Is pharm tech school worth it?

[Corolla11]

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I ask because I'm finding it really difficult to land a job. I've seen few posted openings and have sent out resumes to over 50 pharmacies and haven't been offered even one interview. I passed the PTCB exam and have 100 hours of volunteer work in a hospital pharmacy. Will going to tech school help me land a job? Whats the deal- too many pre-pharm students/tech's in the market? I know how crucial having tech experience is into getting into a pharmacy program.

 

[rxlea]

I ask because I'm finding it really difficult to land a job. I've seen few posted openings and have sent out resumes to over 50 pharmacies and haven't been offered even one interview. I passed the PTCB exam and have 100 hours of volunteer work in a hospital pharmacy. Will going to tech school help me land a job? Whats the deal- too many pre-pharm students/tech's in the market? I know how crucial having tech experience is into getting into a pharmacy program.

This question has been answered many, many times. Please utilize the search function up there ^^^

Short answer: no.

 

[Corolla11]

this question has been answered many, many times. Please utilize the search function up there ^^^

i did!

 

[rxlea]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=728943&highlight=tech+school

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=280265&highlight=pharmacy+tech+school

The first is about how to get pharmacy experience. The second is about becoming a technician.

 

[MaybeRX]

It's not worth it! Where were you thinking of going to school for it? If It's at a CC then go ahead, at least the credits are accredited; however if it's at a commercial school then don't. I went to school for it and passed the test and have some experience at a pharmacy and I'm having a hard time getting a pharmacy tech job.

My advice is get hired at a pharmacy (Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, ect) work as a cashier (or photo dept or where-ever) and always keep your ears and eyes open, let it be known that you're intrested in a pharmacy tech job, once something opens up you can apply or just transfer.

Good Luck!

 

[Xanaxation]

i did the pharm tech school route and found it extremely helpful.

 

[orthomyxo]

I'd say that tech school is a waste of time/money. Just look for a low-volume pharmacy and keep trying. I got a job as a tech with no prior experience and no PTCB certification, so it can be done.

 

[atticus27]

No. You will learn everything you need to know as a tech on the job.

 

[Corolla11]

I rarely see job postings and this is a large metropolitan area. Are the HR departments lazy or do they do they already have piles of applicants to look through immediately after a position is vacated. I'm willing to go to pharm tech school to get hands on experience to help me get a job- like will it give me an edge over others? its my dream to graduate pharmacy school and ill do whatever it takes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ShadowRX]

I ask because I'm finding it really difficult to land a job. I've seen few posted openings and have sent out resumes to over 50 pharmacies and haven't been offered even one interview. I passed the PTCB exam and have 100 hours of volunteer work in a hospital pharmacy. Will going to tech school help me land a job? Whats the deal- too many pre-pharm students/tech's in the market? I know how crucial having tech experience is into getting into a pharmacy program.

Pharm tech school is a trade school, and well, generally it's looked down upon (even if you don't see it) because everyone knows it's a waste of time unless being a pharm tech IS the end of the line in your career.

Pharm tech school preps you for any environment: retail, hospital, etc.

I hope you mention in your resume that you are a member of a pre-pharmacy concentration at a university and that you desire to be a pharmacist and that you have the hard work and determination necessary to be in this fast-paced environment.

If you have not heard, we're still in a recession, and although there were early reports of recovery, there's a new wave of the recession heading this way soon. Companies have been continuing hiring freezes and having techs from some stores cover shifts at other stores.

You really have to push it - be flexible and be willing to learn.

 

[Corolla11]

Pharm tech school is a trade school, and well, generally it's looked down upon (even if you don't see it) because everyone knows it's a waste of time unless being a pharm tech IS the end of the line in your career.

Pharm tech school preps you for any environment: retail, hospital, etc.

I hope you mention in your resume that you are a member of a pre-pharmacy concentration at a university and that you desire to be a pharmacist and that you have the hard work and determination necessary to be in this fast-paced environment.

If you have not heard, we're still in a recession, and although there were early reports of recovery, there's a new wave of the recession heading this way soon. Companies have been continuing hiring freezes and having techs from some stores cover shifts at other stores.

You really have to push it - be flexible and be willing to learn.

The odds of a double dip recession are low and people still need their medications. but thanks for the advice.

 

[rjk]

just because people need their meds doesn't mean that retailers are hiring.

experienced techs are getting hours cut all the time right now

 

[MaybeRX]

The odds of a double dip recession are low and people still need their medications. but thanks for the advice.

Doesn't matter, store will still be on a hiring freeze. I went to Walgreens and talked to the pharmacy manager, he said that Walgreens has been cutting hours from staff and that they don't plan on hiring a lot of people for a while; he said CVS was in the same boat.

Yes, it's true, people will need their meds, but they can always call the photo dept cashier to ring up prescriptions while the techs (and pharmacist) fill them and take care of the pharmacy business.

I feel your pain, trust me. Nothing more frustrating then companies wanting experience but not wanting to give it.

Still apply to work in the pharmacy/store, you'll be making money and getting your foot in the door.

 

[whatbout2morrow]

It may help if you can get someone (preferably a pharmacist) to put in a good word for you...