becoming a pharmacist technician PLEASE HELP!

I am currently enrolled not started in the boston reed pharm tech in visalia it is 10 saturdays 9-5 and 180 intern hours they provide internship its gunna cost 2800 im bad at math does anyone think i will be able to pull this off im stressed over blowing all my money on this if i wont beable to pass the math

mandyr in Visalia, California said: I am currently enrolled not started in the boston reed pharm tech in visalia it is 10 saturdays 9-5 and 180 intern hours they provide internship its gunna cost 2800 im bad at math does anyone think i will be able to pull this off im stressed over blowing all my money on this if i wont beable to pass the math

just go to a cvs or walgreens and they will train.

Listen Kid, Lord knows how or why I became a Certified Pharmacy Tech, But I did it. But before you make the decision to spend good money or whatever to become a Tech, make sure theirs jobs in your area, Ive had my certification for 5 (FIVE)months and no Job. I hate myself right now. So the stress comes after passing the test. So if your stressing about taking it I say F the stress, Keep your head up, and take the test.

Rivera in Big Spring, Texas said: Listen Kid, Lord knows how or why I became a Certified Pharmacy Tech, But I did it. But before you make the decision to spend good money or whatever to become a Tech, make sure theirs jobs in your area, Ive had my certification for 5 (FIVE)months and no Job. I hate myself right now. So the stress comes after passing the test. So if your stressing about taking it I say F the stress, Keep your head up, and take the test.

I know what you mean, but eventually the job will come along in god's time. I waited for awhile and at the present moment things are finally working out. It was all worth it...I think god has been listening to my prayers..good luck everyone

Crystal Zamudio CPhT
Pharmacy Rx Owner

hi, i want to be a pt,im looking at schools right now, but im not sure if i can do it because im a very shy person, and also im good with math but i cant do it in my head i have to write it down and it seems like you have to be pretty fast, also im not that good of a reader. i just dont know if it is turely for me i dont have money to be wasting. so wat do u guys think?

denise in Peoria, Arizona said: hi, i want to be a pt,im looking at schools right now, but im not sure if i can do it because im a very shy person, and also im good with math but i cant do it in my head i have to write it down and it seems like you have to be pretty fast, also im not that good of a reader. i just dont know if it is turely for me i dont have money to be wasting. so wat do u guys think?

Hey being a pharmacy technician requires to be alert and we have to have the ability to speak up because we are going to encounter with many patients and pharmacists everyday, so we have to communicate which is key. About the math part do not worry every pharmacy has extra calculators to calculate dosages and more. you can even use scratch paper but in time you wont need that because you will get use to it. My question to you is why are you considering to become a pharmacy technician? If you feel your answer to that question sounds motivated then I think you are a good fit to become a pharm tech. If this profession inspires you and feel that it's a certain goal you want to achieve then I will go for it, follow your dreams. Follow your instincts...Good luck sweetie

Crystal Zamudio
Pharmacy Rx Owner

Okay I have a question I’m going to go into school to become a pharmacy technician through Job Corps. What I really want to do is become a licensed pharmacist. I’m good at both math and science and there is a demand in my area. Bacsily the idea is to slowly break me into that career path instead of diving full head into it? Because Job Corps is paying for the PT training. I figure it would be a smart way to ease into the pharmacy world. My question is that since I’m doing this is becoming a pharmacy tech a good way to begin my journey to becoming a pharmacist? Am I right to think that?

I would like to be a hospital Pharm Tech. But I would like to get some training so I can be prepared and ready to work as a hospital PT; and be trained and ready to take the PT exam and to get certified, but does anybody know of a good online institute that can train you and is not some stupid scam or rip off? Thanks.

B.Rivera in Big Spring, Texas said: I past my test today...YEEESs, Thank You Jesus, was very stresful for me, this ones for you mom.

congrats :) how long did you study?

I only studied for six weeks. So it is possible for you too, but I am having difficulties getting registered through my state because of a misdemeanor past. So I'm hoping I haven't wasted all this time and money...?

rachel in Claremont, New Hampshire said: I am interested in becoming a pharmacist technician.I was told you have to good at math and science? is that true? and could somebody tell me what I would be doing during training and what i would be doin when I do get a job???!!!

Learn how to use proper grammer first.

angela in Everett, Washington said: I am currently enrolled in Penn Foster. I am having trouble learning the name brand and generic. Any tips on learning all of those.

