Applying for Pharm Tech Positions

[ILikeDrugs]

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Do you think it's a good idea to state that I am a pre-pharmacy student. I am thinking both yes and no. Yes because it shows that I am motivated and serious about working in the field of pharmacology, and no because it shows that I won't be there for that long - two to three years max.

What were your past experiences like?

One last thing. Do you have any advise on searching for open retail positions, mail-order, and other pharm settings. I have pretty much covered all the hospitals within a 25 mile radius.

 

[gtpederson]

true, you won't be there more than 3 years... as a tech.
They could very well assume that you'll come back to work for them after you've got your PharmD.

I mentioned it during my interview and I got hired.

Though, this place has a lot of turnover, so they also assumed I'd last longer than a month.

 

[kampungboy]

I told them i am the president of the pre-phamracy club, and they offered me the job straight away. They even let me chose which store I want to work at.

The reason being :-

as a pre-pharmacy student, you have an advantage over other techs who are not college educated. You would have taken all that pre-pharmacy classes and would at least know some basic chemistry/math/ etc.

Also the main reason why they would be attracted to pre-pharmacy students is because if you do get in pharmacy school, that they would have a chance to grab you as an intern... and eventually make you their pharmacists.. it's a long shot for them yes.... but at the end of the day, if they manage to get someone who have been a tech, and then a pharmacist with all that experience working in a pharmacy starting from the very bottom, then the pharmacy has such a big gain.

My district pharmacy supervisor told me that he would hire a pharmacist who have experience as a tech over a fresh pharmacist out of school with no experience any day !!

so make sure you make it clear that you are indeed a pre pharmacy student !!!

wee

 

[SHC1984]

Do you think it's a good idea to state that I am a pre-pharmacy student. I am thinking both yes and no. Yes because it shows that I am motivated and serious about working in the field of pharmacology, and no because it shows that I won't be there for that long - two to three years max.

What were your past experiences like?

One last thing. Do you have any advise on searching for open retail positions, mail-order, and other pharm settings. I have pretty much covered all the hospitals within a 25 mile radius.

Do you rather work as a tech in a hospital or retail? I applied to all the retail positions at CVS and Walgreens, but haven't done any hospital yet....Which is better?

Also YES you should tell them are you are pre pharm. 👍

 

[ILikeDrugs]

Thanks for the info.

Do you rather work as a tech in a hospital or retail? I applied to all the retail positions at CVS and Walgreens, but haven't done any hospital yet....Which is better?

Also YES you should tell them are you are pre pharm. 👍

I would rather work in a hospital because it pays more and I will find it easier to pay my rent and bills. If a retail position started me out at the same salary as the hospitals do around here ($15-16/hour) I would not mind working retail.

As far as which is better, I can't answer that. From what I've read some people don't like dealing with angry customers in retail while those who work in hospitals don't like dealing with angry nurses and medical doctors.

 

[Lo|a]

I honestly don't think it matters. Most if not all Pharm techs are pre-pharm students or eventually end up pursuing pharmacy school. The turn-over for pharm tech is incredible either ways. The pharmacy where I worked knew before hand that six of our techs were pre-pharm students we lost all six during the summer and re-hired six more, so I really don't think it matters.

Sometimes I think it is better to mention that you're a pre-pharm student, this shows them that you will be really deticated to your work.

 

[simplyv001]

Actually, when I was interviewing for various pharmacy tech jobs I was rejected right away from 2 jobs when I told them I wanted to be a pharmacist. They told me "that's great for you..u get the experience..but I don't wanna train someone for a couple of years and then they leave" so i guess it just depends on the manager.

 

[SHC1984]

Actually, when I was interviewing for various pharmacy tech jobs I was rejected right away from 2 jobs when I told them I wanted to be a pharmacist. They told me "that's great for you..u get the experience..but I don't wanna train someone for a couple of years and then they leave" so i guess it just depends on the manager.

Which pharmacy is this? CVS? Walgreens? Hospital??

I just got a call from Walgreens, I have an interview with them tommorrow at 3pm! I HOPE they hire me!!! I am going to be honest and tell them that I am pre pharm...I hope they still hire me. 🙂

 

[SHC1984]

Thanks for the info.



