"Why becoming a certified pharmacy technician is not worth your time" |
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brown_dude34 in Roslindale, Massachusetts 5 months ago |
The biggest grip I have with the pharmacy technician field is that its so misleading to people. Most people are sold a bill of goods about this field thinking that once they complete a pharmacy technician training program or course they will have a real rewarding career. However this is not the case. I will tell you why ? First, let's start off with the definition of a pharmacy technician. I will translate this title so it's easily understood. Pharmacy technician = Pharmacy aide/assistant/slave to the pharmacist on duty, by this I mean you will end up doing the grunt work of a pharmacist. For example, counting pills, anwsering phones, entering prescription data into the computer, performing drive thru service, stocking the pharmacy with bottles, caps, bags,etc and ringing of the register. I just outlined the main job duties associated with this field along with standing on your feet for 6 -8 hours a day. You will deal with sick/angry/rude customers, let me translate another keyword. The word fast-paced environment means high stress, just so you are aware of that catch phrase. Secondly, lets talk about the salary, thats right the measly salary they want to pay you for all this gruntwork. Starting salaries: $9.00 - $10.00 an hour for unexperienced, unlicensed pharmacy technicians $11.00 - $12.00 an hour for certified/registered pharmacy technicians. When you really think about it, isn't this what unskilled labor earns and this is without all the paperwork such as sitting for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and registering with the state you want to practice in. Think about the salary long and hard, it's under $20.00 an hour with no room for advancement. Trust me you can't raise a family off of pharmacy technician wages. Nevertheless support yourself without working insane hours. In most states you need to earn at least $15.00 an hour to afford health benefits and barely support yourself. |
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brown_dude34 in Roslindale, Massachusetts 5 months ago |
Thirdly, spending so much time and money on becoming a certified pharmacy technician was not worth it. The money I spent in fees to become registered and sit for the PTCE exam. Only to make $10.00 - $11.00 an hour as a certified pharmacy technician in a retail pharmacy(CVS/pharmacy). I spent $129.00 at www.ptcb.org twice for the PTCE test for a total of $258.00. This was in order to become nationally certified. I flunked the test the first time because I didn't have the right book to study the test for. I passed it on the second attempt. After finding the right book that modeled the PTCE test. Finding the right book cost me at least $150.00(I purchased 3 -4 various books on studying for the PTCE exam) in books that I didn't need. I only needed the right book which happened to be Delmar's Learning's Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Review by Patricia K. Anthony. In my opinion the best book to pass the PTCE test on the first attempt. It has everything thats on the test and how to work all the math problems/pharmacy law, etc. Extremely comprehensive. I spent $136.00 at www.pcshq.com to become registered in the state of Massachusetts. Recently, I just read they jacked up the fees to $145.00(unbelievable). So let's total it up: $990.00 at the Health Training Center $129.00 x 2 = $258.00 for the PTCE Exam $150.00 in books to study for the Exam $136.00 to register with the state of Massachusetts total = $1,534 in cash I spent to pursue a career as a certified pharmacy technician. All of this time and money I exhausted for a job that pays $10.00 - $11.00 to start. -Think twice about becoming a pharmacy technician |
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Owens in Aiken, South Carolina 5 months ago |
I totally agree with you. I am 19 years old and the national certification is not woth it. I am nationally certified also. There are very few pharmacy technician jobs in south carolina. I really feel like it was a complete waste of my time and money with this. I came into this thinking that this will open many job opportunities but, not. |
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KMG365 in Southbridge, Massachusetts 5 months ago |
It isn't worth it. Those good hospital jobs are few and far between. You won't be making much money in retail. People say walgreens is great. I have never worked there but I highly doubt they pay much more then $10 an hour. Plus they are over saturating their pharmacy locations. CVS is pretty much closing down store (that were 30+ years old some originals) and rebuilding those store down the street. Walgreens is or was the biggest Pharmacy Company in the country store wise. People seem to forget how many places do people need in one small area to get their RX's filled? Most go to their allready established pharmacies. Rumor has it Rite Aid might be closing too. Unless you have a strong interest in becoming a Pharmacist or being a tech a stepping stone or your a stay at home mom/dad this is no the career for you. You will never make enough money to survive. Unless you work 2 tech jobs back to back M-F like I do. Don't ask how I do that, I just manage some how. I'm going to RN school to put an end to this mess. I am almost 40 now (been doing this for 15 years). |
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lizzy in Franklin, Tennessee 5 months ago |
And another thing --some places dont give you extra for being certified!! |
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ANDREA in Florissant, Missouri 5 months ago |
brown_dude34 in Roslindale, Massachusetts said: Thirdly, spending so much time and money on becoming a certified pharmacy technician was not worth it. The money I spent in fees to become registered and sit for the PTCE exam. 22 YEARS AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN YES I'M CERTIFIED YOU ARE CORRECT BUT IT'S A CAREER THAT WILL PAY IF YOU DEMAND YOUR WORTH, TURN DOWN JOBS THAT OFFER YOU $10 - $13 STAT YOUR SALARY AND STAND ON IT. PHARMACY IS NO JOKE AND PHARMACIST NEED US |
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D'Byrd in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 5 months ago |
I agree with Andrea, just put down your minimum salary requirements on your application, if they need you bad enough,they'll hire you,otherwise you have nothing to lose.
