How to become a Certified Pharmacy Tech?

[Demure Allure]

Let me start by describing my situation. Unlike the majority of the members of the SDNF, I am not a pharmacist or pharmacy student. I am still in high school (Junior year, not turning 17 until July), but I want to plan ahead and do everything possible to give myself a greater advantage. I know from doing research online that work experience is great on applications for Pharmacy school, so for that reason (and the fact that I will better understand what I'm doing when I get my first "Pharmacist gig") I am looking into becoming a Certified Pharmacist Tech. I understand that I need to be 18 year old, but as I previously mentioned I am interested in planning ahead.

What I am confused about is how I go about preparing for the PTCB exam. I keep getting contradicting information off the websites I'm reading (and in retrospect, asking this on a forum isn't any different). Some sites say that I would need to take a 6mo-2yr course, which I won't even consider doing. Others say I don't technically need to take a class before I take the PTCB, but I would personally feel much better taking one. I've been looking for programs NOT affiliated with colleges, but have been unsuccessful. Is there any way I can take a "class" through a hospital or pharmacy (or any other place, for that matter)? Also, would I be allowed to take such a class before I'm 18? I think I would want to take the "class" while I'm 17 and still in high school (to avoid overstressing myself with this process while I'm still adjusting to college) and just wait to take the test until I'm 18.

One last question. How much experience (training, certification, ect.) would I need before I applied as a Pharmacy Tech at a retail pharmacy? I am currently looking for volunteer opportunities (only as a "pharmacy messenger," nothing major) at my local hospitals (but am finding this difficult to do), and I am considering applying at a big-chain retail pharmacy (like Walgreens) when I turn 18 so that I get more experience and, possibly, scholarships. Sorry for this super-long post, and all feedback is appreciated. Also, any advice for an aspiring pharmacist is also appreciated!

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[crazybob]

Why do you want to look for a program not affiliated with a school?

 

[Demure Allure]

Why do you want to look for a program not affiliated with a school?

I just mean that I don't want to have to enroll at a Pharmacy Technician school to take the class since I plan to be enrolled at a state university that doesn't offer the class.

 

[Neebs9]

1) You can take classes that will ready you for the PTCB test, but cost money and time. You need to take multiple classes also.

or

2) You can study for the PTCB with books, and take the National test.

Theres no age requirement for taking the PTCB I believe, but you can't get a CPhT job until you're 18.

Optional two is the best bet, but the test would be easier if you could volunteer at a hospital for a PhT or get a job at a retail job as tech. trainee. This way you're familiar with sig's, dosages, drugs, etc. However, there are others who took the test without working as a pharmacy technician and passed the test. The company pays for the test and certifications if you can get a PhT job.

 

[Electrode]

Demure, I think I have a perfect understanding of what you are asking.

A crash/back-yard program of some sort that will train & prepare you towards passing the PTCB & obtaining a pharm tech certificate. Correct me if I'm mistaken.

If such a program exists, I am yet to discover it. But then again, I have never searched for one, and do not really intend to do so. I am currently doing a solo reading/review to take the PTCB latest, February ending. I have been a hospital tech for a while. And this I am mentioning to give you reason why I don't think I'd need to attend a class for it. Additionally, it obviously saves me money & some quality time.


Now, whether you need to take a course or not depends on what & how much you know about being a pharmacy technician, and pharmacy related issues you're required to know as a pharmacy technician. That is basically what PTCB is all about. You might end up having no idea what you're reading, if you opt to just read the book only.


Considering you have zero experience + underage, I'll advice you to sit still & concentrate on getting your high school diploma first, since you're almost done. Although I've heard rumors of some high schools offering the course to their (opted) high school seniors, who take the PTCB almost immediately after their graduation. I'm not sure of the validity, but it sounds very possible & reasonable. And no, you don't have to be 18 to take the course or PTCB exam. But you're required to have a high school diploma (or an equivalent like the GED) to the exam.


As for looking for a volunteer position (with no prior experience) at a big-chain retail like Walgreens, from where I come from, you almost have to re-learn how to spell i-m-p-o-s-s-i-b-l-e. It might be the opposite case at your local surroundings, I don't know. But I remember 3 different walgreens pharmacy directors/managers telling me they only hire pharmacy school students as interns (to work as volunteer/paid techs). The other main option was that I'll have to be certified & be registered with the state first, with a preference of 2 years minimal experience.

