How to become a Pharm Tech in CA

[ICA]

Hi all,

I was wondering if there are any other options besides shelling out ~$20,000 at a vocational school OR spending 9+ months at a community college based Pharm Tech program to become a Certified Pharmacy Tech in California?

On the Walgreens' website it states:

Walgreens offers paid training and national certification for Pharmacy Technicians. Pharmacy Technicians must be at least 18 years old.

I was thinking about becoming a Pharm Tech before I apply to proffesional school next year... but don't have $20,000 or 9 months of "free time".

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[JD_USD]

Hi all,

I was wondering if there are any other options besides shelling out ~$20,000 at a vocational school OR spending 9+ months at a community college based Pharm Tech program to become a Certified Pharmacy Tech in California?

On the Walgreens' website it states:



I was thinking about becoming a Pharm Tech before I apply to proffesional school next year... but don't have $20,000 or 9 months of "free time".

All your answers lie in here: http://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/pdfs/tch_changes.pdf

To register for the exam, go here: http://www.ptcb.org/

Sign up, pass the test, and then you're a licensed pharmacy technician. I think you also have to submit your finger prints to a system that stores them (incase you try running an illegal drug pedalling business at your employers). But that's pretty much how to become a pharm tech in CA. The easiest, cheapest, and I think most popular way to study for the test is to buy review books for the PTCB exam (search forum for past recommendations).

 

[ICA]

All your answers lie in here: http://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/pdfs/tch_changes.pdf

Thanks for the link.

To be issued a technician registration, an applicant must satisfy one of the following criteria:

? An Associate degree in pharmacy technology
? Completion of a training course accredited by the American Society of
Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
? Any other course that provides a minimum of 240 hours instruction as
specified in section 1793.6 (c) of the California Code of Regulations
? Graduation from a school of pharmacy accredited by the American
Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE)
? Is certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

Experience as a pharmacy clerk will no longer qualify an applicant
for registration as a pharmacy technician.

Cool. I will look into taking that test. Thanks for the help!

 

[ICA]

Duhrrrrr. 🙄 I feel like such a newbie. 🙄 I should have used the search feature. I see this question has been answered many, many (many) times before. 🙄

Anyway, I see many people recommend many different books (yes, I used the search). Anyone who has taken the PTCB recently, which book did you use? Did you like it (or not)? Why? I really want to buy just one all-inclusive review book. Any suggestions? TIA

 

[melt36]

Duhrrrrr. 🙄 I feel like such a newbie. 🙄 I should have used the search feature. I see this question has been answered many, many (many) times before. 🙄

Anyway, I see many people recommend many different books (yes, I used the search). Anyone who has taken the PTCB recently, which book did you use? Did you like it (or not)? Why? I really want to buy just one all-inclusive review book. Any suggestions? TIA

hi, i took the test in july & used "the pharmacy technician" book (2nd ed.) here's the isbn # incase you wanted to purchase it: 0-89582-650-x. try to get the technician workbook as well. i didn't find the test to be too hard - most of the stuff you know by working (brand/generic, law & other pharmacy practice schtuff). =) the next tests are in march & july. good luck!