Applying for Pharm. Tech Job

[drhopzz]

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I finally got my PTCB certification. I'm planning to apply to CVS and Walgreens. Is there anything i should know, or is there anything specific they are looking for. I know the economy isn't that great, but it wont hurt trying. I filling out the online application, and i was told to (by a friend) to go visit the pharmacy a couple days later. What is the best time to visit because i dont want to be a burden to them if it was a busy day with angry patients and talk to a stressed out pharmacist.

Thanks for your insights

 

[CopToEM]

I finally got my PTCB certification. I'm planning to apply to CVS and Walgreens. Is there anything i should know, or is there anything specific they are looking for. I know the economy isn't that great, but it wont hurt trying. I filling out the online application, and i was told to (by a friend) to go visit the pharmacy a couple days later. What is the best time to visit because i dont want to be a burden to them if it was a busy day with angry patients and talk to a stressed out pharmacist.

Thanks for your insights

Definitely don't go right when they first open, just before lunch, or just after lunch. The hour after 5:00 is pretty busy as well. I'd suggest somewhere from 2-3 p.m.

 

[drhopzz]

Thanks

 

[Cangri One]

how do you become certified? It seems like everywhere I apply they want a certified pharmacy technician, but doesnt it take like a year of classes to become certified? I mean how can a pre-pharmacy student have any time to do that?

 

[sungieality]

how do you become certified? It seems like everywhere I apply they want a certified pharmacy technician, but doesnt it take like a year of classes to become certified? I mean how can a pre-pharmacy student have any time to do that?

Depends on your state, but here in CA all you need to do is take the PTCE (pharmacy technician certification exam) and receive a score of 650 or better. Then you apply for a license. You should definitely check your state board of pharmacy's website for more info.

 

[CopToEM]

how do you become certified? It seems like everywhere I apply they want a certified pharmacy technician, but doesnt it take like a year of classes to become certified? I mean how can a pre-pharmacy student have any time to do that?

Virginia is similar to the above poster's description. You have two options to become certified:

A) Take the National Certification Test (PTCE)

or

B) Take a state approved training program AND the state test.

 

[ILikeDrugs]

Hopefully you're not in southern California. I've been looking for a pharm tech position for half a year. I was licensed back in November. It's been a real pain in the ass. Every hospital wants experience and none of the retail stores respond back or are interested. The hospitals don't even want me as a volunteer. Nothing. Hopefully you'll have better luck.

 

[islsk]

One thing to keep in mind is that you should take a test recognized by both the employer and the board of pharmacy in your state. For instance, the ICPT is recognized as a valid certification by the board of pharmacy where I live, but Walgreens does not recognize it. They require PTCB.

 

[Cangri One]

is it a written test? what exactly is on it?

 

[andy4pharm]

is it a written test? what exactly is on it? it is multiple choice questions. a lot of calculation and pharmacy technician law and regulation.
try to buy a pharm tech book and study for about 2 days.
u'll be ok

 

[Passion4Sci]

Grab the Mosby's guid and you'll be in a good spot.

Passing score is 600/900, I believe, so you will be fine.

 

[Cangri One]

^^^ great thanks for your advice I just bought the book online, hopefully becoming certified will higher my chances of getting a job as a tech because right now it seems they always ask for someone who is certified.

 

[rphfan2009]

I finally got my PTCB certification. I'm planning to apply to CVS and Walgreens. Is there anything i should know, or is there anything specific they are looking for. I know the economy isn't that great, but it wont hurt trying. I filling out the online application, and i was told to (by a friend) to go visit the pharmacy a couple days later. What is the best time to visit because i dont want to be a burden to them if it was a busy day with angry patients and talk to a stressed out pharmacist.

Thanks for your insights

Avoid Monday's...that is the worst day of the week for any pharmacist.