It felt like I was running a commercial on my zero experience lol. I didn't even bother to look at another chain as I anticipated similar response. I decided to try hospitals & it worked like magic. From volunteer to paid (without the certificate). But the state of IL made it a law in 2009/10 that we have our certificates, which explains this new acne on my face😳

I don't know how things like this run in FL. But I personally think hospitals are easier to get into for people with no experience (for volunteer positions). Then you build your career empire from there. Although you'll have to pay close attention to their employment age policies/laws.

 

[Demure Allure]

Demure, I think I have a perfect understanding of what you are asking.

A crash/back-yard program of some sort that will train & prepare you towards passing the PTCB & obtaining a pharm tech certificate. Correct me if I'm mistaken.

If such a program exists, I am yet to discover it. But then again, I have never searched for one, and do not really intend to do so. I am currently doing a solo reading/review to take the PTCB latest, February ending. I have been a hospital tech for a while. And this I am mentioning to give you reason why I don't think I'd need to attend a class for it. Additionally, it obviously saves me money & some quality time.


Now, whether you need to take a course or not depends on what & how much you know about being a pharmacy technician, and pharmacy related issues you're required to know as a pharmacy technician. That is basically what PTCB is all about. You might end up having no idea what you're reading, if you opt to just read the book only.


Considering you have zero experience + underage, I'll advice you to sit still & concentrate on getting your high school diploma first, since you're almost done. Although I've heard rumors of some high schools offering the course to their (opted) high school seniors, who take the PTCB almost immediately after their graduation. I'm not sure of the validity, but it sounds very possible & reasonable. And no, you don't have to be 18 to take the course or PTCB exam. But you're required to have a high school diploma (or an equivalent like the GED) to the exam.


As for looking for a volunteer position (with no prior experience) at a big-chain retail like Walgreens, from where I come from, you almost have to re-learn how to spell i-m-p-o-s-s-i-b-l-e. It might be the opposite case at your local surroundings, I don't know. But I remember 3 different walgreens pharmacy directors/managers telling me they only hire pharmacy school students as interns (to work as volunteer/paid techs). The other main option was that I'll have to be certified & be registered with the state first, with a preference of 2 years minimal experience.

It felt like I was running a commercial on my zero experience lol. I didn't even bother to look at another chain as I anticipated similar response. I decided to try hospitals & it worked like magic. From volunteer to paid (without the certificate). But the state of IL made it a law in 2009/10 that we have our certificates, which explains this new acne on my face😳

I don't know how things like this run in FL. But I personally think hospitals are easier to get into for people with no experience (for volunteer positions). Then you build your career empire from there. Although you'll have to pay close attention to their employment age policies/laws.

Yes, you summed it up nicely. I think, since I'm really just after the work experience, I'll try to job shadow (Walgreens advertises this for high schoolers on their website, so I would hope this is possible...) and *fingers crossed* find a nearby hospital with available positions in the pharmacy for volunteers. I've called two hospitals within the last week and left a message for both, but haven't gotten any responses yet (hopefully it's just a consequence of waiting until the holidays). Do you know how old you were when you first volunteered, and then when you were actually hired?

 

[owlegrad]

I don't know how things like this run in FL. But I personally think hospitals are easier to get into for people with no experience (for volunteer positions). Then you build your career empire from there. Although you'll have to pay close attention to their employment age policies/laws.

You are required to register with the board, but you do not have to be certified. In all my pharmacy travels I have only encountered two certified techs, though I know several more who are "working" on it.

I agree that hospitals are probably easier to volunteer at.

 

[Demure Allure]

You are required to register with the board, but you do not have to be certified. In all my pharmacy travels I have only encountered two certified techs, though I know several more who are "working" on it.

I agree that hospitals are probably easier to volunteer at.

Hypothetically, is there anything I should definitely know before showing up on my first day of volunteering at this hospital, keeping in mind that I literally have no experience?

 

[erin0522]

Hypothetically, is there anything I should definitely know before showing up on my first day of volunteering at this hospital, keeping in mind that I literally have no experience?

Go with an open mind to learn as much as possible.

Don't do anything more than you're supposed to because you're probably not going to be allowed to do much of anything.

 

[Demure Allure]

Go with an open mind to learn as much as possible.

Don't do anything more than you're supposed to because you're probably not going to be allowed to do much of anything.

Thank you!

 

[owlegrad]

Go with an open mind to learn as much as possible.

Don't do anything more than you're supposed to because you're probably not going to be allowed to do much of anything.