Hi,
I can't aswer your question but have a question for you. I am looking into enrolling with Penn Foster, Would you recommend this for the Pharmacy tech program
Thank
Liz

DO NOT SPEND MONEY TO BECOME A PHARMACY TECH!! What a total waste of money!!! Apply at Walgreens, CVS, local grocery store, etc. and they will train you on the job!! So you get paid and get trained at the same time. Meanwhile use the money you savedto take actual classes at a community college or university, not at some fake "career institute". This way you can get ahead in life too. Being a pharmacy tech is not a career....I worked at Walgreens for four years, and at the end, I only made $12.25. That is with certification.

P.S. You don't need to know math as an actual tech, but if you want to become certified tech or become a pharmacist, you should definitely learn math! It's not hard math, basically all conversions and ratios. By college level, most students have taken algebra so it's easy. At my pharmacy, nearly everyone passed. The only ones that failed did so because of the conceptual questions which require knowledge.

I don't know what planet you are living on if you think any chain drugstore is going to give you on the job training. Plus you have to register with the states Board of Pharmacy too.

I received on the job training, but that was in the 70's. You might be able to get hired as just a clerk at first. Learn something about the profession, then take the test. Good luck finding a job in this economy if you are fresh out of a training program.

As for schools, look for accredited schools that have a higher ratio of students that find placement.
The hospital where I worked would never hire anyone without prior experience in hospital work. I think we had one exception for a girl who was doing her internship with us and she was exceptional at learning the various shifts and dealing with the high stress levels.

Yes, being a tech for a year or two to get your feet wet before plunging into Pharmacy school is a great idea. Pharmacists are still in demand. You have to be good at math, (calculus), biology, and lots of chemistry. It is very difficult the first 2 years and then gets more interesting the last few years from what I have been told in talking to many of the RPh interns that come through the hospital.

If you want more money as a tech, hospitals tend to pay more than retail. It is the opposite for Pharmacists unless you specialize in various Clinical settings.

As far as the above opinion about "you can't make a career as a tech", I would heartily disagree! As I mentioned I started in the late 70's in hospital work, have had about 9 years of retail, 4 years in mail order, and the rest back in hospital work, for a total of 30+ years. I found retail to be too repetitive and boring. Hospital work is stressful, challenging, and you may have to work any and all shifts, holidays, weekends. Stand and walk, lift and unpack huge shipments (depends on the size of the facility).

But in hospital environments a really good tech can specialize in many areas including: IV & Chemo compounding, purchasing, lead tech, tech trainer, tech supervisor, order entry, to name a few. The more senior techs normally get the better shifts, but if you are ambitious and out-shine someone else it can be different.

Over my "career" as a tech I have worked in multiple states all over the US. Had jobs I loved and others I really disliked, but I was never without a job wherever I went. I took the National Certification test in 1995 and still have it. I am making in the top 1% of pay for techs in the nation not including shift, weekend differentials and overtime. We are talking 50 to 60 K per year.

If you want to do hospital work, get yourself hired at a larger University based medical teaching facility and STAY there! Most offer retirement and you can retire with a nice sum after 20-30 years. Then if you are still bored you can go find another job part-time! Or teach and become a mentor. Who do you think is teaching all the young techs at these schools?

If you have a BS degree you can use your pharmacy experience to become a Pharmaceutical Rep. The possibilities are only as limited as your ambition!
There are many pharmacy settings to choose from now besides the ones I have mentioned. Mail-Order, Nuclear, Long-Term care, Closed-door, Compounding (IV and specialty), Assisted Living, to name a few.

If anyone out there would like to discuss your future as a Pharmacy Tech, just ask!

rachel in Claremont, New Hampshire said: I am interested in becoming a pharmacist technician.I was told you have to good at math and science? is that true? and could somebody tell me what I would be doing during training and what i would be doin when I do get a job???!!!

its actually called pharmacy technician or PT lolz... anyways personally pt is fairly very easy... the math is simple knowledge exammple. (2 tab po QD TID )in translation it means take 2 tablets by mouth everyday three times a day so think..!!! the answer is you consume 2 X 3 = 6 daily... easy right... ALSO!!! memorize your house hold conversions like tspn tbsp ml me G GR gtt Mcg mm ounces pints quarts liters with just this alone you possess almost half the skills u need guaranteed okay!!!! also look up top 200 drugs trade name and generic names i suggest flash cards ... example: Vicodin is trade name...... while Hydrocodeine is the generic name and theirs alot of drugs and contraceptives and tons of Anti biotics so read a pill dictionary for fun thats how u do it...... TRUST ME.... Well good luck to your studies hope u become a pt or pharmacist making 6 figures with benefits while a technician makes nearly only 30 to 35 thousand a year...i suggest Nuclear pharmacy or compounding pharmacy tech those two make tons of money.... look it up..