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juliemnm 5 months ago |
In TX they have so many people who think that once they become certified, the jobs will be there, but if thousands are trying to be certified and there are only a few pharmacy tech positions opened what makes them think they they are going to hire them, unless of course you know someone in that company, its all about who you know, never mind on how many years of experience you have, I am really ashamed to be living in a state where they treat their workers like pond scum, Right to work, yeh right. |
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brown_dude34 in Somerville, Massachusetts 5 months ago |
I really don't know what to tell people anymore about being a pharmacy technician. I have posted a number of threads on the topic so that the audience can gain knowledge from my personel experience as a pharmacy technician. Also, I have read the experiences of many others who have been disgruntled by the journey down this career pathway. Very interesting reads. Here is some advice I would like to relay to anyone reading this thread. When you consider a career field, examine the salary closely, the pros and cons of the job, level of stress, certification/licensure requirements, etc before you make the leap. With all the work it takes to become a pharmacy technician, the pay doesn't reflect the amount of effort required to perform the work. You should all know by now the pharmacy technician field is a low paying one. 70% - 75% of all pharmacy technician openings will be in the retail sector. Every pharmacy technician dreams of working in a hospital (not many achieve that goal) because the pay is a little bit better and the benefits are above the retail sectors. You might even find a full-time job in a hospital pharmacy as opposed to the many part-time positions in a retail pharmacy. So don't make any plans for a family just yet. In my home state of Massachusetts the cost of living is high. They have security guard positions that don’t require as much work and as much effort that pay more money than a starting pharmacy technician in Massachusetts. Go figure! I believe all certified/registered pharmacy technicians should start at $15.00 with cost of living increase of 20 cents to 50 cents depending on job performance every 6 months to a year that’s only fair. That pay increase would help fund continuing education for pharmacy technicians, such as I.V and compounding certifications as well as pharmacy technician retention. -Good Luck |
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MrGabe in Houston, Texas 5 months ago |
so what exactly was covered on the test? |
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brown_dude34 in Roslindale, Massachusetts 5 months ago |
MrGabe in Houston, Texas said: so what exactly was covered on the test? What’s on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Test? The reason why I am telling anyone to who wants to become a certified pharmacy technician and pass the test on the 1st or 2nd attempt is you have to know what you’re studying for. It’s similar to taking the SAT test in high school or any other standardized test. Every standardized test has book that is modeled after or very closely to the test. It is up to you to find that book. The PTCB board is not going to tell you what book to purchase due to the fact they do not want to seem biased or promote a specific authors book. Also, test taking services don’t care whether you pass or fail as long as they are making money. Hence the more you fail the exam because of poor preparation the more money they make. The book you need in order to pass the test and know what you are studying for same outline as the PTCE exam. Comprehensive coverage of all the 3 subsections that I will outline. This is what’s in the book and what’s on the test. Trust me study this book for 3 -4 months then sit for the test. Then comeback to this forum and tell me your results. “Delmar’s Learning Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Review by Patricia K Anthony”. The test is composed of 3 sub sections Section I
Section II
Section III
The PTCB board combines all the questions from each section of the Exam into one comprehensive scaled score. I live in Boston, MA and Pearson VUE is the computerized testing facility used to administer the test. |
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MrGabe in Houston, Texas 5 months ago |
just took the test today... PASSED IT!!!!! where do I get my certification/license number? |
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brown_dude34 in Roslindale, Massachusetts 5 months ago |
Congratulations ! You passed the National Pharmacy Technician Exam. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board will send you a certificate in the mail with your certification numbers. When you receive your certification numbers, contact the board of pharmacy in your state you wish to practice in, fill out the paperwork, complete the requirements, pay the fee and apply for a pharmacy technician license. If all the requirements are met you should receive a pharmacy technician license in the mail within a few weeks. -Good Luck |