I agree. Your attitude will mean quite a bit more than what you know. They won't expect you to know anything, just have a good attitude and be prepared to learn. DO bring a notepad and write down stuff they tell you about how to do what. Months later I still have to consult my notebook when I am asked to do something odd/obscure. Plus it will show them you are serious.

 

[Electrode]

I've called two hospitals within the last week and left a message for both, but haven't gotten any responses yet (hopefully it's just a consequence of waiting until the holidays).

Rather try to pay them a visit. Your presence adds a lot of "he-is-serious" flavor to the process, without you yourself noticing so sometimes. Even better when you show them your face multiple times.

Do you know how old you were when you first volunteered, and then when you were actually hired?

I was 19; got hired 2-3 months later. I think it was because of my consistency (as if I was actually paid...20-30hrs/week). This wasn't the case with a lot of other volunteers we run across. There was one that only lasted for 45 mins, told us she was taking a 10-minute break. She forgot to tell us that it would be her last words to us Well, I guess a year & half now should be enough to get her into a nursing program

But now I'm ** yrs old; still hired + a 20-cent raise so far lol.

Oops, I forgot my current age comes with a state-of-the-art forum censor technology. Lucky me. I sure hope this isn't the case with dating sites

 

[owlegrad]

Rather try to pay them a visit. Your presence adds a lot of "he-is-serious" flavor to the process, without you yourself noticing so sometimes. Even better when you show them your face multiple times.

Agree. 👍

This wasn't the case with a lot of other volunteers we run across. There was one that only lasted for 45 mins, told us she was taking a 10-minute break. She forgot to tell us that it would be her last words to us Well, I guess a year & half now should be enough to get her into a nursing program

I got a job at The Smithsonian doing what you described. I was basically an employee before they ever hired me; my hours and responsibility didn't change significantly. We had several volunteers rotate through while I was there. Some were quite good, others made me wonder why they were even there.

We had a similar thing once. I don't know what people are thinking sometimes. 🙄

 

[PygmalionEffect]

Isn't there a new law that just went into effect in Florida this month that requires you to go to a tech school in order to become a certified technician?

 

[Electrode]

We had several volunteers rotate through while I was there. Some were quite good, others made me wonder why they were even there.

We had a similar thing once. I don't know what people are thinking sometimes. 🙄

That pharmacy is a profession where we get FAT checks for just counting pills coated with roses😀

 

[owlegrad]

Isn't there a new law that just went into effect in Florida this month that requires you go to a tech school in order to become a certified technician?

Yup, although there are ways around it. Check the FL BOP website:

"Additionally, many employer-based programs have been approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy and can be found on the Department of Health website, License Verification, under the profession, "Pharmacy Technician Training Programs"."

So your employer can train you, as opposed to having to go to a school, so my question is, how is this different than the system we had before? But thanks for posting, you are right, I forgot about the new requirement, although I still think it is not much of one.

 

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

Delmars Pharmacy Technician Certification and Review by Patricia K. Anthony
^ I've been using that one so far, but I plan on getting a more updated version. It is very thorough though.

 

[BigEvilRx]

I took a Pharm Tech course back in 09' at the local community college for a whopping $60. I had been hired @ BigEvil for a few months and it really helped out in accelerating my understanding of the basic terminology and other common sense type elements of pharmacy.

However, I doubt it did me any good at all with the actual test. I felt sorta under prepared while taking the exam even though I did pass it.

The majority of stuff I did know on the test came from work experience. Don't get me wrong, the class was fun and I did learn quite a bit from it. The material just wasn't on the test. I would encourage you to take it still. I think the biggest thing from that class that helped me was mainly the drug laws section and a few questions were easily answered from the drug names and uses section.

Any attempt to study is always positive. As long as the information is true and up-to-date. 😀👍

Best,

Steven

 

[iZodliquify]

What did you wear to volunteer?

 

[2011Bound]

Yup, although there are ways around it. Check the FL BOP website:

"Additionally, many employer-based programs have been approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy and can be found on the Department of Health website, License Verification, under the profession, "Pharmacy Technician Training Programs"."

So your employer can train you, as opposed to having to go to a school, so my question is, how is this different than the system we had before? But thanks for posting, you are right, I forgot about the new requirement, although I still think it is not much of one.

I became certified in 2009 by studying for the exam on my own. I have since worked for two different companies, and now I'm an intern because I start pharmacy school this August. Both jobs told me that one of the main reasons I was hired was because I was certified and registered. The retail store I worked at does have a training program and therefore the other tech wasn't certified yet but I got the impression that even though they had the program in place they really only wanted to hire certified technicians in the future.