I would rather work in a hospital because it pays more and I will find it easier to pay my rent and bills. If a retail position started me out at the same salary as the hospitals do around here ($15-16/hour) I would not mind working retail.

As far as which is better, I can't answer that. From what I've read some people don't like dealing with angry customers in retail while those who work in hospitals don't like dealing with angry nurses and medical doctors.

REALLY???? I would love to make 15-16 an hour! Are you a certified tech???? What state are you in?? I am not certified and I have NO experisence at all...but I am going to try the hospital if they pay that well...I just know Rite Aid has the lowest pay. I hope Walgreens is better. (I have no idea how much they will offer...I just hope they hire me tommorrow! LOL..)

 

[ILikeDrugs]

REALLY???? I would love to make 15-16 an hour! Are you a certified tech???? What state are you in?? I am not certified and I have NO experisence at all...but I am going to try the hospital if they pay that well...I just know Rite Aid has the lowest pay. I hope Walgreens is better. (I have no idea how much they will offer...I just hope they hire me tommorrow! LOL..)

I am in Orange County CA and I am certified and am currently waiting for my license from the CA State Board of Pharmacy. Both of which are required to work as a pharmacy tech here in CA. Well some retail places will accept you without a license, but most will require a license.

 

[PharmD321]

guys, the economy is crap. In my town, nothing is hiring and when hiring, they don't want to hire me (and I mean I went to the stores and talked to the pharmacy managers but they basically just told me they will give me a call).

Me: No Criminal Record (Not even one MIP and I only had 3 traffic violations in the last 5 years), Used to be bagboy at Safeway for 3 months during high school, Full time Pre Pharmacy Student, went to a 12 week course to prepare the PTCE, got my certification.

Now I applied at least almost like 10 different stores for the past 4 months:

Retail:

Costco
Walgreens
Walmart
Safeway
Kings Soopers
Kaiser Permanente
Target

Hospital (most of them wanted only experienced techs, which I didn't have):

SkyRidge in Lone Tree
Swedish Hospital on Hampton
University of Colorado Hospital- both inpatient and TEDDY research
There was one more, but don't remember the name.

Anyways, I wanted to work over the weekend and nights on Monday and Wednesday (under 20 hours of work time). I even have a resume and cover letter, but that doesn't matter. Companies either have too many part time workers and/or they need someone full time (Mon-Fri and about 40 hours and more).

 

[Bowler11]

guys, the economy is crap. In my town, nothing is hiring and when hiring, they don't want to hire me (and I mean I went to the stores and talked to the pharmacy managers but they basically just told me they will give me a call).

Me: No Criminal Record (Not even one MIP and I only had 3 traffic violations in the last 5 years), Used to be bagboy at Safeway for 3 months during high school, Full time Pre Pharmacy Student, went to a 12 week course to prepare the PTCE, got my certification.

Now I applied at least almost like 10 different stores for the past 4 months:

Retail:

Costco
Walgreens
Walmart
Safeway
Kings Soopers
Kaiser Permanente
Target

Hospital (most of them wanted only experienced techs, which I didn't have):

SkyRidge in Lone Tree
Swedish Hospital on Hampton
There was one more, but don't remember the name.

Anyways, I wanted to work over the weekend and nights on Monday and Wednesday (under 20 hours of work time). I even have a resume and cover letter, but that doesn't matter. Companies either have too many part time workers and/or they need someone full time (Mon-Fri and about 40 hours and more).

Well to be honest, without any experience in pharmacy for you to ask for a job and request the dates, you aren't going to get offers. While in undergrad you should be able to work more than 20 hours. You might have to extend your seach going 10 miles out of your city. Once you send your application in, give the pharmacy a call and throw your name out. No one can expect a job waiting around for a call. It does make it harder without your experience but boast that you are trying to get into pharmacy school and tell them what they want to hear. Do a little research and show that you know about the company. Not to be mean, but stop blamming the economy and focus on what you can do to make your resume stronger.

 

[PharmD321]

Well to be honest, without any experience in pharmacy for you to ask for a job and request the dates, you aren't going to get offers. While in undergrad you should be able to work more than 20 hours. You might have to extend your seach going 10 miles out of your city. Once you send your application in, give the pharmacy a call and throw your name out. No one can expect a job waiting around for a call. It does make it harder without your experience but boast that you are trying to get into pharmacy school and tell them what they want to hear. Do a little research and show that you know about the company. Not to be mean, but stop blamming the economy and focus on what you can do to make your resume stronger.

