Have any of you worked as pharm techs?

[alpha12]

The reason I ask is because I used to be pre-pharm and worked as a tech 10 years ago. Many of my pharmacists convinced me successfully that the profession was headed for disaster and to consider something else. The only optimistic ones were old timers who are were close to retirement. This was in 09. and the market was saturated then. I can imagine it's only worse now. I am glad i took their advice as I make the same amount of money in a less stressful environment as a software engineer. So I ask the question have you actually worked as a tech and talked to actual pharmacists about the profession?

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[BC_89]

I’ll bite since I see a few views but no response:

Yes: started at Wags, found myself enlisting in the army as a pharmacy specialist (ie tech), worked and traveled as one for a few years (while also attached to an air assault unit repelling out of blackhawks...YOLO).

Working up the ranks, I became an E-5 quickly (ie supervisory pharm tech) running clinics as a vault tech, budget our yearly $ with daily orders, assisting our pharmacists, prioritizing our pa non-formulary drug patients, work inpatient in the iv hood, etc.

After working 65 - 90 hours weekly while multi-tasking my other duties, I got “damaged” and put on a medical retirement. My take-aways are as follow:

1) My pharmD will be 100% paid for through my service entitlements. This includes housing and a book stipend with money directed into my account.

2) As a disabled veteran (Feb 26th 2019), I am placed as a priority applicant (such as the VA) for federal job placements.

3) Qualified for low-price health coverage with tax free compensation (~$2k) deposited into my bank account monthly for life ( which is adjusted yearly for inflation ).

If I had none of my current benefits, I would not pursue a pharmD. The market and costs work against an individuals future autonomy. My peace of mind will not be sacrificed as an opportunity cost.

 

[Pharmacy is a Scam]

The reason I ask is because I used to be pre-pharm and worked as a tech 10 years ago. Many of my pharmacists convinced me successfully that the profession was headed for disaster and to consider something else. The only optimistic ones were old timers who are were close to retirement. This was in 09. and the market was saturated then. I can imagine it's only worse now. I am glad i took their advice as I make the same amount of money in a less stressful environment as a software engineer. So I ask the question have you actually worked as a tech and talked to actual pharmacists about the profession?

Nonresponse is a response. It’s obvious that 95%+ of pre-pharms haven’t done their homework before getting in. Why would anyone who doesn’t know a lick about pharmacy post here to incriminate themselves?

 

[alpha12]

Nonresponse is a response. It’s obvious that 95%+ of pre-pharms haven’t done their homework before getting in. Why would anyone who doesn’t know a lick about pharmacy post here to incriminate themselves?

Yep. Looks like they are pleading the 5th.

 

[DagS132]

Guys, just let them learn the hard way. I understand you guys are trying to open these student's eyes but people don't want to be told advice especially when its not asked for. This is like going into the gym and giving everyone advice on how to do the lifts correctly. Some may want to hear it, some won't want to be bothered. Let them all go to snap city.

 

[NextStepTutor_4]

Hi @Luol Deng Fan! I personally have not worked as a pharmacy tech but a small but significant number of classmates have had experience prior to being in pharmacy school. Being in pharmacy school, I have spoken to several pharmacists about the profession. They do acknowledge that the environment in terms of job outlook is different from where it was 5-10 years ago. However, it is not impossible to find the job as long as effort is being put in. I think it all depends on the individual and if the passion is for pharmacy, then I'd say go for it.

 

[Saisri_PharmStdnt]

I think you are not getting a lot of responses because we already have several threads where similar questions exist regarding doing homework before coming into this field.

Yes - I was a tech for 10 years. I not only work with a team of now 15 pharmacists, and 3 interns, but I also communicate with my local retail pharmacists as well.

 

[Pharm_K1015]

Yes, I’ve been working as a tech for over 6 years. In retail, speciality, and now hospital. I’m sure you’re talking to retail pharmacists that do not know much outside of the retail aspect. There are many ambulatory rph, ER rph, clinic-based rph, paramedic rph, rph assigned to different floors and units within the hospital. The list goes on and on... Residency leads to many open doors if you work hard for it.

 

[BC_89]

Nonresponse is a response. It’s obvious that 95%+ of pre-pharms haven’t done their homework before getting in. Why would anyone who doesn’t know a lick about pharmacy post here to incriminate themselves?

Yep. Looks like they are pleading the 5th.

I feel like my comment is being ignored

 

[Mr. Corporate Pharmacist]

I started my career as a tech trainee before pharmacy school

Didn't know what I was getting into

I tell all my pharmacy interns and techs who are pursuing pharmacy to specialize

PharmD is not enough to be successful in this market and good money isn't guaranteed

If they plan to go retail, busines acumen and leadership skills are crucial

MBA helped me, and I'm extremely happy with my job and career

Looking to level up in the next couple years

 

[Sine Cura]

Learn the hard way. You can be like this arrogant guy (I have so many little anecdotes about pharmacy managers or staff pharmacists who incorrectly thought they can talk **** to store management and get away with it) or be a new grad who as it turns out can't keep up with the workflow and metric expectations and will just get hours cut.

While obviously not 100% analogous to the "bachelor crisis" in China and India it is mainly a numbers game for most pharmacists now. Don't expect a good job upon graduation, much less work 30 years in pharmacy unless you are actually talented and can leverage connections. Bust your ass for what?

The middle class fever dream is over for many, not just in pharmacy

 

[vet_doc92]

I feel like my comment is being ignored

I read it! Same deal for me, 68Q..medically retired...

Simillar story, 5 years in Army as a Pharmacy Tech, got hurt, retired and worked outside for the VA, a CIV hosptital for a while, now currently working in Germany as a clinical pharmacy tech for the DoD.