Starting out...

YaY!!!! Congradulations

bolingo in Houston, Texas said: rhonda did you take cna before cma?

Yes I have been in the medical field for 11 years. I was a cna for 10 years and a medication aide for 2 years. I want to go to nursing school and I feel like the pharmacy tech will help me because it will teach you drug calculations. I feel like a pharmist will help me when working as a pharmacy tech.

Have 2 more weeks left, just looking for some feedback on where to do my extern site? Where would be the most chance for hire retail or hospital? Looking at walgreens.anyfeedb

socalal24 in claremont, California said: Have 2 more weeks left, just looking for some feedback on where to do my extern site? Where would be the most chance for hire retail or hospital? Looking at walgreens.anyfeedb

I think walgreens is a great choice. Walgreens is a large corporation and they have alot to offer. Good luck.

Nanette Brown in Akron, Ohio said: I have a diploma for pharmacy technician from Penn Foster online schooling and i can't find a job here in my hometown. I have 3 young kids and work nights so it is hard to go to school for the right training. The job i applied for jobs but got turn down. What to do?

hi, I am also starting at penn foster. I feel maybe you should try a pharmacy near you like walgreens. big corp. Good luck could you send me an e-mail and let me know about the course.

BABATUNDE IJAOLA in Chicago, Illinois said: I'm a certified Pharmacy technician, i've been trying to get a job but i couldn't get one due to no experience. How do i have a job to start my experience as a pharmacy Technician.

You may have to start off somewhere small and part-time just to get your foot in the door, which is what I did. Starting out I tried to apply at a local hospital but they told me that they didn't hire anyone who wasn't experienced and nationally certified. She told me to either go enroll in school or first seek employment at a smaller retail store, such as CVS or Rite Aid. I got hired on at KMart Pharmacy since most techs are seeking full time. As the months passed, my hours did indeed increase and now that I'm nationally certified I think I will begin seeking employment in the hospital since I'll have both the certification and experience under my belt. The hospital pay rate is more than retail since its more involved and the hours are longer.

2Jazzy in Mobile, Alabama said: You may have to start off somewhere small and part-time just to get your foot in the door, which is what I did. Starting out I tried to apply at a local hospital but they told me that they didn't hire anyone who wasn't experienced and nationally certified. She told me to either go enroll in school or first seek employment at a smaller retail store, such as CVS or Rite Aid. I got hired on at KMart Pharmacy since most techs are seeking full time. As the months passed, my hours did indeed increase and now that I'm nationally certified I think I will begin seeking employment in the hospital since I'll have both the certification and experience under my belt. The hospital pay rate is more than retail since its more involved and the hours are longer.

thank you i think i will try that i have been wondering the same thing

Ooo Do not work at Walgreens, the pay is awful I've heard. They are one of the lowest paying companies for Techs regardless of their Big Name. I've worked at Wal-mart for a little over a year and It's a good place to start out. It's busy enough to get alot of training in but not too busy where no one will have time to train you. If you go to work for a CVS, Walgreens or Rite Aid they will barely have enough time to train you. Walmart, Sams Club, Kmart are good choices as a first Pharmacy job.

I agree with this comment. I did my externship at a Rite Aid. It was so busy that they did not have time to teach me much about their computer system. I am still waiting on my state license. Hope it will be here soon.!!!!

2Jazzy in Mobile, Alabama said: I just came back from taking the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam less than 2 hours ago. I'm not sure how I did. I work in a retail setting and utilized a study guide, but the material was a bit hard to me. I'll see how I did in about a week, I guess.

im thinking about going to capps college for pharmacy tech. i also live in mobile, al. but im having trouble finding one answer how much are pharmacy techs. expected to make on an annual salary? just thought u might b able to help!

I worked at Walgreens as an extern pharmacy tech for one month. They were so busy that they barely had time to train me, especially how to use the computer. Theres a CVS pharmacy opening up, so I hope to apply there. I'm going to go for my state license now. Will be studying soon. Is the Mosby PTCB book pretty good to study?

Yes, I recommend the book. I bought it and shared with other students and they all passed the PTCB exam.