How am I going to get experience in a pharmacy if I don't get my first job? I already went to school and got my certification and do have experience in a classroom to prepare the PTCE. Also, all the jobs I look for are about 20-40 miles away from my house. I already told you this, the economy stinks because it is in currently in recession which means it is in debt and corporations cant afford to hire anymore employees because the taxes are actually higher because of the ten billion dollars a month spending in the Iraq war. Hell, I might as well go join the army because that may be the only medical related job I can get. So do you understand what I am saying now?

EDIT: Also, in my post, I mentioned that I went to the pharmacy managers and talked to them about but they told me many times that they were going to call me. None of them did but walgreens and safeway. Both wanted full time which I couldn't do it.

 

[Bowler11]

How am I going to get experience in a pharmacy if I don't get my first job? I already went to school and got my certification and do have experience in a classroom to prepare the PTCE. Also, all the jobs I look for are about 20-40 miles away from my house. I already told you this, the economy stinks because it is in currently in recession which means it is in debt and corporations cant afford to hire anymore employees because the taxes are actually higher because of the ten billion dollars a month spending in the Iraq war. Hell, I might as well go join the army because that may be the only medical related job I can get. So do you understand what I am saying now?

EDIT: Also, in my post, I mentioned that I went to the pharmacy managers and talked to them about but they told me many times that they were going to call me. None of them did but walgreens and safeway. Both wanted full time which I couldn't do it.

I am not trying to argue with you however understand that you obviously need to change something in your demeanor because I was able to get my first pharmacy job as a 16 year old....without half the things you have. Why not say something to the idea of, well "considering i am going for pharmacy I could really see myself working and advancing within your company and hopefully getting a chance to work here as a pharmacist." What I would suggest is continue talking to the managers. Don't just do it once, but put the name in the person's head. You may find it as too pushy of a situation, but it has worked for me in my two pharmacy jobs. Understand there is both a pharmacy manager and a store manager....both of which have major pull.

I would have gotten it but _________, other people are getting it because of ________,....Excuses. Blame as you please but it wont get better. Change something now because obviously something is not working. I understand where you are coming from however simply wait until you have more issues blocking you from pharmacy school admissions. Good luck, I hope you find something.

 

[SHC1984]

How am I going to get experience in a pharmacy if I don't get my first job? I already went to school and got my certification and do have experience in a classroom to prepare the PTCE. Also, all the jobs I look for are about 20-40 miles away from my house. I already told you this, the economy stinks because it is in currently in recession which means it is in debt and corporations cant afford to hire anymore employees because the taxes are actually higher because of the ten billion dollars a month spending in the Iraq war. Hell, I might as well go join the army because that may be the only medical related job I can get. So do you understand what I am saying now?

EDIT: Also, in my post, I mentioned that I went to the pharmacy managers and talked to them about but they told me many times that they were going to call me. None of them did but walgreens and safeway. Both wanted full time which I couldn't do it.

I was going to tell them to give me part time b/c I need time to study for the PCAT for Jan. But if thats the case I guess I can work full time. Full time + PCAT?? I hope that works out...

 

[PharmD321]

"considering i am going for pharmacy I could really see myself working and advancing within your company and hopefully getting a chance to work here as a pharmacist."

Okay, first off, I wanted to say that was a good statement! I am sorry if I was a little impatient last night, I meant that it was very hard on my part to get a job even though I am certified. Yes, I may have made mistakes like Walgreens gave me a test before I got certified and I completely flunked it because I didn't study the chemo drugs and the abbreviations. I just need to be more confident and you are right, I will get a job if I just keep looking and let the pharmacist even know my name and that I am a friendly person looking to help them and become one of them (pharmacist) in the future.

Also, I know this is late (lol) but I wanted to congratulate you on getting a job in the pharmacy field at the age of 16.

I was going to tell them to give me part time b/c I need time to study for the PCAT for Jan. But if thats the case I guess I can work full time. Full time + PCAT?? I hope that works out...

I would not advise you to get a full time job because the test is more important and you need to have time to study. The test outcomes doesn't matter but at least the PCAT gives you a chance to be a pharmacist in the near future.

