Online training class

[tao08244]

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Hey...a friend from San Jose State recommended this program to me. I just want to see what you guys think about it.

http://iesweb.sjsu.edu/searchprofdev/searchCourse.java.jsp?command=1&courseId=18796

http://www.gatlineducation.com/pharm.htm

It's an online pharmacy technician program. The classes are supposedly completely online, but at the end there's an externship. With the externship I get to pick where I'd like to do my externship and they arrange it so I can. Program's at my own pace but can be completed in 3 mths.

What really sticks out is how this program is offered by a university and not just some online company who's trying to make money.

Tell me what you think.

 

[pharmaz88]

There are too many employers that will train you themselves to make it worth paying the $1600 this course costs. If you want the PTCB certification, you can just buy a few books off the internet and learn enough from them to pass the exam. ...no reason that anyone should pay that kind of money to learn pharm-tech skills.

 

[gustavo32]

Besides ,when you finish your AA you are considered a pharmacy tech.Also you can go ahead and do the test online for the certification.You don't need to take the classes.

 

[OSURxgirl]

Some people do learn better when the material is presented to them in an organized way as it is in a course. If this is something that is important and worth it to you, than I think it is worth spending the money. You can memorize books and study for the PTCB exam yourself, but I think the formal program will fill in gaps in the material you may otherwise miss. If you lack pharmacy experience, I think the extern portion of the program would be a great way to gain experience and to get your foot in the door to get other technician jobs. I trained on the job to be a tech, and let me tell you, it is stressful to be learning when 50 people are in your face all day. I would have loved to have come in prepared and knowing more. If you could, try visiting the campus and talking to someone affliated with the problem. This may help you make the final decision.

 

[Smilescali]

I am planning to apply in 2005 to various pharmacy schools. Is it best to be a technician at a pharmacy? If so, would this online class (certification and externship)) be suffice for job experience? I was hoping that I would not have to volunteer anywhere before applying, but after reading messages from this forum I am beginning to think that it is mandatory to do so to be competitive. Thanks for any advice.

 

[tao08244]

I am planning to apply in 2005 to various pharmacy schools. Is it best to be a technician at a pharmacy? If so, would this online class (certification and externship)) be suffice for job experience? I was hoping that I would not have to volunteer anywhere before applying, but after reading messages from this forum I am beginning to think that it is mandatory to do so to be competitive. Thanks for any advice.

Smilescali, I'm in the same boat as you. I plan to apply in 2005 also, and I've attended several seminars at school. What I've found out is that it's a big plus to have volunteer experience in a pharmacy, and an even bigger plus to be pharmacy tech. I know for a fact, at Western U, you get an extra 5 points on your application (they rate applications by allocating points to each part of your application, as well as your interview, essay, etc.) just for being a pharm. tech.

I'm trying to find a pharmacy to volunteer at. It's kind of hard where I live since some hospitals flat out don't put volunteers in their pharmacy, or they have too many students already volunteering in their pharmacy. I've also applied to some retail pharmacies as a clerk. If all else fails, I may have to resort to this online class, since I really want to get exposure to the field ASAP.

 

[pharm07]

Hi, I am new to the forum, but I do know somthing about this field. In my opinion, hospital volunteering is not the good way to gain experience 2 b pharm tech or even to b familiar with meds (since you are not actually experiencing dealing with customer and their nessesary medicine). I got a friend that just spent her time stocking solution and boxs for the hospital. Did not even get the chance to learn how to pronounce the drug appropriately.
The best way to gain experience is to actually work and get on-the-job-training in the retail pharmacy. It is not going to be easy at first, but the knowledge that you gain would be marvelous. You will get to know how the pharmacy run, ringing register, handling out Rx, re-filling, typing, filling, and cousiling later (as you move to the higher step of the ladder), but that would be the best way to have to good time later (as you to b the pharmacist).
The online program does not sound very interesting. Online learning is not going to work for me (I do not know about other peole), it will get boring really soon, and that is a lot of money that you are talking about that you are not even know that person. On-the-job training will be the best. I would not do it any other way.. Good luck.