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dotcom in Boston, Massachusetts 4 months ago |
brown dude thanks for laying it down for me. I just spoke to a woman from Kaplan today about the pharm tech online program they offer. She told me they get 2500 applicants a year and only accept 200. After a hour long phone interview she told me I would be accepted in the program at a cost of about 3500. She made the job seam so appealing and told me techs can make about 20-25/hr. It seams that this conflicts with what you have divulged. Thanks for laying down the truth, I was seriously considering it. |
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kim2009 in Champaign, Illinois 4 months ago |
I had a question. I was a patient of bipolar disease. It is chronic disease . In the license application there is a question " Do you have any chronic mental disease , in this situation can i get the license. |
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brown_dude34 in Hyde Park, Massachusetts 3 months ago |
dotcom in Boston, Massachusetts said: brown dude thanks for laying it down for me. I just spoke to a woman from Kaplan today about the pharm tech online program they offer. She told me they get 2500 applicants a year and only accept 200. After a hour long phone interview she told me I would be accepted in the program at a cost of about 3500. She made the job seam so appealing and told me techs can make about 20-25/hr. It seams that this conflicts with what you have divulged. Thanks for laying down the truth, I was seriously considering it. Sorry for replying to this post so late. I have seen a lot Kaplan Career Centers around the city of Boston lately. Honestly, I would suggest that you skip the pharmacy technician career path for a much better paying career field. I believe Kaplan is buying up a lot of vocational training facilities around the Boston area. However, if you’re really interested in a career in the medical field try and seek out a solid 2 year community college program such as a radiology technician, surgical technician, and biomedical laboratory technician. Check out Mass Bay Community College they have a short 2 year degree program in Biomedical Laboratory Technician. It seems solid. As far as being a pharmacy technician this career gets very repetitive after 1 -2 years. Looking back I wish I never traveled down this career path. I ended up becoming a certified/registered pharmacy technician, but honestly I regret it. I started out in the retail sector via CVS/Pharmacy and you really don’t want to work retail anywhere. For most of the pharmacy technicians 70 – 75% of the pharmacy technician positions are in retail. Too many horror stories eventually you will get frustrated from the low pay, ingrate pharmacist attitudes, and customer aggravation. |
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brown_dude34 in Hyde Park, Massachusetts 3 months ago |
dotcom in Boston, Massachusetts said: brown dude thanks for laying it down for me. I just spoke to a woman from Kaplan today about the pharm tech online program they offer. She told me they get 2500 applicants a year and only accept 200. After a hour long phone interview she told me I would be accepted in the program at a cost of about 3500. She made the job seam so appealing and told me techs can make about 20-25/hr. It seams that this conflicts with what you have divulged. Thanks for laying down the truth, I was seriously considering it. Can’t tell you how many aspiring pharmacy technicians I have seen just go on lunch break and never return lost count over the years. If I had to do it all over again I think the best path would be to go the 2 year community college route. In the long run you are better prepared and you will have earned the college credits to further your education should you choose to . I know that radiology technicians earn double what a starting pharmacy technician makes and there’s a shortage of qualified biomedical laboratory technicians. Unlike pharmacy technicians which are a dime a dozen. No formal education is required by Massachusetts law. All it takes for you to become a certified pharmacy technician in the state of Massachusetts is to sit and pass the national pharmacy technician exam at www.ptcb.org ,so save your money and don’t waste it on that Kaplan Pharmacy Technician Training Program. Enroll in a local community college and train for something much better. Right now I am at the point where I have to return to college in order to train for better paying career. Just cannot make it on these low wages as a pharmacy technician. -Good Luck |
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pierce in Fresno, California 3 months ago |
hi, I'm actually an undergrad at the moment who is trying pursue an education in pharmacy. should i become a pharmacy technician to better my chances of getting admitted to pharmacy school? if so, how would i go on to become a pharmacy technician? -Thanks |
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Joe in Hollywood, Florida 3 months ago |