Kellie in Wasco, California said: Yes, I recommend the book. I bought it and shared with other students and they all passed the PTCB exam.

which book would it be you are reccomending and do u have the isbn number thanks

For the first time I was reading this site. I just wanted all of you to know I had tested at MANPOWER in 1983. (I am now 59.) This was through the government. I had chosen to go for Pharmacy Technician instead of Paralegal. I had done clinicals at a hospital learning unit dose, but I wanted more, so I volunteered clinicals at a grocery store chain pharmacy. Later, I was hired to work at a full retail pharmacy. I had a car accident, and could not work without pain, I quit. The conclusion I had come to was it was much easier to work at a hospital. It was much more subdued. There was much more demand at the retail pharmacy with hurried drug filling, drug filing, correct addressing, allergy check, cashiering, merchandise location and grouchy people. (Sorry, but that is a fact.) As life teaches, though, for every not so nice person, there are two nicer ones who take their place. Conclusion: I was very disappointed to realize that I had a Certificate of Completion and did not need it, they hire off the street.) I still think the Pharmacy Technician is in a very honorable profession. I recommend it highly, I am in favor of paying the Pharmacy Techician a higher salary.

pebbles32f in Springfield, Massachusetts said: which book would it be you are reccomending and do u have the isbn number thanks

I am recommending the book "Mosby's Review for the PTCB Certification Examination" I purchased it at Barnes and Noble.

They are two ISBN #'s so I will give them both

ISBN 13:978-0-323-03367-1

ISBN 0-323--3367-9 Hope this helps. The author is James J. Mizner comes with a CD-Rom.

JABS in Granite City, Illinois said: For the first time I was reading this site. I just wanted all of you to know I had tested at MANPOWER in 1983. (I am now 59.) This was through the government. I had chosen to go for Pharmacy Technician instead of Paralegal. I had done clinicals at a hospital learning unit dose, but I wanted more, so I volunteered clinicals at a grocery store chain pharmacy. Later, I was hired to work at a full retail pharmacy. I had a car accident, and could not work without pain, I quit. The conclusion I had come to was it was much easier to work at a hospital. It was much more subdued. There was much more demand at the retail pharmacy with hurried drug filling, drug filing, correct addressing, allergy check, cashiering, merchandise location and grouchy people. (Sorry, but that is a fact.) As life teaches, though, for every not so nice person, there are two nicer ones who take their place. Conclusion: I was very disappointed to realize that I had a Certificate of Completion and did not need it, they hire off the street.) I still think the Pharmacy Technician is in a very honorable profession. I recommend it highly, I am in favor of paying the Pharmacy Techician a higher salary.

I had spent 14 months going through training for Pharmacy Technician. Passed the PTCB while I was doing my externship. While I was there they hired someone who taught himself and he passed the PTCB and received his license. This kind of disappointing later to learn after I spent alot of money and time. He had his abbreviations by the computer operating as a technician. I dont regret the way I went about it but I could have never taught myself.

I used the Quick Test Prep program on-line and passed with flying colors. There are several levels depending on how much help you may need. I highly recommend it, though as with everything worth doing, you must study.

www.quicktestprep.com/index.html

I have know experience in Pharmacy Technician work. I got hired by just applying at Walgreens. I had to call and inquire a few times before they scheduled some interviews. They told me they weren't necessarily looking for experienced people. Walgreens does the training. I , for some reason, have been reading about health care and the drug industry for years. Plus I knew stuff about insurance and Medicare part D. I am not saying you must know everything about the health care field, but being well read and having general knowledge goes a long way. Read and Read some more. Good Luck.

I finally got my National Certification Certificate and score results through the mail today. I am still extremely happy about passing the test. Although I am currently employed in a retail pharmacy, I am currently seeking employment in a hospital since I hear that the pay is better for a certified tech and the possibility of overtime exists. Can anyone tell me if retail and hospital work are terribly different and if you think I will have a hard time adjusting if I am hired.

barbara chamorro in Goffstown, New Hampshire said: really cvs and walgreens train you to be a
Certified Pharmacy Technician how do i apply or where do i start as this is what i want to do thanks

You go online to Walgreens.com and fill out and application.Then you go to the store manager and tell them that you are interested and if the need help they might hire you. Walgreens will also certify you.

cam in Mason, Ohio said: You go online to Walgreens.com and fill out and application.Then you go to the store manager and tell them that you are interested and if the need help they might hire you. Walgreens will also certify you.

thanks i think i will do that

How can i apply for the PTCE on the PTCB as everytime i try to apply for the exam it asks for an ID that i dont have as i have been studing on my own and i would really like som help thanks

I was wondering and if anyone can answer this question I was attending nursing school and had to withdraw for personal reasons with all the science including pharmacology classes background I received during my time in nursing school can I apply for any position like at CVS or Walgreens without the proper cerifications?

