Intern Pays

[shiningxstar29]

Hey guys. I am looking for pharmacy intern positions in california, I was wondering if anyone knows the pay rate for pharmacy interns at cvs, sav-ons, walgreens, etc.. in california. 😀

Thanks

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[imkim01]

Hey guys. I am looking for pharmacy intern positions in california, I was wondering if anyone knows the pay rate for pharmacy interns at cvs, sav-ons, walgreens, etc.. in california. 😀

Thanks

At Walgreens in S. CA,

You will start off with $14.75 and the pay increments $1 every year.

 

[sdn1977]

Hey guys. I am looking for pharmacy intern positions in california, I was wondering if anyone knows the pay rate for pharmacy interns at cvs, sav-ons, walgreens, etc.. in california. 😀

Thanks

I think CVS just bought Savon, but otherwise we don't have CVS here (at least none that I know of). Its been awhile since I've checked, but I think intern pay is about $16/hr for retail in N.Ca & goes up depending upon experience and how badly the pharmacy needs help. The big players in N.Ca are Walgreens, Safeway & Longs. Others you might investigate are RiteAid, Target & Kaiser. I think you have to join the union as an intern unless you are working as a school assigned extern. You have to be a CA licensed intern though. Most places will help you with CA pharmacist licensure - are you looking for that as well? I don't have any knowledge of S.CA & I know they are vastly different for pharmacists pay.

 

[shiningxstar29]

Hey sdn1977,
Thanks for the respond. I am not sure where I am looking at. I heard that for pharmacists if you work at sav-ons/cvs you dont get a raise each year, is that true? WHat about walgreens.
Im from southern cal, but going to to school at umich. I am looking for a summer internship in southern cal, its so hard to find a place that wants to hire you just for the summer. What school are you currently enroll in?

Thanks

 

[sdn1977]

Hey sdn1977,
Thanks for the respond. I am not sure where I am looking at. I heard that for pharmacists if you work at sav-ons/cvs you dont get a raise each year, is that true? WHat about walgreens.
Im from southern cal, but going to to school at umich. I am looking for a summer internship in southern cal, its so hard to find a place that wants to hire you just for the summer. What school are you currently enroll in?

Thanks

Star - I'm a pharmacist & haven't been enrolled in school for a long time. You might find better luck with a summer position by contacting corporate offices in the area you are interested in - SD, LA, etc. Most corporate pharmacies have their intern position money allocated from a separate budget than that for each local pharmacy. Also, not every pharmacy is amenable to an intern due to personnel, union or other issues. There is usually one individual who interfaces with interns at the corporate level - try that. You've got to have a CA intern license so contact the state board to start that process.

As for pay, all employers are the same - they all evaluate their pay scales annually (twice a year during high inflation years). Most years, the pay is adjusted, but there have been times when my pay scale stayed the same. We all are paid within a few $$ of each other, otherwise the consistently low paying employers wouldn't find pharmacists to work. (The exception to this is the federal system. In CA they are the consistent low payors due to our high cost of living, but there are reasons why they don't have a problem with staffing). Hope this helps!

 

[Mangosteen]

I think CVS just bought Savon, but otherwise we don't have CVS here (at least none that I know of).

I thought Albertson's carry SAVON?

 

[sdn1977]

I thought Albertson's carry SAVON?

Yes they do, but I think it has been a symbiotic relationship - like Starbucks in some grocery stores. I'm not positive, but I think Savon always had its own ownership (they purchased Thriftys - do you remember them?). Anyway - I read about a month ago, CVS bought Savon. I'm not up on the corporate holdings so I may be wrong.....

 

[ForgetMeNot]

I think CVS recently bought Albertonson-Osco.

 

[DrugDealer]

Yes they do, but I think it has been a symbiotic relationship - like Starbucks in some grocery stores. I'm not positive, but I think Savon always had its own ownership (they purchased Thriftys - do you remember them?). Anyway - I read about a month ago, CVS bought Savon. I'm not up on the corporate holdings so I may be wrong.....

Rite Aid bought Thrifty-Payless. Albertson's/Savon bought Lucky's, I think?

 

[genesis09]

In Illinois, CVS bought all of the free standing Oscos, and Supervalu bought all of the Jewel-Oscos. I'm not quite sure if both companies are owned by the same parent, but I think they are not owned by the same company.

 

[uscpharm09]

I think CVS just bought Savon, but otherwise we don't have CVS here (at least none that I know of).

CVS just bought Savon and Osco. In S. California, there have been a few CVS stores that have popped up in the past few years (I've only seen them in Orange County). Albertson's was aquired by a grocery chain called Supervalu. At work, there was talk about the Savon signs being replaced by CVS signs by summer. I'm not looking forward to learning a new computer system, especially since I just got the hang of this one.

