy tech but what about actually gaining valuable experience with the externship program they offer? Externships can lead to employment. Some of you make it sound so easy to just buy a book and WOW! you can become a pharmacy tech overnight. Seriously doubt it. Do they have do it yourself MD books out there?

Externships do not guarantee jobs. if the place you going to extern has no openings then I suggest you continue your extern on a volunteer basis' until you actually find work, or you will be left sitting at home doing nothing, then again you could be hired. I know I was not hired after my externship because there were no openings, and it was over a year before I found someone to hire me.

I take the test in New York on dec. 4th. I am so nervous been working as a tech at wal-mart for almost 2 yrs. They will only give me a 50 cent raise if I pass but I am planning on applying at other places and hope. any hints on what I should prior to the exam? or know of any places hiring over $13.00hr. thanks
cafeblues2nyc@yahoo.com

Jacqui in Monroe, New York said: I take the test in New York on dec. 4th. I am so nervous been working as a tech at wal-mart for almost 2 yrs. They will only give me a 50 cent raise if I pass but I am planning on applying at other places and hope. any hints on what I should prior to the exam? or know of any places hiring over $13.00hr. thanks
cafeblues2nyc@yahoo.com

there is a couple ways to earn that kind of money...live in a high end area, have serveral years of experiance, work in a hospital. Our lead tech has 10+ years of exp and only makes $15.00 an hour, so unless you end up in a hospital with loads of overtime, you will never made that much money.

Don't waste time or money going to a tech school. These type of trade schools are nothing but scams to make money from government student loans. They don't educate you and aren't interested in finding you a job. They exist only to scam students.
The best way to become a tech is to get a job as a pharmacy clerk/cashier and learn on the job. Later, just take the test. It's not hard--mostly common sense. The calculations are nothing -just common sense. What's so hard about "patient takes 2 tablets daily for 7 days" how many does that equal? A moron could figure out the answer is 14 tablets.

Sue in Pueblo, Colorado said: I'm preparing to enroll in Remington College. Sure, I COULD pay $132 for 3 textbooks from Amazon to become a do it yourself pharmacy tech but what about actually gaining valuable experience with the externship program they offer? Externships can lead to employment. Some of you make it sound so easy to just buy a book and WOW! you can become a pharmacy tech overnight. Seriously doubt it. Do they have do it yourself MD books out there?

The pharmacy tech schools are scams. They make their money from student loans and tuition. They don't prepare you for a job and they have no interest in finding you a job. Extenships are nothing more than providing free labor to pharmacies willing to take in students.
Why would you want to waste your money and time in school when you could be working. Most pharmacies hire people in as pharmacy clerks/cashiers and do on the job training to become a tech. Where I work all the techs were hired in as cashier/clerks.

LOL, you would be surprized. One of my follow nursing students couldn't figure out this: Dose ordered, 500mg of tylenol, what you have on hand is 250mg tablets. This student needed a calculator to figure this one out.

David Scurlock in Eden Prairie, Minnesota said: I am pretty pissed off, so yes, I am being honest.

I think most states do require that you be registered
as a pharmacy tech, normally a yearly $20 fee. Some states
you are not required to be certified but mostly it is a plus,
that is the PTCB exam, look at the link on the bottom of my
posts, you can find help on where to start. IV certification
is also required in most states if you want to work in an
IV environment. go to google and look for pharmacy board (in your state) then find the link that will lead you to your pharmacy board, that will tell you what is or is not required for your state.

here is an example pharmacy board for my state:
www.phcybrd.state.mn.us/pharmtec.htm

Hope this has helped someone.

Hello, I understand what you are talking about. I got ripped off by trying to be a medical assistant, in Smyrna,GA. That was 10 years ago and I couldn't get help finding employment and am still stuck with the loan.

vrose-could part of your search for a job taking so long be attitude?

