Difficulty of volunteering as pharmacy tech: worth it to get certified?

[TimeIsNow]

Well from everything I read it seems to be ridiculously hard to get a job as a pharmacy tech, but now I am wondering if it is just as hard to get volunteering time as a pharmacy tech? I came down south to visit my family for the holidays, and so I decided to call one of the local hospitals. The volunteer coordinator said that they do take pharmacy tech's as volunteers but that there currently weren't any positions, but that that if I called around I could probably find an opening?

Do any of you think this is true? Because if not I may just be better off volunteering with anything wouldn't I? I have already emailed my universities pre-pharmacy club and asked about membership into that, since the disclaimer said they are a group involved with community service.

Maybe I am freaking out a little too much over this, but I really am worried I won't be getting the right experience. Is it worth it for me to get my pharmacy tech certification for the experience? Or should I just go volunteer with something else? I Really want to go to pharmacy school but not if this situation is going to make it impossible. If I will have excellent grades and PCAT as well, I don't want something like this to ruin my chances, in that scenario, I would rather just do general volunteering and try to get into medical school.

I really want to do pharmacy over medical school, but I'm scared this situation will make it impossible.

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[rxlea]

It won't make it impossible. Volunteer where you like. Pay the $150 or whatever it is and get the PTCB certification (you can take the test at any time). Then, it will be easier for you to get a job (if one opens). Just try to get your foot in the door somewhere- even if it pays **** 🙂

 

[Passion4Sci]

I am a lead volunteer at a huge metropolitan area hospital and I've posted a lot about volunteering and how to get started, so please do a search.

I will say this: Try your best to get your foot in the door at the gift shop or at a department other than pharmacy and once you're in, you can lateral move once something opens. Also, don't ask to be a tech. Just ask to be in the pharmacy. Even if it's just entering interventions or sweeping floors.

 

[docss26]

I was looking for a pharmacy tech position for about a year and couldn't land one. All I had was a license to be a technician, but no certification. I was about to give up until I landed a volunteer position at an independent pharmacy. After a couple of days they ended up liking the work I did and my communication skills with their customers. They ended up hiring me and Ive been with them for quite some time. I suggest you contact some local independent pharmacies and ask for some volunteering opportunities. If they are anything like mine, they would love the extra help. Its a pretty nice experience too. Good luck.

 

[JJVmom]

I've posted this before too, but I volunteer in military pharmacies through the American Red Cross. It's a bit of a lengthy process to start, but it's worth it. I do everything a tech does. (I also passed the PTCB on my own). I also have been able to observe the pharmacists and have all my questions answered. Check the AMC website for information on your local chapter in you're interested in this.
Good luck!