Hello everyone. I was hoping some folks would be able to help me better understand the field of pharmacy technicians as I am interested in possibly exploring it as a career choice.
I am going to be moving soon back home to San Diego (sooooo happy!!!) and I have read that all you need to begin your career as a pharmacy tech in CA is to pass the PTCB exam and you can begin working immediately. I would like to confirm that is in fact correct and if doing so will only allow you to seek opportunities with retail pharmacies like CVS or with hospitals, as well?
Secondly, many posters have complained that many of the online schools tuition costs are very high and offer little in the way of gaining really anything. Most have said they have spent thousands of dollars and could have easily just studied for and taken the PTCB without the need to pay so much money and would have been able to begin working much faster. Just wondering if anyone had any comments about that and if any sort of formal education is really worth the time.
Third, I am curious as to many of the general differences between the retail and hospital settings. I have read many conflicting statements when it comes to salary potential. Some claim it's better in retail, other say hospitals. Personally, I would think that hospitals would offer their employees better pay and benefits, but perhaps not?
In SD county, the field of pharmacy technicians is growing exceedingly fast with a very good average salary. I am very interested in reading what others have to say about what I've asked and please don't hesitate to add anything in case you think that I've overlooked some key question or piece of information, as I am still in the exploratory phase of my investigation.
What's more, it seems like you can jump right into a retail setting but with hospitals they have many more requirements and/or certifications that are necessary. Scripps, for example, mentions IV room experience and in-patient care. How does one who is just starting out even go about acquiring in-patient care? Though I may be mistaken, it seems like the hospital route can take a lot longer to get started, but perhaps the rewards are also far greater (I.e. salary, benefits)?
There is a "nationally recognized" online course that I could begin right away, though it's about $2000, through SDSU. This is from the website:
"This 300-hour nationally recognized pharmacy technician online training program teaches the skills needed to gain employment as a pharmacy tech in either the hospital or retail setting. The program provides graduates with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to qualify for entry-level positions in pharmacies as well as prepare for national certification. This program includes a 40-hour internship, and a lab module with lab kit. Materials included."
The course outline goes into more detail what it offers but am wondering if something like this is the only way to obtain a position at a hospital? What's the internship like? Is working as a tech at a hospital really worth all this or is a retail setting truly the way to go?
I know that is a lot and I thank very much whoever decides to reply.
I am going to be moving soon back home to San Diego (sooooo happy!!!) and I have read that all you need to begin your career as a pharmacy tech in CA is to pass the PTCB exam and you can begin working immediately. I would like to confirm that is in fact correct and if doing so will only allow you to seek opportunities with retail pharmacies like CVS or with hospitals, as well?
Secondly, many posters have complained that many of the online schools tuition costs are very high and offer little in the way of gaining really anything. Most have said they have spent thousands of dollars and could have easily just studied for and taken the PTCB without the need to pay so much money and would have been able to begin working much faster. Just wondering if anyone had any comments about that and if any sort of formal education is really worth the time.
Third, I am curious as to many of the general differences between the retail and hospital settings. I have read many conflicting statements when it comes to salary potential. Some claim it's better in retail, other say hospitals. Personally, I would think that hospitals would offer their employees better pay and benefits, but perhaps not?
In SD county, the field of pharmacy technicians is growing exceedingly fast with a very good average salary. I am very interested in reading what others have to say about what I've asked and please don't hesitate to add anything in case you think that I've overlooked some key question or piece of information, as I am still in the exploratory phase of my investigation.
What's more, it seems like you can jump right into a retail setting but with hospitals they have many more requirements and/or certifications that are necessary. Scripps, for example, mentions IV room experience and in-patient care. How does one who is just starting out even go about acquiring in-patient care? Though I may be mistaken, it seems like the hospital route can take a lot longer to get started, but perhaps the rewards are also far greater (I.e. salary, benefits)?
There is a "nationally recognized" online course that I could begin right away, though it's about $2000, through SDSU. This is from the website:
"This 300-hour nationally recognized pharmacy technician online training program teaches the skills needed to gain employment as a pharmacy tech in either the hospital or retail setting. The program provides graduates with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to qualify for entry-level positions in pharmacies as well as prepare for national certification. This program includes a 40-hour internship, and a lab module with lab kit. Materials included."
The course outline goes into more detail what it offers but am wondering if something like this is the only way to obtain a position at a hospital? What's the internship like? Is working as a tech at a hospital really worth all this or is a retail setting truly the way to go?
I know that is a lot and I thank very much whoever decides to reply.