Hello, I am glad I found this forum. It is very helpful thanks so much to all of you participating. My question is, how do I locate the site to find out all the requirements to become a tech for Alabama?

Ok so I don't want to waste money on the tech schools since I have had 6 years experience as a pharmacy clerk and a tiny bit experience filling medications and I see all the reviews on how its a big waste I money. I agree, I only want to buy the books, study really hard and hopefully pass the PTCB certificate test so I can qualify to register as a PT in California and get a good job. The only thing that I am nervous about is that mostly all the pharmacies only want to hire someone with atleast 1 or 2 years pharmacy "tech" experience. How can I get that experience without going to one of those schools and getting an externship? I no longer work at a pharmacy & it was sold to new owners so I lost that chance there, plus its now a closed door pharmacy. Anyways I don't really believe that there are pharmacies that will let you volunteer. I don't think they will take that chance. Please help!

I'm currently taking a pharmacy tech course and it seems kind of hard (afraid of failing it) and the reason being is I haven't been in school for over 10 years, so the memory is kinda slowly coming back into play (seems a bit fast paced as well). Is there anyway of usually failing the class? Will I learn any better/quicker if I start interning? Any helpful tips? TIA

Is it the math part or the classification of meds?

Hi Regina, it's basically everything. I'm not the fastest learner and it takes a while to absorb the information in. Also, the class is a little faster paced than I am use to. TIA

The calculations are basically multiplication, and division.
Converting pounds to kilograms and vice-versa. For the math, there's a book called math for meds. I'm sure you can find it used online. Also, Mosby makes flash cards for pharmacology, that you can find in the nursing section at any bookstore. Don't give up. Just give yourself extra time. I'm a visual learner and it takes me awhile sometimes. Hope I've helped you.

David Scurlock in Eden Prairie, Minnesota said: What i am saying is, I spent $10,000 for school, and a 1 1/2 later I still have not found employment as a pharmacy tech, if i had it to do over again, I would have just studied for the exam, and get as many certifications as you can, then volunteer in a hospital pharmacy to gain experiance. There are books on taking the pharmacy exam. Know your math formulas foremost, there maybe a lot of math questions on the exam, allegations, know how to determine if a DEA number is valid or not, I would not waste money going to school. I went to texas school of business in houston, tx - I would never recommend that school, there is almost no way to fail, they want you to get out so they can get paid, although you can fail if you do not attend classes, or pass their cheap tests, im sure most 6-8 month pharmacy schools are the same way. They really do not care if you really learn anything, they just want to get you out on the street, employed or not just so they can get their pay check, my teachers do not even return my calls anymore, they just dont care, so why bother.

You should go to this ptcb yahoo site where you can lean about your exam and study tips. hopefully the link will not be deleted, this is a very good yahoo group that can help.

groups.yahoo.com/group/JeanettasPTCBStudyGroup

Yeah I agree with you. I went to Boston Reed College in California. Big mistake. DO NOT ATTEND BOSTON REED COLLEGE!!! They don't give a damn about the students, and some pharmacies won't even let you do your externship if you attended Boston Reed.

I agree investing in education is not a bad thing. I just finished a pharm tech course on line and it was great. It was also inexpensive. However in California certification is not required but would better help you in landing a job. To get a license in California it requires you have at least 240 hours of school instruction to become a registered pharm tech RPhT. Certification is up to you and most job posting's I have read prefer certification. CPhT Certified pharm tech..

David said: I agree investing in education is not a bad thing. I just finished a pharm tech course on line and it was great. It was also inexpensive. However in California certification is not required but would better help you in landing a job. To get a license in California it requires you have at least 240 hours of school instruction to become a registered pharm tech RPhT. Certification is up to you and most job posting's I have read prefer certification. CPhT Certified pharm tech..

Could you please tell what online school that was? Thank you. I am also interested in becoming a pharmacy tech in California.