 

[SHC1984]

Okay, first off, I wanted to say that was a good statement! I am sorry if I was a little impatient last night, I meant that it was very hard on my part to get a job even though I am certified. Yes, I may have made mistakes like Walgreens gave me a test before I got certified and I completely flunked it because I didn't study the chemo drugs and the abbreviations. I just need to be more confident and you are right, I will get a job if I just keep looking and let the pharmacist even know my name and that I am a friendly person looking to help them and become one of them (pharmacist) in the future.

Also, I know this is late (lol) but I wanted to congratulate you on getting a job in the pharmacy field at the age of 16.



I would not advise you to get a full time job because the test is more important and you time to study. The test outcomes doesn't matter but at least the PCAT gives you a chance to be a pharmacist in the near future.[/quote]
You are right. PCAT is more important then anything else in the application process.
I just got done with the interview at Walgreens. It went fine and they told me they have a few other people to interview and they will call me if they decide to hire me by next week. I still kinda hope I get it...but if I don't I don't mind b/c I want to ROCK the PCAT. 👍
Plus they told me they start people with no work experisence with only 9.75-10.00 an hours...so I am not missing much anyways. LOL...

 

[PharmD321]

ya that is true! I am wondering though, what kind of interview did wlagreens give you? Walgreens store manager didn't talk to me much and said, "here is your test, have fun." lol

 

[SHC1984]

Part one, apply online yourself
Part two, come into the store and take a "test"
Part three, the store or pharmacy manager calls you and ask you to come in for an interview. Gives you a time and you come in.

I got a call yesterday for an interview today. The interview was short 15 minutes...really laid back with the store manager AND pharmacy manager at the same time.
They were both very nice.
Ask me why I wanted this job, asked me about my previous experisences with pharmacy, ask me about my previous job experisences, ask me if I have ever been late to work before, ask me if I have ever been absent from work, told me my starting salary would be ~10 dollars an hour b/c I have no experisence at all, told me I might have to work holidays b/c I am new, thats about all they say. I told them I was pre pharm. and that I am very interested in working...
they told me they will contact me next week if I get the job. I hope so...but again if NOT its cool too.
(they also told me that they have 5-6 more people to interview before they make a decision on who to hire...)

 

[PharmD321]

Part one, apply online yourself
Part two, come into the store and take a "test"
Part three, the store or pharmacy manager calls you and ask you to come in for an interview. Gives you a time and you come in.

I got a call yesterday for an interview today. The interview was short 15 minutes...really laid back with the store manager AND pharmacy manager at the same time.
They were both very nice.
Ask me why I wanted this job, asked me about my previous experisences with pharmacy, ask me about my previous job experisences, ask me if I have ever been late to work before, ask me if I have ever been absent from work, told me my starting salary would be ~10 dollars an hour b/c I have no experisence at all, told me I might have to work holidays b/c I am new, thats about all they say. I told them I was pre pharm. and that I am very interested in working...
they told me they will contact me next week if I get the job. I hope so...but again if NOT its cool too.
(they also told me that they have 5-6 more people to interview before they make a decision on who to hire...)

Yep, I think I failed the second part haha....It was such an easy test (and it was before I took the PTCE so I know that the walgreens test is so much easier than the PTCE) but I didn't study so obviously I failed. Oh well.

That is nice to hear that you had a great interview! I like when the managers are nice because rude managers will make your day like hell. (I have a story to tell you about a rude manager but lets not go there but in the end, me and my co workers at Safeway threw eggs and tp her house and then she stopped being mean...)

Good Luck in getting your job and I might try to get one myself at walgreens near my new house that I am buying this coming month (long story)!!

 

[SHC1984]

Yep, I think I failed the second part haha....It was such an easy test (and it was before I took the PTCE so I know that the walgreens test is so much easier than the PTCE) but I didn't study so obviously I failed. Oh well.

That is nice to hear that you had a great interview! I like when the managers are nice because rude managers will make your day like hell. (I have a story to tell you about a rude manager but lets not go there but in the end, me and my co workers at Safeway threw eggs and tp her house and then she stopped being mean...)

Good Luck in getting your job and I might try to get one myself at walgreens near my new house that I am buying this coming month (long story)!!