I am currently enrolled in the Pharmacy Technology program at a 2 year college. I am wondering, once I recieve my degree (Associates in Applied Science), what do are my next steps toward becoming a Pharmacist??

bmh9289 said: I am currently enrolled in the Pharmacy Technology program at a 2 year college. I am wondering, once I recieve my degree (Associates in Applied Science), what do are my next steps toward becoming a Pharmacist??

If you want to eventually become a Pharmacist, (NOT a Tech), you are just at the begining. I would start by getting CPhT Certification, find a job as a tech and make sure this is what you want to do.
Get an advisor at the community college you are taking courses in , and if they are educated, they will tell you how to proceed.

I am a personal coach and consultant for people looking to get into this field. It is not easy becoming a Pharmacist, but if you are doing well in your classes, there is no reason you can't be one.

TWHIladinLV...I'm preparing to take the PTCB and apply for pharmacy schools in the fall. Any recommendations? Also what would be the best was to obtain experience before becoming CPhT? Nowadays, its almost impossible to get hired as a PT without prior experience.

Dear San Anton, are you taking the PTCB test after completion of a PT school? If so, they should be helping you to find work. As you say, it is tough to get experience as a PT, and it is harder still with the economy theway it is.

If you can, I would suggest to volunteer at a small hospital or retail pharmacy after you have gotten your CPHT certificate. This will get your foot in the door so if they like you, you will get picked first. If you can only do this part-time while working another job, then do it.
OR work for a staffing agency who will place you somewhere that you can get experience. If you have your CPHT cert., things will be much better for you!

If you are headed for pharmacy school application in the fall, and want to know where to apply to, it depends on if you are willing to move or not. You will get better pay as a tech or an intern in the southwest, northwest, northeast. I am not sure about Florida. People are fleeing from the mid-west areas because of lack of jobs.
San Antonio is a beautiful area, but you will make better money in Dallas.
As for schools, one of the best is University of Kentucky, last I looked it was still in the top three nation-wide. But it is tough to get in. UK was one of the best places I have ever worked as a tech, even though the money was pretty low, they had a great retirement plan!
Here in Las Vegas the pharmacy school is pretty lame, however it is hard to get in still because is is a four year program, (instead of the normal 5 years), so many come here, and then move on. The pay here in Las vegas is good compared to other states I have lived in, but LV is not a good place to raise a family.

Does anyone know anything about the fingerprint/criminal background test in TX for registering for pharmacy tech in training? Over 10 yrs ago I was arrested for misdemeanor shoplifting (don't ask! friend's teenager w/ me put items in my bag full of items I paid for) - hired attorney, etc. supposed to be expunged from record but when I was divorced 6 yrs ago, low and behold it showed upon a fingerprint check I did voluntarily as divorce was getting nasty :( . Clerk told me these things are never "expunged" as they are supposed to be - gee, thanks. Does anyone know if this will prohibit my registration? Thanks in advance -

Hi Curious,

This definitely is not true! Things CAN, and should have been expunged from your record!

Was the attorney you had hired for the divorce? If so, he may not know how to do expung-ing. I would contact a criminal attorney in the area where the "theft" happened, so that it can be done properly.

If you are a Tech in training and they do a check and it comes up, be HONEST about it and don't try to hide
anything! Let them know you have an attorney working on it. If it doesn't come up, I wouldn't bring it up. They may not see it as a hindrance to your training period.

BUT! It very well could be a liability in you getting a job once the training is done. Of you were an employer who could have their pick of 50 applicants and one had this little stain on their reputation, what would you do?

Also the Texas State Board of Pharmacy will ask on your application for your state license wether or not you have had any arrests, etc. You have to be very honest with these people.

A pharmacy tech has the capacity in many ways to break the law, you won't stay in this line of work for long if you are not of high moral character.
Please get your record set straight ASAP so it doesn't wreck a good career.

Im new here and I don't know the system here..
My question is: can I be a pharmacist technician after I graduate from high school..I mean without going to college..Just apply for any pharmacy after high school??
If someone can help me..than will be great
thank you

TWHladyinLV said: But in hospital environments a really good tech can specialize in many areas including: IV & Chemo compounding, purchasing, lead tech, tech trainer, tech supervisor, order entry, to name a few. The more senior techs normally get the better shifts, but if you are ambitious and out-shine someone else it can be different.