pierce in Fresno, California said: hi, I'm actually an undergrad at the moment who is trying pursue an education in pharmacy. should i become a pharmacy technician to better my chances of getting admitted to pharmacy school? if so, how would i go on to become a pharmacy technician? Hey, I'm currently in Pharmacy school about to graduate and I have worked as a tech off and on for about 6 years. This question came up at my orientation and the faculty said that experience is not everything. In fact it is probably very little. A strong GPA and PCAT score will far outweigh experience. I would recommend going to a pharmacy and talking with a pharmacist about becoming one first (for the love of all that is good please dont go when they are busy lol) about an hour or two after they open I would say is prolly the best time. What people think a pharmacist does and what they actually do might surprise you. |
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Lindsay P. in Fort Worth, Texas 3 months ago |
hi all, i was wondering if there was anyone who has taken the TEXAS state ptcb exam? i am studying for it now. I have applyed for some jobs already as noncertified but of course have not got anything from it. But once i am certified i will not take less than 14 an hour. is that bad? any input will be greatly apprectiated.. |
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juliemnm 3 months ago |
Lindsay P. in Fort Worth, Texas said: hi all, i was wondering if there was anyone who has taken the TEXAS state ptcb exam? i am studying for it now. I have applyed for some jobs already as noncertified but of course have not got anything from it. But once i am certified i will not take less than 14 an hour. is that bad? any input will be greatly apprectiated.. In these recession times, especially in Texas, where pharmacy technicians are a dime a dozen, don't expect them to pay you 14.00 an hr just because your certified. Lower your price range, then maybe you'll get calls. |
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Maeris 3 months ago |
Maybe the work system is different here (Puerto Rico) than from the US. Maybe it's cause I'm barely starting the career (doing my intership on it cause in PR you are required a degree and internship by law). But I really like this career. Sure there are a couple of annoying and whinney people, some even stupid. I know it must sound like I'm lying, but I find it very gratifying (sorry my native language is spanish, not english) that at the end of the day, at least 90% of the people who I attend smile at me and thank me so much for the job I have just performed. Alot of them even joke around and say, "Hey I'd hire you right off the bat, what are you waiting for to hire her yourself?". (In my case, I have to finish my internship before I can get paid minimum wage till I get the exam and get full pay). I really do like this career. Maybe I'm not in a very busy Walgreens (we do about 150 - 270 prescriptions in 10 hours with 2 techs and one pharmacist)(Also cause pharmacies here are like one mile apart or less, and no I'm not exagerating... Puerto Rico is barely 100 miles wide divided into 78 towns, in just one there are about 15 - 20). Maybe I'll change my mind when I go to a busier pharmacy. Sure medical plans are a hastle (the worst T.T). But I really do love this field, I'm in love with it. The only reason why I'd move out of it, is to study to be a pharmacist since my preceptor keeps encouraging me to be one. But by then I'll be living in the US and for some reason I am TERRIFIED of american universities, plus they are twice as expensive than here... I admit, when I started to study for this career, I did it cause it was in high demand, but now I'm actually "working", I love it for what it is. Oh and, I also don't want to be a pharmacist cause it's too much responsability @.@. So I love, sure pay isn't great, but I do love it at heart. |
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Maeris 3 months ago |
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notalldoomandgloom in Mission Viejo, California 2 months ago |
I think brown_dude34 is painting a worst-case scenario. You have to remember, in some states it's mandatory to become certified in order to go to work, so getting certified is not necessairily a waste of time. Also, not all parts of the country pay the same for the same type of job. Here in California, according to salary.com, most level I pharmacy technicians make a median income of about $33,000.00 a year. I think it most cases, it is what you make of it. brown_dude34 doesn't sound happy at all, others might be perfectly happy. Possibly a housewife who needs to enter the workforce because it's too hard to live on one income, could find a job as a pharmacy technician part time, afternoons or evenings so that hubby could stay home with the kids, and she can bring in some extra income. BLS indicates the job growth will be strong, you can't say it will be bad in all areas. I'm sure schooling can be found for less than $3500. I've seen schooling that will prepare you for the PTCE and give you exam prep for less than $900. You'll get what you look for, guys. |
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nick1 in Michigan 2 months ago |