The new requirement definitely makes it harder for pre-pharmers in FL who want the experience but don't or can't take one of those certification courses. Even the retail chains that have these training programs in place to become certified, most likely will only want to hire non-certified people that want to make a career out of it and can work full-time, not college students that can only work limited part-time hours and are going to leave in a couple years for pharmacy school.

I first became a pharmacy technician by getting certified and then working as a cashier at Publix (grocery store in FL) and in the meantime making contacts with management and talking with pharmacists in the area about transferring departments. I told them I would even take five hours a week because I just really wanted the experience and was very enthusiastic about working in the pharmacy. When inquiring about pharmacy tech positions, a Publix store manager actually gave me this advice. "Work as a cashier and find a pharmacist in the area that is willing to work with you and give you some hours. It's a lot easier to transfer departments and given that you have no experience and limited availability, a pharmacist in the area is most likely not going to hire you for a 20+ hour opening".

It worked because I was hired as a cashier in Oct. of 2009 and started working in the pharmacy in Feb. of 2010 for just 5 hours a week because the pharmacist was being nice and had a couple of hours to spare. Once I got the experience and my availability opened up, they gave me more hours.

Anyways, this would be my advice: Wherever you want to work, CVS, Walgreens, Publix, etc...get a job there first, make contacts, express your interest and enthusiasm, tell them you'll take any hours even if it's only a couple a week. They might take a chance on you if they know you and you already work for the company. Good luck!

 

[carmel2r]

2011Bound; that was great advice
I work at Target Pharmacy and have witnessed cashiers or other team members being transferred to the pharmacy with no experience but enthusiasm to learn. They eventually study the ptcb books (target pays for) and take the target certification test THEN if they choose to take the national ptcb target will pay for it.

 

[esweetz]

I suggest applying for a job at Target Pharmacy, CVS, Walgreens, and the like. This is my story.

I went to CVS and applied for a pharmacy technician position. I had no experience in a pharmacy, and hardly any work experience. I called to follow up 4 times within 3 weeks to remind them to look at my application. The 4th time the manager said she still did not look at my application yet, but to come in for an interview anyways. To prepare for the interview, I looked up the history of CVS, memorized the company motto/vision, and prepared myself with some information. This is a huge step! It takes about 20 minutes of your to almost guarantee the job since I've been told no one does this. It's probably the sole reason why I was hired.
Anyways, I got through the first interview and she set up a second interview with the pharmacy manager. The second interview ended up not being an interview--The pharmacy manager I had was the best boss I've ever had. He was this old school Italian guy and when I came in, he was talking to me as if I already had the job. When I told him, "I thought this was an interview" he said "It's supposed to be, but I like you already, and she (store manager) sent you through anyways, so you're already hired." Hah. So it took 3 months for me to actually start at CVS because the store manager was on vacation and got injured, so the store was all outta wack. At first they train you in the front store, you have to cashier for a little, I only had to cashier for about 5 days. They set up some pharmacy training with a district trainer to get you started so that you can start working as a cashier in the back.
When you start working in the pharmacy, you are supposed to be a cashier for a month or more before other duties. My store was great because the Pharmacist let me cashier, count & dispense, and learn drive-thru on the first day, before I was supposed to (they have a formal training program that you have to attend the classes before you start certain duties, but it's all depending on the store). I wanted to quickly advance just as you do, so they have classes you must attend that prepare you to be state certified. I started working Sept 2010 and became state certified by Dec 2010. After that, they don't really help with national certification, but they do have a lot of information online that you can use to become nationally certified. I'd also like to add, while you are getting paid to work and gain experience, they also pay for the tests. Walgreens does this too. The state test is $130 and the national test is $150 I believe.

Now I really didn't enjoy working at CVS, it was always high stress and long hours. We were always understaffed, and I always worked 50+ hours a week, then I would get yelled at for getting over time, yet they had no one else to work. I didn't like some of the people I worked with, and others were great. CVS is a very money hungry company, and concerned with their customers over their employees which I don't like. I have a lot of negative things about CVS, however I DID gain experience and became state certified through them, and I learned a lot which I don't take for granted at all. It's a great start, and once you have your foot in the door in any pharmacy, you can always look for something else.

I highly recommend explaining you're pursuing (or looking to pursue) pharmacy school and you want to become a tech to gain experience in a pharmacy. Stress that you want to be there long-term, and you'd eventually like to intern, and then be a Pharmacist there. Even if you don't.

Good luck.