Having Trouble Getting Experience

Started by lifeguardman
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lifeguardman

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Im having some trouble getting experience in a pharmacy as a tech, why does it seem that people don't want me to work for them? How should I go about getting a job at a pharmacy so I can put it on my application next year.

Any tips?
 
If you are not already certified, take the PTCB exam and become certified. If you still can't get a job, try volunteering at a hospital.
 
whatbout2morrow said:
If you are not already certified, take the PTCB exam and become certified. If you still can't get a job, try volunteering at a hospital.
Click to expand...

I second volunteering in the hospital. I had trouble finding a pharmacy tech job even tho i was certified and so that's what I turned to. Yeah it doesn't pay, but it helps.
 
lifeguardman said:
Im having some trouble getting experience in a pharmacy as a tech, why does it seem that people don't want me to work for them? How should I go about getting a job at a pharmacy so I can put it on my application next year.

Any tips?
Click to expand...

I couldn't find a job at a pharmacy for the longest time. Finally, I decided to shadow cause I wanted experience at the least. Through some networking I found an independent pharmacy owner and he allowed me to shadow. He noticed my enthusiasm and communication skills with his customers and hired me. Ive been working there for a several years now and its been a great experience. I never had to get certified, just needed the license.

Now that I will be attending pharmacy school next year, Im thinking it would be a good idea if I get certified and try to get my foot in the door at a major retail chain. Im wondering if this will make it easier for me to find a job after graduation.
 
xtuner124 said:
I second volunteering in the hospital. I had trouble finding a pharmacy tech job even tho i was certified and so that's what I turned to. Yeah it doesn't pay, but it helps.
Click to expand...
What type of volunteer work at the hospital? Was it pharmacy-related?
 
I got experience volunteering through the Red Cross at a military base. While I didn't get to do much, (I handed out the drugs), if you get in, it does give you a chance to meet some pharmacists and see how a pharmacy works. It isn't as valuable as tech experience but it's something.
 
lifeguardman said:
Im having some trouble getting experience in a pharmacy as a tech, why does it seem that people don't want me to work for them? How should I go about getting a job at a pharmacy so I can put it on my application next year.

Any tips?
Click to expand...

Right now the supply of pharmacy technicians far exceeds the demand. Virtually all chain pharmacies within 50 miles of me are in some kind of hiring freeze. Part of it could be due to the economy and another part could be how ridiculously easy it is to obtain a technician certification. Did you just recently get your license? In my area there are lots of skilled technicians are looking for work, and most pharmacies would rather hire them over a tech with no experience.

My suggestion is to forget about the certification, and apply as a service clerk. Pharmacies are more likely to be looking for clerks due to the turnover rate. You will get paid a lot less, but you also have a lot less stress on you while you learn the workings of a pharmacy. Even as a clerk, you'll likely be trained to do everything a technician can minus pulling and filling scripts, but seriously, a monkey could fill.
 
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