I know that this may be a little different because of the category. But the one thing that I have experienced is those who say GPA means something are wrong. Yeah, sure just because your GPA is high that makes a difference. No it doesn't. If anything employers think they know it all and someone who has experience is better. I already have a formal education and a perfect 4.0. But do I get a chance at anything. Nope. Just because I haven't held a certain title or haven't had a chance I don't get a chance. The world is full of favoritism and employers who don't know what their doing when trying to find people for the job. GPA means nothing. If so then I would be doing something because of my 4.0. Just thank God if you get a chance to do anything. |
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Lindsay P. in Fort Worth, Texas 2 months ago |
nick1 in Michigan said: oh boo hoo. Cry, Cry, Cry. I can understand the point about the cost not being worth it. But oh well. So you get 9 or 10 dollars. At least it something crybaby. Try being someone who isn't working and has a home. 9 or 10 dollars would be like a gift. Obviously you don't know what it's like when there's a chance of everything being taken away from you. When you not doing anything, any job will work to save yourself. Try being in my position and see if you feel the same way. oh boo hoo your self !!!!!!!!!!!!! for you information i know exactly what your talking about. I have two kids and im going thru a divorce so yes i need the dang money to support my kids. All you want to do is sit back and cry about life being unfair. YES IT IS! GROW UP AND GET OVER IT. try thinking next time you want to spout off to someone you dont even know about something you have no idea whats going on in there life........... |
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Lindsay P. in Fort Worth, Texas 2 months ago |
Lindsay P. in Fort Worth, Texas said: oh boo hoo your self !!!!!!!!!!!!! for you information i know exactly what your talking about. I have two kids and im going thru a divorce so yes i need the dang money to support my kids. All you want to do is sit back and cry about life being unfair. YES IT IS! GROW UP AND GET OVER IT. try thinking next time you want to spout off to someone you dont even know about something you have no idea whats going on in there life........... a |
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MY2CENTSCOUNT in Bakersfield, California 1 month ago |
Man I just found out that Bakersfield Adult School is no longer doing the pharmacy technician program which stinks because they say the reason why they are stopping their program is because they had to cut that program out becuase it wasn't in thier budget so they had to let it go which another women gave me a different story and said that there were too many applicants by the time they were all graduating and there wern't enough jobs hmmm I think I will go with the first lady that I talked to that sounds more believable because why would they care if it was hard for us to find a job after they have already trained us that doesn't make sense but the budget cut makes more sense to me what do you guys think ??? But I think I am going to look more into Radiologic Technology I heard it's a lot of fun and the process is more hands on :) |
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son in Nashville, Tennessee 1 month ago |
Hello everybody
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brown_dude35 in Brookline, Massachusetts 1 month ago |
In most cases “no formal education” is required at this time in order to become a pharmacy technician. However, I have read upcoming state laws which might require pharmacy technicians to be certified/registered before one can practice. I know this is the case for Florida, pharmacy technicians in that state will be required to be certified before they can be hired as a requirement by 2010. Becoming a certified technician fulfills the law that enables you to work in a hospital setting. You can become certified by passing the National Pharmacy Technician Exam at www.ptcb.org. Whatever you choose to do find a way to pass this test, it will open up a lot of other pharmaceutical opportunities and allow you to register with your state board of pharmacy in a fast way. However, lacking hospital experience is a critical factor in getting hired as a hospital pharmacy technician. Furthermore, the only way you can get this critical hospital experience is to volunteer as a hospital pharmacy technician. Stay away from the retail pharmacy setting as it is injurious to your career as a freshman pharmacy technician. There is too much gossip, high stress level, and low pay within the retail sector of pharmacy. It’s not worth the experience. Your learning opportunities working in retail pharmacy such as CVS/Pharmacy, Walgreen’s, Targets, etc, will be limited and not a rewarding experience. However, this is the route most freshman pharmacy technicians who are not certified/registered take in order to enter the field. The state law requirements for pharmacy technicians can vary from state to state so you should read up on your state board of pharmacy laws. According, to what you posted it appears you live in Tennessee so go here for more info health.state.tn.us/boards/Pharmacy/index.shtml -Good Luck |