Thanks, but I am not sure if the interview went the best that it can though...🙁

When they ask me "have I ever been late to work" I told them that yes I have when I get really early shifts. LOL...I told them I am not a morning person and have been late a few times. But I did say I will try my best and not be late if they hire me for walgreens. And I also told them that I have never been late when I get shifts after 9am. LOL...
I know I should have say NO I have never been late, but I just can't lie like that...I guess that works against me sometimes. 🙄

 

[PharmD321]

Thanks, but I am not sure if the interview went the best that it can though...🙁

When they ask me "have I ever been late to work" I told them that yes I have when I get really early shifts. LOL...I told them I am not a morning person and have been late a few times. But I did say I will try my best and not be late if they hire me for walgreens. And I also told them that I have never been late when I get shifts after 9am. LOL...
I know I should have say NO I have never been late, but I just can't lie like that...I guess that works against me sometimes. 🙄

Actually, companies like to hire honest working people. So you shouldn't stress out about that. Lol, at least you told them that you never been late after 9am which is very good (most pharmacies open at 9 am colorado!). So you shouldn't have any problems.

I also had another truth or lie situation and that happened when Safeway wanted to offer me a full time over the summer. The pharmacist working there was very nice to me and asked if I can work there full time. The offer urge one part of me to lie and then quit when I go to school. But I just couldn't resist that the lady was so nice so I declined the job offer. After many months later, I have no regrets because I was honest to her.

 

[SnDividedbyn]

So hey, how do you get to be a pharm tech? How do you get your license?

 

[Storm90]

https://www.ptcb.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home1 This is the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board official website.

 

[PharmD321]

So hey, how do you get to be a pharm tech? How do you get your license?

Storm90 is talking about the certification website. But if you want your license, look at your state board of pharmacy to see if it is available in your state.

In my state, colorado, you don't need a license, only a certification.

I don't like this rule because it basically means that anyone can be a pharmacy tech right after high school. If you put barriers to it (license, registration, and certification) then more people would be in jail for selling illegal drugs and violations. Also, the barrier would make create more jobs because no one wants to do all the requirements.

 

[COgirlATheart]

PharmD321, whats this 12 week tech course you did? I'm thinking of getting certified so I can get some experience before applying. As far as employers accepting your limited training, do you recommend it? Thanks for the help!

 

[Sparda29]

Saying that you are a Pre-Pharmacy student will increase your chances of getting hired because it adds a potential pharmacist to their ranks.

 

[PharmD321]

PharmD321, whats this 12 week tech course you did? I'm thinking of getting certified so I can get some experience before applying. As far as employers accepting your limited training, do you recommend it? Thanks for the help!

The 12 week course I did was taught by a pharmacist that was in the military for like 20 years as a tech and then got his B.S. in pharmacy (long time ago obviously! but he doesn't look that old or anything , maybe around his 50's.). He talked about what kind of things you will do in a pharmacy (learn how to study the drug names, drug laws, aseptic technique, laminar hood etc....). It also taught me about what kind of things might be on the PTCE (pharmacy tech certification exam). If you want more info, PM me or look at this website where I went (it is called the health education resources of denver)

www.herdenver.com

The classes helped me alot and passed it first try. But don't forget, you have to go to classes and study hard at home too or else the classes will be useless.

It may help your resume, but that doesn't mean that you will get experience just because you took classes. The reason for that is the hospital in my university (that I applied) sent me an email asking if I had any experience and I told them I didn't but had classroom experience. It didn't matter because they probably had a lot of people applying for the inpatient position I wanted and they probably worked a lot longer than I did in other pharmacies.

If you really want to invest some money though (some people like to study by themselves which is okay too but remember, you won't get taught by a pharmacist if you don't take the courses), I would recommend you to take the classes to get certified for PTCB. This course I took cost me $800 with supplies and books.

Another thing, If you want more certifications to show the hospital that you can get the job done better than anyone else, then get the sterile products certification and the compounding certification. These programs are from NPTA (national pharmacy technician association and the website is www.pharmacytechnician.com ) and I have the 3 year membership and the courses to get two more certification will cost 1000 bucks for both (500 each). I think I might take the courses because I can't get a job and then after I complete them, I would have 3 certifications as pharm tech which would make my resume a lot better!!