Hi

hey can aynone answer this. I was a nursing student and to drop for personal reason with all my training and class in pharmacology could I apply at any pharmacy company like Walgreens CVS rite aid with certification or license?

You need at least certification. Well i'm in california, so i don't know how it is in texas.

2Jazzy in Mobile, Alabama said: I passed my test!! I feel so relieved to know that it's all over with and that my efforts weren't in vain. The book I studied from was called "Delmar's Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Review" by Patricia Anthony. Purchase the newest edition. It covered all the sections that would be on the exam, the biggest part being the math and Assisting the Pharmacist with Serving Patients. I didn't devote a whole lot of time to memorizing the drug names, but many of their contraindications were on the exam and all this was covered in the book. I definitely recommend this book

I am studying from the same book. How long did it take to get your results?

sam in Mission Viejo, California said: i just want to know, how much do they usually pay certified pharmacy tech at cvs i mean?

Walgreens starts certified techs at around $16 in California but they wont hire anyone in the pharmacy without a license.

Can someone tell me if I can still do a self-study course and take the exam without going to school? I read somewhere that might be changing.

How do an pharm. tech become specailized in chemo, iv etc.

your pay is so much higher in your states, I live in AZ and I went to walgreens to apply as a trainee and the pay is 10/hr I just need to get my GED. Does anyone know how much does CVS offer?

What's the difference between Pharm Tech I and Pharm Tech II, and how much is the pay increase if there is one?

Is there a such a thing?

Here is a online article that has a nice break down for any one who is interested in Pharmacy Tech and need something to read to learn more. I have 5 years experience. I have worked in Retail for 4 years mostly working part-time.. I am now currently working for a Hospital.

1st is to take the test and apply for an internship or meet someone who works in the pharmacy. If you need experience try asking to volunteer Retail loves volunteers.

2nd use your sources. If you dont know anyone in your city find someone in your state.

Going to school is a great option. You can get IV certified which is a plus for the Hospital setting plus it looks good on your resume Lastly they get the internships for you which you can utilize to get hired on as a tech.

use official sites like www.ptcb.org and www.pharmacytechnician.org/
if you are trying find a school in your state they will have great references.

This is the online article:
images.learnatest.com/SearchPDFs/Pharmacy_Technician_Career_Starter.pdf

SolNick in Phoenix, Arizona said: your pay is so much higher in your states, I live in AZ and I went to walgreens to apply as a trainee and the pay is 10/hr I just need to get my GED. Does anyone know how much does CVS offer?

California has a higher cost of living. Each city and state will be different. You cannot compare a pharmacy tech pay in New York City verse Omaha, Nebraska. A house in New York will be 2-3 times higher with the same square footage. Call around in your area.

ann in Portland, Oregon said: What's the difference between Pharm Tech I and Pharm Tech II, and how much is the pay increase if there is one?

Is there a such a thing?

Pharm I and Pharm II is based on experience mostly. It may be a 2 dollar difference at the starting rate.

I was trying to help my sister find an externship position in the Bay Area and came across this forum. She attended Boston Reed but the externship coordinator hasn't been successful in finding an externship for her and she suggested for her to look on her own as well. It's been such a horrible experience but anyways...does anyone have any information as to how to find externships besides calling all hospitals and retail pharmacies. She's desperate to finish this already so she can move on and start school again.

2Jazzy in Mobile, Alabama said: I finally got my National Certification Certificate and score results through the mail today. I am still extremely happy about passing the test. Although I am currently employed in a retail pharmacy, I am currently seeking employment in a hospital since I hear that the pay is better for a certified tech and the possibility of overtime exists. Can anyone tell me if retail and hospital work are terribly different and if you think I will have a hard time adjusting if I am hired.

I have worked retail pharmacy for 15 years then finally went to hospital because I was so tired of retail. It is totally different but I think it is way more enjoyable. I feel started out with at a county hospital(they often are training hospitals) I have only been working there for one year and they have trained me in everything from just the normal delivery to the iv room then they moved me tothe cancer center where I mix chemotherapy. If fact the only "job" there I have not yet done is working with the narcotics. My hospital has seperate tech who deal with the narcs and honestly it is an increadible amount of paperwork and well doesn't look real fun. I would much rather be making ivs. So definatly it is different and alot more responsiblity but you can do it.

