Pharm Tech License Benefits?

[pepperjill]

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Hi All,

I just took and passed the PTCE, which I had signed up for because I wanted to try and get a position as a tech during my year off. However, I now have a job and I won't really have a chance to work as a tech. Is there any benefit to getting licensed now if I'm not going to work? As in does it look good on supplemental apps or anything? (I've already sent in my PharmCAS).

Thanks!

 

[jmcfa002]

I'm not the most knowledgeable person, but from filling out my apps I haven't come across somewhere to put in just that I have a license. Maybe something along the lines of you obtained the license so you have a greater chance of finding a job and getting experience?

 

[rxlea]

Hi All,

I just took and passed the PTCE, which I had signed up for because I wanted to try and get a position as a tech during my year off. However, I now have a job and I won't really have a chance to work as a tech. Is there any benefit to getting licensed now if I'm not going to work? As in does it look good on supplemental apps or anything? (I've already sent in my PharmCAS).

Thanks!

From what I have seen on the pre-pharmacy forums is that quite a number of applicants are obtaining their PTCB certification, whether or not they have worked in the field. I imagine it does look good to adcoms at first glance, but they are probably going to ask you if you have actually worked as a technician. They are most likely interested in your actual experience working/volunteering in the field. At least that is my impression from my communication with admissions contacts at various schools. Passing the certification test probably does not fit exactly under "relevant experience", although it does reflect that you have taken a genuine interest in the field (hopefully). Perhaps you should try and find at least a part-time position as a technician/pharmacy clerk? Even a few hours a week would look good. Have you volunteered anywhere?

 

[Passion4Sci]

You might as well get licensed, just in case.

Of course, in most states, your intern license supercedes your CPhT, so I guess it would be worthless for you at that point.

But, if I were you, I'd do it, just because leaving something un-done is not my style.

 

[wiseguy88]

I'm looking to take this test. Does anyone know how many questions are on it? Is it timed? What kind of materials should I study?

thanks

 

[pepperjill]

From what I have seen on the pre-pharmacy forums is that quite a number of applicants are obtaining their PTCB certification, whether or not they have worked in the field. I imagine it does look good to adcoms at first glance, but they are probably going to ask you if you have actually worked as a technician. They are most likely interested in your actual experience working/volunteering in the field. At least that is my impression from my communication with admissions contacts at various schools. Passing the certification test probably does not fit exactly under "relevant experience", although it does reflect that you have taken a genuine interest in the field (hopefully). Perhaps you should try and find at least a part-time position as a technician/pharmacy clerk? Even a few hours a week would look good. Have you volunteered anywhere?

I have volunteered as a pharmacy clerk for a semester. I would like to get more experience, but I don't think it's feasible since I'll be working full-time and taking a couple classes at community college.

I guess it can't hurt to get licensed, just in case. My job is over in June so maybe I can work for a little bit in a pharmacy.

Thanks!

 

[pepperjill]

I'm looking to take this test. Does anyone know how many questions are on it? Is it timed? What kind of materials should I study?

thanks

Hello there,

I just took the PTCE today. It's 90 questions, multiple choice. Most of the questions are converting units of measurement, but there are also some about pharmacy technician dutes, pharmacy law, and different drugs (their generic vs brand name, how to store, scheduling). Honestly I mostly just guessed on all the questions on drugs and still passed. But I think if you used a prep book like Mosby's and studied for a couple of weeks, you would be well prepared.

You can PM me if you have more questions, or if you're interested in buying the prep book from me =)

 

[longuyen88]

I did a practice test the morning of the exam and passed it with flying colors. Granted, I did have 2 years of experience and one of my college classes were "Pharmacy Calculations."

 

[MaximBrutii]

Yeah I'm taking the PTCE this upcoming Saturday and I haven't really studied much. I bought "The Pharmacy Technician" with its accompanying workbook and its really really simple so far. In fact its so simple I've stopped studying. The math's a joke, and I have flash cards of the top 200 drugs courtesy of Walgreens. I hope I'm not shooting myself in the foot by not taking this exam seriously.

Is there really anything I should focus on? I know I should probably look up some of the "law and procedure" stuff but I'll prolly just cram that stuff in a couple days before my exam. From reading everybody's post about the PTCE, it seems like its a total breeze...just hope I'm not setting myself up for failure..

 

[Passion4Sci]

Familiarize yourself with the law and DEA forms, DEA number acquisition, and you'll be pretty good. I WAY over-studied for the PTCE. When I actually started doing the test I was like, "wow, this is exactly like the Mosby's."

Some of the questions were verbatim, with different drugs and conditions substituted.

 

[MaximBrutii]

Awesome, thanks Passion 😀

 

[Passion4Sci]

Awesome, thanks Passion 😀

Oh, yeah, and make sure you know all the conversion factors, like mL--->TBsp, mL--->tsp, etc.

 

[phathead]

Hello there,

I just took the PTCE today. It's 90 questions, multiple choice. Most of the questions are converting units of measurement, but there are also some about pharmacy technician dutes, pharmacy law, and different drugs (their generic vs brand name, how to store, scheduling). Honestly I mostly just guessed on all the questions on drugs and still passed. But I think if you used a prep book like Mosby's and studied for a couple of weeks, you would be well prepared.

You can PM me if you have more questions, or if you're interested in buying the prep book from me =)

That's why I don't like the test they put out now. I originally took it in 2005 and it was a much more difficult format. You couldn't just guess on drugs, nor would I want to work with someone who had to do so. I'd prefer if people actually knew what they were talking about.