Here's a couple of links: http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=183405&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=806876&highlight=

http://promomagazine.com/news/supervalu_albertsons_012506/index.html

And for intern wages, I currently work at Savon and for our first year we get $15.75/hr and then it goes up $1 every year you're in school.

 

[sdn1977]

Rite Aid bought Thrifty-Payless. Albertson's/Savon bought Lucky's, I think?

You're right - Rite Aid bought Thrifty - forgot all about Payless - that was a long time ago!! Thanks!

 

[DrugDealer]

And for intern wages, I currently work at Savon and for our first year we get $15.75/hr and then it goes up $1 every year you're in school.

It will be interesting to see if those wages decrease to what CVS pays on the east coast. Here, you start at $10 in your P1 year, this goes to $11 after you complete 4 training classes and some CD lessons, then it increases $1 each year you advance in school.

It was my understanding that this was standard for all the CVS locations--east coast, Florida, Texas, etc., so my guess would be they would keep it standard in California, but they may be forced to compensate for the higher costs of living there.

 

[sdn1977]

It will be interesting to see if those wages decrease to what CVS pays on the east coast. Here, you start at $10 in your P1 year, this goes to $11 after you complete 4 training classes and some CD lessons, then it increases $1 each year you advance in school.

It was my understanding that this was standard for all the CVS locations--east coast, Florida, Texas, etc., so my guess would be they would keep it standard in California, but they may be forced to compensate for the higher costs of living there.

Not likely! My tech makes $20/hr so I can't imagine an intern making half that. Too much competition here......

 

[shiningxstar29]

How long does it take for the cali intern license to come through. I applied like over a month ago, but I havent heard anything from them yet.

THanks

Not likely! My tech makes $20/hr so I can't imagine an intern making half that. Too much competition here......

 

[uscpharm09]

How long does it take for the cali intern license to come through. I applied like over a month ago, but I havent heard anything from them yet.

THanks

I had applied back in August, and I was able to check online whether or not I had been cleared--and that took about 2 weeks. The actual license was mailed about 3-4 weeks after that.

You can check online here: http://www2.dca.ca.gov/pls/wllpub/wllqryna$lcev2.startup?p_qte_code=INT&p_qte_pgm_code=7200

 

[sdn1977]

CA is notoriously slow!!! Thats why you have to start the process early.....

 

[hiprayer]

Does anyone know how much Interns get paid in Oregon????

 

[shiningxstar29]

Thanks,
That site was really useful. GOsh my name isnt on there yet.. They're soooooooooo slow.

I had applied back in August, and I was able to check online whether or not I had been cleared--and that took about 2 weeks. The actual license was mailed about 3-4 weeks after that.

You can check online here: http://www2.dca.ca.gov/pls/wllpub/wllqryna$lcev2.startup?p_qte_code=INT&p_qte_pgm_code=7200

 

[slimcutt]

Does anyone know how much Interns get paid in Oregon????

I'm a P3 and just about to start an internship at Rite Aid in Salem, OR and they are starting me at 20$/hr.

 

[Bluhappy102]

CVS in southern Cali. pay P1 interns $14 pre-training and $15 post training and $1 raise for each year of pharm school.

Just summer can be tough..but if you look into pharmacies that offer structured summer internship programs like Walgreens, CVS, Safeway, Sav-ons and I think Longs is starting one this year too then its just for the summer which would be perfect for your situation...I highly recommend a structured program. It really promotes learning and most of them give you projects so you're not solely doing tech work all summer. I believe you have to contact the corporate office to get into the programs tho...

 

[shiningxstar29]

Bluhappy, thanks for the post,
I was wondering, do each of those places have different types of summer intership programs or are they all similar. What kind of programs and projects are the interns assign do you know? thanks

 

[NYCAZ]

Anybody from AZ know the intern rates at Walgreens or Target? Anybody from Tucson in here by any chance?

 

[Mongoos150]

Anybody from AZ know the intern rates at Walgreens or Target? Anybody from Tucson in here by any chance?

I'm from Tucson, at UA - freshman, looking to get involved with a possible tech job (and intern once I get into pharm school). On the Walgreens site I see summer internship opportunities, but none of these year-long or pharmacy school career-long internships...where can I find info?

 

[RxRob]

You guys are killing me... Intern for P1 at CVS in NC is $9/hour.

 

[NguoiVN]

Bluhappy, thanks for the post,
I was wondering, do each of those places have different types of summer intership programs or are they all similar. What kind of programs and projects are the interns assign do you know? thanks

It depends on companies and where you work.

 

[NYCAZ]

I'm from Tucson, at UA - freshman, looking to get involved with a possible tech job (and intern once I get into pharm school). On the Walgreens site I see summer internship opportunities, but none of these year-long or pharmacy school career-long internships...where can I find info?

I know that Target offers year long intern programs in addition to summer internships after completing P1. UMC and TMC have technician positions posted and you can apply online. I find most of my info online, but I can't seem to find pay wages for interns.