Regina in Ephrata, Pennsylvania said: The calculations are basically multiplication, and division.
Converting pounds to kilograms and vice-versa. For the math, there's a book called math for meds. I'm sure you can find it used online. Also, Mosby makes flash cards for pharmacology, that you can find in the nursing section at any bookstore. Don't give up. Just give yourself extra time. I'm a visual learner and it takes me awhile sometimes. Hope I've helped you.

Thanks Regina. I was thinking of quitting the class, but I've heard things get alot easier once you intern at a pharmacy. Is this true? TIA

Sorry RPh! "Up until a few years ago there was no such thing as a pharmacy tech school." This is simply NOT true! It may be true for Retail that YOUR clerks were promoted to techs. But I happen to know many who wer USED and abused by the chain store pharmacy systems! Theu were told that they would be trained and promoted. But never were. This before the change in 2004 laws. Back then a clerk would train for 1500 and the RPh would sign them off to apply to become registered. HOWEVER most chain stores would NEVER sign off the clerk, stating that they did not ened their services any more or they did not have room for an FTE. The person/clerk would be left hanging.

I have been teaching since 1999! There have been PLENTY of schools in CALIFORNIA for over 20 years now! Where have you been? The CA law has always allowed people to become registered IF they had graduated from a tech program. And up until 2004 a military program or had AA or BS in hard science or had 1500 hours in retail training. I attended Cerritos College back in 1985 to 1989 when the program was new, and guess what? Not much has changed. It didn't need to as it is all encompassing! They got computers and that is about all they had to add and of course law and drug updates in the curriculum. I was taught IV's and I teach IV's. My students go out leaning ALL retail and hospital. MOST get hired in hospital. Most get hired via extenship. I am located in Long Beach.
Further I teach through private, SCROC and ROP at the SAME location. The SAME program and it is free to ROP students. So the stats are there.

I have taught at two other schools and I had high stats in hospital and retail as well.
What may be workimg in the pharmacy where you are at is not the case in all pharmacies, nor most of them.
I am also on a task force to CHANGE educational requiements for pharm techs in CA. Watch out! you just may be forced to higher an educated tech in the future!

Setting record straight!

First of all, I can't believe that you teach. You have so many grammatical errors and misspellings in your reply.

You sound so upset-just because you teach doesn't mean that everyone has to go to school. I believe that every clerk should be given an opportunity to learn and be promoted on the job.

Jeanetta in Los Angeles, California said: Sorry RPh! "Up until a few years ago there was no such thing as a pharmacy tech school." This is simply NOT true! It may be true for Retail that YOUR clerks were promoted to techs. But I happen to know many who wer USED and abused by the chain store pharmacy systems! Theu were told that they would be trained and promoted. But never were. This before the change in 2004 laws. Back then a clerk would train for 1500 and the RPh would sign them off to apply to become registered. HOWEVER most chain stores would NEVER sign off the clerk, stating that they did not ened their services any more or they did not have room for an FTE. The person/clerk would be left hanging.

I have been teaching since 1999! There have been PLENTY of schools in CALIFORNIA for over 20 years now! Where have you been? The CA law has always allowed people to become registered IF they had graduated from a tech program. And up until 2004 a military program or had AA or BS in hard science or had 1500 hours in retail training. I attended Cerritos College back in 1985 to 1989 when the program was new, and guess what? Not much has changed. It didn't need to as it is all encompassing! They got computers and that is about all they had to add and of course law and drug updates in the curriculum. I was taught IV's and I teach IV's. My students go out leaning ALL retail and hospital. MOST get hired in hospital. Most get hired via extenship. I am located in Long Beach.
Further I teach through private, SCROC and ROP at the SAME location. The SAME program and it is free to ROP students. So the stats are there.

Can you please tell me which schools offer ROP programs in Pharm. Tech.? I am in the same geographical area (orange county/la county).

GabrielG in Chino Hils, California said:

Feel free to email me privately at rxjm2002@yahoo.com