California pharmacy technician

[OoShimmeroO]

I heard that in Cali a college degree or working a particular amount of hours doesn't qualify a person to become a pharm tech anymore. I guess u need a ceritifcate from one of those 6 month pharm tech trade schools like Bryman. Does anyone know of any exceptions to the new law?

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[tao08244]

There are four ways to become a pharmacy technician in California. Check this out: http://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/faq_pharmacy_technician.htm .

 

[OoShimmeroO]

Thanks. I really don't understand why they are making it so hard now-a-days.

 

[melt36]

Thanks. I really don't understand why they are making it so hard now-a-days.

Pharmacy is a booming profession - get in while you still can! 🙂 I had the same problem.. couldn't get my license because the laws changed, but thankfully, Walgreens paid for my PTCB exam. If you're working at a chain pharmacy, maybe you can ask your boss what they can do for you. G'luck!

 

[OoShimmeroO]

My boss wasn't the "helpful" type...i consider her demon spawn

 

[Apteka]

I'm not sure where you are located, but in SF there are less expensive ways to get your PharmTech license w/o going through Western Career College or Bryman- CCSF (city college of SF) has a Pharmacy Technician Program (it's pretty competitive, but it's well worth it) at their John Adams Campus and the fees are something like $25/unit since it's a community college. (I think the textbooks are more expensive than the actual fees!)
In Southern California, I know that there are also a few community college that offer similar programs, as well- usually under the "Health Sciences" division. Good luck!

 

[OoShimmeroO]

I haven't really heard of any inexpensive community colleges that offer pharm techs programs in Orange County, but i guess there could be.

 

[Apteka]

There are a lot of California Community Colleges that offer the PharmTech program... You should look into it, here is one example.

http://************/5meva

(This above link is for Cerritos College. I just found this after a few clicks on the computer. I'm sure you can find a program close to wherever you are, just type in various community college names and "Pharmacy" in the search function and it should pull up a few hits... )

 

[Apteka]

if you type in 'pharmacy' in the search field next to the handicap sign at www dot cerritos dot edu, you will see a link to "PHARMACY TECHNICIAN." Click there, and you can find out more.

 

[Apteka]

I typed in 'cerritos college' and I don't know if it's IN OC, but I know it's sortakinda near there? I can't remember the names of any of the CC out there at the moment so I just tried that link. Not sure where you are or where you are near, but I know that even the College of the Desert in Palm Desert has a program, so within OC there has to be a bunch! Let me know if you need help searching- send me a PM. good luck! It's definitely worth it if you're planning to apply to P-school. We're in our first year at UCSF and those with *some* Pharmacy experience are just a smidge less stressed out about memorizing drug names, at least!

 

[Mandy_2]

So if I take pharmtech courses at college there is no need to take the ptcb exam or I do have to take the exam?
how about the online programs for pharmacy tech are they acceptalbe?!!!

 

[melt36]

So if I take pharmtech courses at college there is no need to take the ptcb exam or I do have to take the exam?
how about the online programs for pharmacy tech are they acceptalbe?!!!

The cool thing about the PTCB test is that you'll be nationally certified & that most likely means a pay raise! If you've been working in the pharmacy & dont mind paying ~$150 for the test (text books are extra I believe)... it's a pretty easy test. 🙂

 

[Apteka]

I took the PTCB exam but was reminded by a few pharmacists that it was just another way for an organization to make $$... (like the SATs...) Where I was working, the PTCB didn't make a big difference in pay raise, but then again, if I were to ever leave CA and work as a technician, it would be an easy transition. For all intensive purposes, completing a program at Bryman/Western Career College (and paying big $) or finding our which local Community college offers the same type of program (and paying considerably less for it) is a great idea. You get your Pharmtech license fromthe board of pharmacy in sacramento (my program ran from Aug till May and I got my license in June.)

The cool thing about the PTCB test is that you'll be nationally certified & that most likely means a pay raise! If you've been working in the pharmacy & dont mind paying ~$150 for the test (text books are extra I believe)... it's a pretty easy test. 🙂

 

[melt36]

I took the PTCB exam but was reminded by a few pharmacists that it was just another way for an organization to make $$... (like the SATs...) Where I was working, the PTCB didn't make a big difference in pay raise, but then again, if I were to ever leave CA and work as a technician, it would be an easy transition. For all intensive purposes, completing a program at Bryman/Western Career College (and paying big $) or finding our which local Community college offers the same type of program (and paying considerably less for it) is a great idea. You get your Pharmtech license fromthe board of pharmacy in sacramento (my program ran from Aug till May and I got my license in June.)

hmm.. i never thought about the ptcb as another for-profit organization.. interesting thought 🙂 but i do agree, taking the classes would definitely be more beneficial than just studying a book & taking the test. if you're just aiming to get your license, ptcb.

 

[Apteka]

In Orange County:::

www dot sac dot edu

Santa Ana College seems to have a program through their school. contact them and see what their requirements are! good luck.

type in 'pharmacy' in their serach function and it should pull up info on their pharm tech program.

GL!