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hqa035 in San Antonio, Texas 1 month ago |
Hey
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katy in Katy, Texas 26 days ago |
hqa035 in San Antonio, Texas said: Hey I don't think it's gonna help you much. I was thinking the test part of pharmacology section is not well written in ptcb exam. |
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bless in Modesto, California 21 days ago |
I have a question.,@browndude34.. so, i should take the national certification first then apply for state license? |
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brown_dude_CPhT in Roslindale, Massachusetts 21 days ago |
bless in Modesto, California said: I have a question.,@browndude34.. so, i should take the national certification first then apply for state license? You should register and sit for the national pharmacy technician exam when you are fully prepared for the exam. By being prepared I mean you should have a book to study for this exam in order to pass the PTCE exam. Delmar’s Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Review by Patricia K. Anthony is the definitive textbook when it comes to passing this exam. Here is a link to Google Books so you can preview the book before you buy: Also, passing the national certification exam is not the only way to obtain a pharmacy technician license. However, once you pass the exam it kills 2 birds with one stone. Not only do you become nationally certified. Moreover, in most cases it should supersede all the requirements in order to apply for a license as a pharmacy technician in most states. -Good Luck |
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brown_dude_CPhT in Roslindale, Massachusetts 21 days ago |
bless in Modesto, California said: I have a question.,@browndude34.. so, i should take the national certification first then apply for state license? Click on this link below it has more specific information pertaining to the registration requirements of a California based pharmacy technician. www.pharmacy.ca.gov/forms/tch_app_pkt.pdf -Good Luck |
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WHALEA in Daytona Beach, Florida 16 days ago |
I am thinking of attempting the pharmacy tech course however my math is poor is there a possibility I could still pass |
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alyciagarland@aol.com in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 16 days ago |
yes cause the math is not that hard |
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brown_dude_CPhT in Watertown, Massachusetts 15 days ago |
WHALEA in Daytona Beach, Florida said: I am thinking of attempting the pharmacy tech course however my math is poor is there a possibility I could still pass A lot of people have what I call “Math Phobia”, you shouldn’t be intimidated by the math on the PTCE exam if you purchase the Delmar’s Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination textbook by Patricia K Anthony it has the sample math problems that you will find on the examination as well as a step by step way to work out the problems found on the national pharmacy technician exam.. The examination is multiple choices so your chances of making an educated guess are strongly in your favor. Nowadays, everyone appears to be afraid of math. Why I think it’s because most people have the fear of failing. However, every time you fail it’s really a learning lesson. It should teach you to become stronger and to try a different approach until you accomplish your goal. The math on the PTCE Examination can’t kill you. So what if you fail? I failed on my first attempt of the PTCE Exam and this was without preparation. I did my research and found the textbook modeled after the exam and on my second attempt I was much better prepared and passed the examination. As long as you manage to score above 650 you passed the examination and the certification required by most states is complete. Do not worry about achieving phenomenally high scores on the PTCE examination. Phenomenally high scores on the PTCE exam do not translate to more money, etc. No employer will ask for your PTCE examination scores. Prospective employers want to see that wallet sized card with the certifications numbers when you pass the exam. -Good Luck |
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CC in Cleveland, Ohio 6 days ago |
I have a BA degree in Business and I am having horrible luck finding a Full-time job. I am using the pharm tech certification as a foot into the door until I can finish my pre-requsite courses to enter in Pharmacy School to become a pharmacist. Instead of concentrating on becoming a pharmacy tech and letting that be you end all career, I would encourage those that are certified pharm techs to look into becoming pharmacists. There still is a shortage and you can be working towards a greater goal than just settling for just a certification. Think of the bigger picture. The easiest road isn't always the best. I'm learning that the hard way. Stay encouraged and Best of Luck!! |
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