 

[shiningxstar29]

yea i agree with you NVCAZ

I know that Target offers year long intern programs in addition to summer internships after completing P1. UMC and TMC have technician positions posted and you can apply online. I find most of my info online, but I can't seem to find pay wages for interns.

 

[Mongoos150]

I see on their site that they offer tech positions - that's excellent, I could walk there! Only problem is that it says "full time" - I'm a student, I can't believe they would only have full time positions... Do you know where you can be trained/certified as a tech? Thanks much, NYCAZ.

 

[All4MyDaughter]

I got a job offer today from Walgreens for their P1/P2 summer internship program. It's $10.50/hour which is a heck of a lot better than I'm getting at Kroger ($8.00).

They told me they usually don't take students before they start pharmacy school for the summer program. For some reason they made an exception for me - I didn't want to question it.

I think I'm going to take it.

 

[NYCAZ]

I see on their site that they offer tech positions - that's excellent, I could walk there! Only problem is that it says "full time" - I'm a student, I can't believe they would only have full time positions... Do you know where you can be trained/certified as a tech? Thanks much, NYCAZ.

I took the Pharmacy technician certification exam last July (2005) and passed. I didn't get any training though. In AZ, to get your technician license you don't necessarily have to go to school for it, although many do (Pima college, Apollo college). After I recieved my certificate in the mail about two months after passing the exam, I downloaded the application form for a technician license at the AZ State Board of Pharmacy website and sent in my certificate along with my application and fee. I received my license in about 2-3 months.

I went to PTCB.org and signed up to take the test over the internet. They offer it about 3-4 times a year at random, designated places in Tucson. It costed me $180.I took it at the U of A psychology building on a Saturday. To study for it, I just bought some $85 book with drug flash cards off the internet (I googled and read reviews to find it). I only studied for 2 days before the test and it had 30 chapters (they're kind of small). The hardest part of the test is the section focusing on pharmacology and drugs. Overall, however, it wasn't too bad. I can't remember the exact numbers, I'd have to go look, but I passed with 800 something points out of 900 or 950 and you only need 70% correct to pass (around 600 something). You'll do fine. Good luck!

 

[Mongoos150]

Thanks, I ordered a book and will start studying. I think I will also call UMC and ask if they have part time tech jobs, I only see full time offerings. Thanks!

 

[Julia_2416]

NYCAZ: I'm a senior graduating High School and have beens studying hard for the Pharmacy Tech Certification Exam, so I can take it this summer. I'm taking it in NM. I was just wondering what book it was you got...I have this self-study book I got from one of my teachers...and about 200 notecards. It's a nice book and all, but I'm having some trouble remembering all of those drugs...(so I was hoping that book of yours had some better study techniques.) Thanks much,
Julia

 

[NYCAZ]

NYCAZ: I'm a senior graduating High School and have beens studying hard for the Pharmacy Tech Certification Exam, so I can take it this summer. I'm taking it in NM. I was just wondering what book it was you got...I have this self-study book I got from one of my teachers...and about 200 notecards. It's a nice book and all, but I'm having some trouble remembering all of those drugs...(so I was hoping that book of yours had some better study techniques.) Thanks much,
Julia

The book I bought is called Pharmacy Trainer Pharmacy Technician Certification Review Self Study Book by Mark Greenwald, Rph 2004. I'll try to find you the website. It's a pretty good book.

 

[Roxicet]

Anybody from AZ know the intern rates at Walgreens or Target? Anybody from Tucson in here by any chance?

I'm in phoenix. I go to a 3-year-program, and Walgreens in this area pays $14, $17, and $20/hr for the P1, P2, and P3 years, respectively. I recently switched from Walgreens to Target, and I'm going to get paid $17/hr as a P3 (not sure what the first two year's rates would have been). I don't mind that my pay will stay at $17...the pay cut (or lack of increase, rather) is worth the lower Rx volume, lack of drive-thru (and therefore lack of extremely impatient patients), pharmacy closure for lunch breaks, more time for patient interaction, and I can't forget the cool new Rx bottles at Target. 😉

 

[NYCAZ]

I'm in phoenix. I go to a 3-year-program, and Walgreens in this area pays $14, $17, and $20/hr for the P1, P2, and P3 years, respectively. I recently switched from Walgreens to Target, and I'm going to get paid $17/hr as a P3 (not sure what the first two year's rates would have been). I don't mind that my pay will stay at $17...the pay cut (or lack of increase, rather) is worth the lower Rx volume, lack of drive-thru (and therefore lack of extremely impatient patients), pharmacy closure for lunch breaks, more time for patient interaction, and I can't forget the cool new Rx bottles at Target. 😉

Hey thanks! I heard some good things about Target from other people too. I think I may try that out. Thanks for the info!
🙂

 

[Shizelbs]

I earned anywhere from 12 to 20 dollar/hr during my school years. Mostly at retail, but one was hospital.