Over my "career" as a tech I have worked in multiple states all over the US. Had jobs I loved and others I really disliked, but I was never without a job wherever I went. I took the National Certification test in 1995 and still have it. I am making in the top 1% of pay for techs in the nation not including shift, weekend differentials and overtime. We are talking 50 to 60 K per year.

If you want to do hospital work, get yourself hired at a larger University based medical teaching facility and STAY there! Most offer retirement and you can retire with a nice sum after 20-30 years. Then if you are still bored you can go find another job part-time! Or teach and become a mentor. Who do you think is teaching all the young techs at these schools?

If you have a BS degree you can use your pharmacy experience to become a Pharmaceutical Rep. The possibilities are only as limited as your ambition!
There are many pharmacy settings to choose from now besides the ones I have mentioned. Mail-Order, Nuclear, Long-Term care, Closed-door, Compounding (IV and specialty), Assisted Living, to name a few.

If anyone out there would like to discuss your future as a Pharmacy Tech, just ask!

Wow...i really respect and appreciate for sharing your experiences and your knowledge...kudos for you :) thank you,

forrst in Westminster, California said: Wow...i really respect and appreciate for sharing your experiences and your knowledge...kudos for you :) thank you,

Thank you forrst for the compliment! I am trying to show people that one CAN make a good career as a Pharmacy Technician if they apply themselves!
Regards, P. Lee

Doaa in Fredericksburg, Virginia said: Im new here and I don't know the system here..
My question is: can I be a pharmacist technician after I graduate from high school..I mean without going to college..Just apply for any pharmacy after high school??
If someone can help me..than will be great
thank you

Hi Doaa in VA,
according to the laws in Virginia, which can be found on the Virginia State Board of Pharmacy website, "anyone wishing to apply for a VA license as a pharmacy tech must have a CPhT certification, and/or pass a board certified training program. Many people have to go through the training program in order to sit for the National Certification Test or CPhT. You can find out a lot of great information at their website:
www.dhp.virginia.gov/pharmacy/pharmacy_faq.htm#TechRegistration

I hope you find what you are looking for!
Best Regards!
TWHladyinLV

rachel in Claremont, New Hampshire said: I am interested in becoming a pharmacist technician.I was told you have to good at math and science? is that true? and could somebody tell me what I would be doing during training and what i would be doin when I do get a job???!!!

hello, my name is charlene and i went through pharmacy tect and passed the class i wasn't the smartest in the class but i passed with a B i struggled but my husband and people in the class helped me dont give up you can do it i graduated 6-25-2010 just learn some alligation on the math and you will do fine

terina65 in Wichita, Kansas said: hello, my name is charlene and i went through pharmacy tect and passed the class i wasn't the smartest in the class but i passed with a B i struggled but my husband and people in the class helped me dont give up you can do it i graduated 6-25-2010 just learn some alligation on the math and you will do fine

I'm sorry, I don't know what "alligation" is.
Hummmmm, anyway NO you don't have to be the smartest in the class. I hated math as a kid (my dad was a math teacher), and I did not learn easily by watching numbers on a black board or in a book. I did learn well by actually "doing" a math problem with visual aids and finally stuff clicked. Most women learn better using visual aids. If you have good teachers in those Pharmacy Tech training schools, they will know this and use visual aids along with the text.

You can't have classmates, husbands, etc. there on the job with you, so you have to find a way to solve algebraic problems yourself. Where I worked, us techs would make formulas on cards and keep them in a case or file next to compounding stations for ease of use. It saves a LOT of time! But, you still have to draw up your measurements correctly and look not once, but three or four times at those drug labels!!!! Picking the wrong drug or dilution can mean the death of someone's child, spouse or parent!! This cannot be stressed enough! You can put up all the cute signage in a pharmacy you want, but the technician HAS to get at least these FIVE things right: (1) Correct PATIENT, (2) Correct DRUG, (3) Correct DILUTION, (4) Correct DELIVERY, (5) Correct DOSE!!!

No you don't have to be the smartest in the class, but a GREAT Technician has great FOCUS, ATTENTION TO DETAIL, MANUAL DEXTERITY, PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS, IS A TEAM PLAYER!!!

