Good idea to become a tech first?

[golfmontpoker]

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This is probably a stupid question, but would it be in my best interests to be a tech or work in a pharmacy for a little while before applying? If so, how do you go about getting a job at a pharmacy? Just walk in and tell them you are planning on going to pharmacy school and would like some experiance? Thanks for any help!

 

[TennisBoy78]

This is probably a stupid question, but would it be in my best interests to be a tech or work in a pharmacy for a little while before applying? If so, how do you go about getting a job at a pharmacy? Just walk in and tell them you are planning on going to pharmacy school and would like some experiance? Thanks for any help!

Exactly, you haven't done it yet?

 

[cycloketocaine]

Exactly, you haven't done it yet?

Schools usually REALLY like it if you've had previous pharm experience.

 

[PharmMnM]

its good to see that an applicant has some knowledge on how the pharmacy functions.
its hard to just walk into a pharmacy because they usually just say they don't have any openings or will just refer you to the online application, like walgreens.

 

[golfmontpoker]

its good to see that an applicant has some knowledge on how the pharmacy functions.
its hard to just walk into a pharmacy because they usually just say they don't have any openings or will just refer you to the online application, like walgreens.

How would you go about getting a job then?

 

[sprinkle0420]

I would like to know the answer to this question too since I've gone to alot of retail pharmacies and a hospital and was pretty much brushed off. Hopefully when I go out to chicago in 2 weeks I can find some sort of pharmacy job/volunteer position(if anybody knows of any pharmacies looking for some extra help please feel free to contact me!)

 

[aboveliquidice]

How would you go about getting a job then?

It depends on your state. Some states like Florida, you can just apply for a position. Other states like Cali, you need to be PTCB certified prior to starting as a technician. Check the laws for your state.

If you are in a state where you can just walk in, do so. Its not difficult to get a job at walgreens or CVS, unless you are in a strictly college town where a lot of pharmacy hopefuls are. Even with that, I still got the job I wanted as a IV tech, and was offered a position at walgreens (of which I turned down).

My first pharmacy job was actually volunteer work. I did so for 3 months, after which I was hired on as a pharmacy tech II. I worked there for a little over 8 months before moving and getting this new IV tech position. If you want a job, most likely you can get it.

~above~

 

[tdkneo]

It depends on your state. Some states like Florida, you can just apply for a position. Other states like Cali, you need to be PTCB certified prior to starting as a technician. Check the laws for your state.

If you are in a state where you can just walk in, do so. Its not difficult to get a job at walgreens or CVS, unless you are in a strictly college town where a lot of pharmacy hopefuls are. Even with that, I still got the job I wanted as a IV tech, and was offered a position at walgreens (of which I turned down).

My first pharmacy job was actually volunteer work. I did so for 3 months, after which I was hired on as a pharmacy tech II. I worked there for a little over 8 months before moving and getting this new IV tech position. If you want a job, most likely you can get it.

~above~

In California, it is hard to find pharm tech jobs without experience even though you are certified as pharm tech..........

 

[GrignardRX]

I wasn't certified when I got hired at Osco (now currently CVS) and I'm still not certified...pretty much I applied to every pharmacy I could think of (Walgreens, Osco, CVS, Costco, Walmart, etc.) After I completed all the online apps...I walked into the stores that were closest to my house and talked to the pharmacist in charge if they were there. I just told them that I'm pre-pharm and would like to gain some experience and that I already applied online. And if you do this, make sure you have a resume ready when you walk in to the store.

If that doesn't work then maybe you can volunteer at a hospital first and then apply for a job later. Then, you can say you have some experience even though volunteer experience is nothing like the actual job since you have more responsibilities on the actual job because you're getting paid.

 

[pharmd4me@510]

I would like to know the answer to this question too since I've gone to alot of retail pharmacies and a hospital and was pretty much brushed off. Hopefully when I go out to chicago in 2 weeks I can find some sort of pharmacy job/volunteer position(if anybody knows of any pharmacies looking for some extra help please feel free to contact me!)

Hey Sprinkle, I just quit my volunteer job at Stanford Children's Hospital home pharmacy department. They are in desperate need for a new volunteer. The job is really boring (filing) but the pharmacists there are really nice. PM me if you would like more info

 

[the_labrat]

I just got an interview at King Soopers in Colorado. I walked in to every pharmacy i knew of and asked to get the recruiter's number.

I guess im just really ballsy....

 

[Avalanche21]

Get some experience and make sure it's what you want. I'm premed, but I work in a pharmacy right now. I have to say I'm not a fan. My friend who's now in pharmacy school worked as a tech for the first time this summer and now she's debating doing teaching or something. Not saying you won't like it, just that it would be nice to get an idea.

 

[Splitrip]

look for a store that is really new. you might have to travel far but they are always in need of help. i walked into a new store and got hired as a tech trainee the next day, thats how i got started.

 

[prepharmacys]

No question is stupid. I dont suggest it. Just volunteer your time. The more certified you become in something the harder it is to get those school loans. Am I wrong? Maybe im being stupid.
The only thing you need to get into pharmacy school is your grades. They dont care if you know how to ring up meds.

 

[Splitrip]

My dad is friends with a Dept Chair at a school of pharmacy and he said that they want to make sure that you know what you are getting into and that you like it. they dont want to train someone that is going to make a career change as soon as they get out. i have known people who were pre-pharmacy until they actually worked in a pharmacy and discovered they hated the job and didnt want anything to do with it. on a side note: is it harder to get school loans if you are a certified tech? i have never heard that before.

 

[yougogirl]

Having some sort of experience in the field convinces them you are serious about becoming a pharmacist. I think some schools require some experience, others encourage it. Good luch.