Host said: How did you get your start doing pharmacy technician work, and what career moves did you make to get to your current position?

Do you need a particular educational background?

get a job working as a cashier at say walmart and express your want to be cross trained. Then you must get certified with in one year if you start working in the pharmacy. You can get some books and study and with a little experiece you should be able to pass the ptcb test. Take the pratice test online and if you have questions print it and ask the pharmacist. I have yet to meet a pharmacist that is unwilling to help. I have been a tech for years and I just try to learn everything possible and it has taken me very far. I have never had a problem getting a job anywhere my husbands military career took me. The tech schools are good but kind of expensive you can become a tech without it. Good luck

I am 57 years old. Have been keeping my grandkids for the past few years. I retired as a medical librarian from our local hospital 10 years ago. I am thinking about studying for pharm tech but it has been terrible for me trying to find a job at all at my age. No one will hire me even though I have loads of experience. Is this worth trying??? Nothing else has worked! Thanks

hi, i took a pharm tech class too. i was licensed in 2005 and i couldn't find a job. everywhere i looked, they want 1-2 years experience. what do i do? i wasn't going to renew my license this year but i did and i'm still looking. if "they" don't give me a chance in the first place, how will i get any experience...what do i do?

Host said: How did you get your start doing pharmacy technician work, and what career moves did you make to get to your current position?

Do you need a particular educational background?

I HAVE DIPLOMA IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY + MORE THAN 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE.
ALSO I HAVE STUDIED FOUR YEARS MEDECINE IN MEDICAL CLLEGE IN
OVERSEAS.ACTUALLY I DO TRAINING IN A PHARMACY FOR THREE MONTHES.
I LIKE TO WORK AS PHARMACY TECHNICIAN.HOW CAN YOU HELP ME.
HAPPY NEW YEAR AND THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.

sam in Mission Viejo, California said: i just want to know, how much do they usually pay certified pharmacy tech at cvs i mean?

HOW MUCH I HAVE TO PAY FOR ALL THE COURSE OF PHARMACY TECHNITION COARSE.

albertane in Merced, California said: hi, i took a pharm tech class too. i was licensed in 2005 and i couldn't find a job. everywhere i looked, they want 1-2 years experience. what do i do? i wasn't going to renew my license this year but i did and i'm still looking. if "they" don't give me a chance in the first place, how will i get any experience...what do i do?

Well I live in Modesto, it's about same for me. Haven't found a job for one year now. I did an externship at Walgreens, but I left after the externship because I was 7 months pregnant, which was a big mistake. I should've stayed. Now i can't find a job. As long as your persistant, pass out your resume to every pharmacy, maybe you'll get lucky. Or go volunteer in a pharmacy. I'm just waiting for this new CVS pharmacy opening in my town. Until then, im applying for other jobs.

if i get a certificate what type of pharm tech will i be consider as? is pharmacy technician worth it?

My advice check and see how many available positions there are in your area. In my area few openings and when there are they have a high volume of phone calls. Two and a half hours away and north numerous opportunities.

Danielle in Orleans, Michigan said: walgreens will send you to tech classes and pay for you to take the exam.

I was wondering does Walgreens give you a skills test before hiring or do they just interview you. IF anyone working at Walgreens how do you like it>

yes there is a skill test but its nothing to worry about.simple arithmetic and some job skill ?s thats it.

had a ? myself can anyone help me out on some most commonly used insurance abbreviations. example: medical (calmed) bluecross (bccal) can anyone help i would appreciate it thank you.

Learn the bin numbers not so much the insurance abbrev. The abbrev. are different for each state.

When I took the test for the first time, hopefully the only time, there was some math on the test. For some reason the NHA help booklet didn't really help with the math part. It is some simple math, you might need a calculator just in case. And some of it is common sense. Hope that helps!

i'm in vermont. i start working for kinney drugs since october. my pay is $8/hr.i know its the worst pay u can get. the work is too much and the pay is crap. just the hope to become a certified technician is keeping me onto this place.i want to know how are the exams like? is it multiple choice questions? or esseys ? what is the website to try questionnare just for practice? how many questions come in the exam? kinney drugs has its own stuff to read like educational manual and there is one another stuff same as ptcd exam, but i dont want to read their stuff.so can we just read the book and give the exam on ourself? also instead of reading a big book, is there any thing like smaller versions, important stuff only.
any recommendations are wellcome, thanks