Good luck!!

 

[SHC1984]

Just got done with my second interview at Walgreens. I didn't know applying for a Pharm Tech job would be that diffcult. LOL...
Hopfully they will hired me after this intervew...

anyone here having to do MORE then ONE interview for a pharm tech position?

 

[UNMorBUST]

I didn't know applying for a Pharm Tech job would be that diffcult. LOL...

With todays economy, a solid career choice like pharm tech will become much more compeditive.

 

[PharmD321]

With todays economy, a solid career choice like pharm tech will become much more compeditive.

I don't think today's economy is competitive. I think the companies simply can't afford more techs and most companies are laying off employees everyday.

 

[UNMorBUST]

I don't think today's economy is competitive. I think the companies simply can't afford more techs and most companies are laying off employees everyday.

Lack of jobs is what makes it more competitive. That was what i was going for.

 

[UNMorBUST]

Let me restate it. Yes, the economy is making jobs ,such as pharm tech, more competitive. There is a record amount of unemployment, as well as the scare of job security. So the limited amount of tech jobs are having many more applicants.

 

[TTUMike]

I told them i am the president of the pre-phamracy club, and they offered me the job straight away. They even let me chose which store I want to work at.

The reason being :-

as a pre-pharmacy student, you have an advantage over other techs who are not college educated. You would have taken all that pre-pharmacy classes and would at least know some basic chemistry/math/ etc.

Also the main reason why they would be attracted to pre-pharmacy students is because if you do get in pharmacy school, that they would have a chance to grab you as an intern... and eventually make you their pharmacists.. it's a long shot for them yes.... but at the end of the day, if they manage to get someone who have been a tech, and then a pharmacist with all that experience working in a pharmacy starting from the very bottom, then the pharmacy has such a big gain.

My district pharmacy supervisor told me that he would hire a pharmacist who have experience as a tech over a fresh pharmacist out of school with no experience any day !!

so make sure you make it clear that you are indeed a pre pharmacy student !!!

wee

Not trying to knock your post but knowing calculus and acid/base reactions is not going to give you the slightest edge over other pharmacy technicians. I work with technicians with high school diplomas who are far better technicians than myself despite not having a strong science background.

As someone who did the hiring at my store I found it difficult to hire those people still in school, especially those pursuing pharmacy. The first thing managers are looking for is flexibility and we all know that you are not going to be extremely flexible with a full load of courses. Secondly, it costs the company a lot of money to train technicians just for them to leave.
I am not suggesting you don't tell them your ultimate goals, just keep in mind that it may make it more difficult to get hired. I would suggest taking your school schedule to the pharmacy manager/store manager (whoever is doing the hiring) so that they know exactly what you are capable of working. If they are looking for a part time technician then you might be in luck.
If you are looking at getting hired sometime in the near future then I would suggest searching as soon as possible. We are on the brink of flu season, which generally starts early December, and most busy pharmacies won't even think of hiring technicians with zero experience.

 

[TTUMike]

guys, the economy is crap. In my town, nothing is hiring and when hiring, they don't want to hire me (and I mean I went to the stores and talked to the pharmacy managers but they basically just told me they will give me a call).

Me: No Criminal Record (Not even one MIP and I only had 3 traffic violations in the last 5 years), Used to be bagboy at Safeway for 3 months during high school, Full time Pre Pharmacy Student, went to a 12 week course to prepare the PTCE, got my certification.

Now I applied at least almost like 10 different stores for the past 4 months:

Retail:

Costco
Walgreens
Walmart
Safeway
Kings Soopers
Kaiser Permanente
Target

Hospital (most of them wanted only experienced techs, which I didn't have):

SkyRidge in Lone Tree
Swedish Hospital on Hampton
University of Colorado Hospital- both inpatient and TEDDY research
There was one more, but don't remember the name.

Anyways, I wanted to work over the weekend and nights on Monday and Wednesday (under 20 hours of work time). I even have a resume and cover letter, but that doesn't matter. Companies either have too many part time workers and/or they need someone full time (Mon-Fri and about 40 hours and more).