GOOD LUCK!! :)

I was interested in taking the course for a pharmacy technician. Only problem is it states clearly states you cannot have a criminal background. I have a D.U.I. Should I even bother?

Maria in Sioux City,

Where did you get the info that you are referring to?

I looked around on the Iowa State Board of Pharmacy Website, but could not find anything in writing to support the idea that someone with a DUI cannot become a tech. BUT you would most likely need to disclose the fact when applying, as with any job application.
Having a DUI
isn't going to make it easier, but it may be that if this is your only offense and other than the one DUI, you have a clean background, you may be OK. But you need to contact the Pharmacy Tech school and the State Board to verify.

I don't drink myself, but I have worked with techs who had offenses and kept their jobs. But I am not nosey, so I never pried for info. I hope you only have the one issue and that your outcome is a good one.

TWHladyinLV in Las Vegas, Nevada said: Maria in Sioux City,

Where did you get the info that you are referring to?

I looked around on the Iowa State Board of Pharmacy Website, but could not find anything in writing to support the idea that someone with a DUI cannot become a tech. BUT you would most likely need to disclose the fact when applying, as with any job application.
Having a DUI
isn't going to make it easier, but it may be that if this is your only offense and other than the one DUI, you have a clean background, you may be OK. But you need to contact the Pharmacy Tech school and the State Board to verify.

I don't drink myself, but I have worked with techs who had offenses and kept their jobs. But I am not nosey, so I never pried for info. I hope you only have the one issue and that your outcome is a good one.

The instution I plan on getting the certificate through states with the description of the pharmacist technician course that any student cannot have a criminal background.

I have D.U.I & when I was charged for the D.U.I the judged also ruled a serious misdemeanor along with the D.U.I. It was a crap deal. I had never been in trouble & the judge sure socked it to me. Knowing I had already recieved a ruling already when I was still 17. -I was charged when I was 17 when the incident initially happened & they charged me 10 months later when I turned 18.

(I do however realize I am going to have disclose the information to whatever employer I do apply to. You can't hide/cover up your background check. & it's not the brightest idea to lie about it anyway my mother said honesty is the best policy which however hasn't helped me.)

I just don't want to waste money, plus going through all the classes, get my hopes up & when push comes to shove for crunch time my teenage poor behavior & consequences will count against me.

Yes it sounds like you got a bum deal. Just being a mis-demeanor instead of a felony works in your favor, however, if I were you I would consult with an attorney who deals with this type of thing to see if you can get this expunged from your record. Since the incident occurred when you were 17, they should have taken care of this at that time.
Most attorneys will do a short interview for 50 bucks, just to see if you have a case or not. It would be worth it to you to have it removed forever. Plus most any job you want to train for in the healthcare field will have these restrictions. They don't want felons working around patients or handling narcotics

This actually happened to a friend of mine who was an engineer and wanted a job that required top
Secret clearance.
It wasn't a DUI, but someone accused him of felony battery, (wrongly).
His attorney got it reduced to a misdemeanor disturbance of the peace when his accusor didnt show up in court.
A felony would have destroyed his career (he was in his 50's), and had never had any record.
Happily he got the job he wanted , (even with the misdemeanor ).

It most likely would be well worth it to have this done if you want to have a career and leave this as a bad memory. Let me know what happens to you!

brivera in Union City, California said: I only studied for six weeks. So it is possible for you too, but I am having difficulties getting registered through my state because of a misdemeanor past. So I'm hoping I haven't wasted all this time and money...?

DID THEY END UP LETTING U REGISTER W/ YOUR MISDEMEANOR THAT'S WHY IM HESITANT...

Hows it going? I am a CPhT with 3 years of Retail Pharmacy Experience. I am available to tutor you online for any exams you wish too for free. Anyone who needs any help in the field please visit the site and I will be more than happy to assist you. I am available for phone tutoring as well! Best of luck!

Christopher L. CPhT

Its through www.justanswer.com/lp-1eny-pharmacy-technician

john in Eden Prairie, Minnesota said: honestly...Youll never be a pharmacy tech...but it never
hurts to apply, do not let that hold you up...you already
know what the answer is going to be anyway...

Even if pharmacy techs were in the shortest demand on this planet,
you would never be hired because of your record. I have been
to school, I have no record, and ive been looking for nearly 2
years for a pharmacy tech job.

Im sorry but just because you have been looking two years and havent found one does not mean that he/she may not get one depending on his/her record. WIll it be a little more challenging? yes but thats not a def NO!!! so i would say go for it