Help!!!!!!!

[DrDivaPharmD]

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Is there a way I can work in a pharmacy without becoming certified first? I have volunteered in a pharmacy and have interned in a summer pharmacy program, and I still get turned down by jobs who are looking for someone to fill that pharmacy tech position, even pharmacy cashier positions. I've talked and talked and applied and applied to several companies, and they all tell me the same thing.....I want more experience, andI'm starting to become discouraged as I apply to pharmacy school...😕😱

What can i do to get my foot in the door to getting a job in the pharmacy??? HELP!!!

 

[destiny64]

I am not certified nor do I have pharmacy experience but I'm starting Pharm school this fall and i got more than 5 interview calls so my suggestion, dont be discouraged.. apply confidently 🙂 Good Luck

 

[Liberty2010]

It is more difficult to get a pharmacy job without certification/experience, but it can be done. Be proactive in your job searching, and make it a point to introduce yourself to the pharmacy managers. If you can, you should look into taking the PTCB and getting your certification. Getting certified, even if you don't have actual work experience, shows initiative and determination on your part.

 

[hopeful4]

Here in WA state you have to at least have a B tech license to work in a pharmacy. I don't know if it is the same in your state. It is definitely easier to get a job with an A tech license but again, still not impossible. I know Walgreens has a tech training program and if you are lucky enough to find a store where they will agree to get you the certification that would be great! Other chains may have similar programs as well. Just keep trying. Apply! Apply! Apply!

 

[mseight]

Many pharmacies will hire without certification/experience, you'll have to check the state health/pharmacy board site to see what the requirement is. In most cases, it is easier to get a job with a tech license than not being certified. However, if you get hired without the license, all you'll do for the first couple months is ring up prescriptions (I guess this also depends on where you live as well, here in SC you can input information but not count,label or "produce" rxs without a tech license) All I can say is keep trying and apply online, walk-in, call, do what you need to do! Good luck!

 

[DrDivaPharmD]

Thanks for the encouragement and advice guys!!! I have put in several applications, so hopefully we will see what will happen

 

[crazybob]

I'd recommend talking to a pharmacist at an independent pharmacy to try to see what you can do, and what your options are.

If you go to chain retail and try to talk to them, they'll just tell you what corporate wants from their employees.

 

[whatbout2morrow]

It probably wouldn't hurt to keep volunteering. You sure you don't have any "connections" at all?

 

[delano2000]

Are you in Texas? Not sure how it is in other states but you need to at least register as a tech trainee to perform some of the technician's duties. About a year ago TSBP sent out a letter to the pharmacies stating who can do what in the pharmacy and that you need to register with the BOP to perform certain tasks if you are not a pharmacist or pharmacy tech.

 

[ColossusFan77]

My advice is just to keep trying and trying and trying. In my area it took me a year from when I turned 18 to find a Pharm Tech Job.


I dont know where you are applying,but its always good to have a little pharmacy experience to use in your interview. It helped me a lot.

Plus I found out that many people who were in my accepted class did not have any pharmacy experience whatsoever...

 

[DrDivaPharmD]

Are you in Texas? Not sure how it is in other states but you need to at least register as a tech trainee to perform some of the technician's duties. About a year ago TSBP sent out a letter to the pharmacies stating who can do what in the pharmacy and that you need to register with the BOP to perform certain tasks if you are not a pharmacist or pharmacy tech.

Oh ok. No, I'm from TN, and I attend school here, as well. I guess I'll be better off getting certified.

 

[DrDivaPharmD]

It probably wouldn't hurt to keep volunteering. You sure you don't have any "connections" at all?

More than likely, that's what I will do. The pharmacy I volunteered at is under new management, but the techs are still there, and the pharmacist I was working with moved to another state....😕

 

[JJVmom]

More than likely, that's what I will do. The pharmacy I volunteered at is under new management, but the techs are still there, and the pharmacist I was working with moved to another state....😕

Have you tried speaking with the pharmacists directly - not just turning in an app? It makes a difference when they find out that you want to have a career in pharmacy. I think it did help me that I became certified last year. However, just taking the test didn't teach me anything about meds. At first, I felt a bit lost and am greatful that other techs had patience with me. Good luck!

 

[RVD09]

Yeah, I'm having the same problem as you are. No one wants to hire an uncertified pharm tech, not even a cashier! I think i'm just going to take PTCB exam after studying and at least get certified. In the meanwhile, i'm going to be volunteering at a hospital to gain some experience 🙂

 

[Passion4Sci]

They likely won't want to hire you even with a cert+license sans experience, but it definitely will give you a bigger bargaining chip anyway.