I usually tell this to everyone looking for part time work for Walgreens. Have you tried contacting the district office and talking to the District Pharmacy Training Supervisor? Every store is independent of one another, so even though all these store are telling you that they are fully staffed they may still have a need for floater techs in your district. The only downside to this is that you will have to be available to work at any store in your district and depending on your district it could be quite large. Upside is of course a possible open position and they also pay for your gas. Hope this helps.

 

[Transformer]

Saying that you are a Pre-Pharmacy student will increase your chances of getting hired because it adds a potential pharmacist to their ranks.

I disagree on saying pre-pharmacy student will increase your chances of getting hired as a pharmacy tech.

It may increase your chances if you personally know the staff pharmacist and pharmacy manager but most of the time, saying you are going to school and need the store to work around your schedule won't help you get the job.

Like TTUMike mentioned, Pre-pharmacy may be an indication of inflexibility. Generally, it is the corporate people who hire you. The corporate guys and gals don't know you and just want you to fill the needs of the pharmacy at certain hours (most likely the time when no one wants to work). Personally, if you want a pharmacy tech or clerk job, you'll have to temporarily value your job over school.

In my opinion, Pharmacies that have a full staff and is constantly busy, don't prefer to work around students' schedules and they fear you'll leave your job within a year of working there.

 

[SHC1984]

I told them I was very verrrrry flexible...since I have already graduated and have a bachelors degree. I told them I was pre pharm and that I will work anyday/anytime they tell me to work. I also told them that I will take any salary even 8.50 an hour.
I know that sounds pretty depesrate but I am b/c I don't want to end up with NO jobs. And right now I am studying for the PCAT which keeps me busy, but after jan 24th I need a job or I will be bored to death! LOL....
Hopfully a bachelor's degree in Chemistry/6 weeks of dental school at an Ivy League will make me a more "competitive" applicant!

Anyhow my question again is...Has anyone ever been ask in for a SECOND interview at Walgreens?? I thought one interview was enough but I guess they needed TWO...??

 

[TTUMike]

Do you know who you interviewed with the first time around? Was it the pharmacy manager or store manager? The only reason I could see two interviews is if you were first screened by the store manager or if they wanted you to stay interested in them until they finish interviewing other applicants. I can assure you that if the latter is the case and they decide to go with you then you will not go through a second interview.

 

[SHC1984]

My first interview was with the store manager and pharmacy manager.
My second interview was with the store manager and the person in charge of training pharm techs.

The store manager says he is interviewing me and some other applicants before he makes a final decision....

I am so nervous....

hopfully my willingness to work for 8.50 an hour will help me out...I doubt anyone else will be willing to accept a wage that low...LOL...

 

[TTUMike]

Suggesting a low starting wage does show your interest but rest assured that they cannot (according to Walgreens' standards) lower your wage. You will start on the pay scale that Walgreens has set up for your district depeding on cost of living and competition.
That is unusual that you were interviewed by the DPTS. If you don't get hired on to the store that you are currently interviewing at, don't be surprised if they ask if you want to work at another store that needs help.

 

[SHC1984]

Suggesting a low starting wage does show your interest but rest assured that they cannot (according to Walgreens' standards) lower your wage. You will start on the pay scale that Walgreens has set up for your district depeding on cost of living and competition.
That is unusual that you were interviewed by the DPTS. If you don't get hired on to the store that you are currently interviewing at, don't be surprised if they ask if you want to work at another store that needs help.

JUST GOT HIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now I have to go in and take a drug test...

 

[TTUMike]

Congrats! Now be prepared for two weeks of computer training.

 

[UNMorBUST]

Congrats.

 

[PharmD321]

I usually tell this to everyone looking for part time work for Walgreens. Have you tried contacting the district office and talking to the District Pharmacy Training Supervisor? Every store is independent of one another, so even though all these store are telling you that they are fully staffed they may still have a need for floater techs in your district. The only downside to this is that you will have to be available to work at any store in your district and depending on your district it could be quite large. Upside is of course a possible open position and they also pay for your gas. Hope this helps.

I used to work at safeway and knew the district pharmacy people (there are located in the headquarters in denver) and they got me a job for full time out south eastern denver (almost into the plains, maybe 10 minute drive from my house). But I can't work full time.

But, my point is you are right, talk to the right people, like those that work in the district office.

 

[SHC1984]

Thanks...can't wait to start my job on Monday! The pay is 9.75 an hour for No experisence and 11 an hour for a certified tech. However I heard stories of techs making 15+ dollars a hour...I wonder where they work at...But it doesn't matter b/c I am just glad I have a job! 😀

All the pharmacists and the pharmacy manager are all women....I was hoping that they would all be men...oh well....🙄

One of the pharmacists looks kinda stress out though...I don't know why b/c the store manager told me its one of the slower stores....

 

[PharmD321]

Thanks...can't wait to start my job on Monday! The pay is 9.75 an hour for No experisence and 11 an hour for a certified tech. However I heard stories of techs making 15+ dollars a hour...I wonder where they work at...But it doesn't matter b/c I am just glad I have a job! 😀

All the pharmacists and the pharmacy manager are all women....I was hoping that they would all be men...oh well....🙄

One of the pharmacists looks kinda stress out though...I don't know why b/c the store manager told me its one of the slower stores....

Oh snap, I forgot to say, Congrats SHC1984!!! 😀

Did you get the job as full time or part time?

Too bad your pharmacy doesn't have any males, maybe you should ask your boss to hire me?? 🙂

 

[TTUMike]

The amount of scripts a store does is so deceiving when trying to correlate it with how busy/stressful a store is. Because Walgreens uses budgeted hours based on script count, a store who does 200 scripts a day with 1 pharmacist and 1 tech may be just as stressful as a store who does 600 scripts a day with 2 pharmacists and 4 techs. The problem with the system is that there is no measurement for the quality of technicians employed. So, despite being a slower store you may find that the techs you are working with are all new which makes it extremely stressful for the pharmacist.

 

[Transformer]

The volume of scripts depends on which pharmacy setting you work in.

On average, a retail pharmacy store can do 600 to 800 scripts per day. This is the case because most of the medication orders retail stores get are your fast movers and common drugs (e.g: IBU, AMOX, VICODIN, etc) and can be quickly prepared. In addition, I find a good 25% of that volume coming strictly from refills.

I work at hospital pharmacy and we do about 200 to 400 scripts a day. This may not sound like a lot of prescriptions but it really is a handful. We make a lot of compound medications (not your common Green Goddess or Baclofen but also include chemotherapy and eye drop compounds). It take time to make it and we don't always have stock bottles made since there is an expiration date on these medications.

We also get discharged prescriptions that can range from 1 to 4 pages long. There is about 6 to 7 orders per page. It can become a challenge on some days (especially discharge days when we have to constantly page resident doctors to verify dose and etc.) but i enjoy the challenge 🙂

 

[SHC1984]

Oh snap, I forgot to say, Congrats SHC1984!!! 😀

Did you get the job as full time or part time?

Too bad your pharmacy doesn't have any males, maybe you should ask your boss to hire me?? 🙂

Thank you!! Sure, I work at Charlotte NC. Call there and ask for a job! 😀 I haven't gotten my schedule yet...I will be going in for training monday morning.
I think they will give me around 30 hours a week though....The pharmacy currently has 2 techs and they just hired me and one other....

The store manager said he was going to hire just ONE tech but he hired two just in case one of us call in sick or one of us doesn't work out or can't work full time etc etc. Good idea I guess...LOL...

 

[SHC1984]

The amount of scripts a store does is so deceiving when trying to correlate it with how busy/stressful a store is. Because Walgreens uses budgeted hours based on script count, a store who does 200 scripts a day with 1 pharmacist and 1 tech may be just as stressful as a store who does 600 scripts a day with 2 pharmacists and 4 techs. The problem with the system is that there is no measurement for the quality of technicians employed. So, despite being a slower store you may find that the techs you are working with are all new which makes it extremely stressful for the pharmacist.

Wow...good call. The pharmacy I work for usually does 200 scripts a day I believe...and has only one pharmacist and one tech....
I just hope these women pharmacists aren't too moody...The one I saw today looked really stress out...I should have looked for pharmacys with male pharmacists instead...

Hopfully pharmacy tech isn't more stressful then waitressing...I wait tables and thought it was okay overall, but most people hate it!

Last question...does a pharmacist and a pharmacy tech do just about the same things?????? I know a pharmacist is RESPONSIBLE if something goes wrong, but physically a tech and a pharmacist does the same stuff right?