Pharm Tech requirements for Texas?

[Dangoboy85]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I'm interested in becoming a Pharm tech in Texas, and would like to clear up some things. It looks like there's 2 ways you can become a pharm tech in Texas, Pharm tech trainee and Pharm tech. From what I've read, there's virtually no differences between the two (tasks-wise). However, Pharm tech needs to be PTCB certified while trainee does not. So, I'm not sure which one to apply. Also, after the registration is completed, I can start looking for pharm tech position correct?

If anyone has a walk-through explanation, that would be much appreciated.


Here's the website: http://www.tsbp.state.tx.us/Pharmacytechs.htm


Some extra info: I've already got my BS in Biology/Chemistry.

 

[BayDamOU]

I believe you have to be PTCB certified regardless in order to become a technician. You would need to apply for a trainee license if you are hired in a pharmacy prior to certification. However, you have I think one year to take the test and become certified even with the trainee license. I hope that is clear. Bottom line you will have to take the test to become a technician in Texas.

 

[cdhoward]

You can be a tech trainee for a period of 1 year. To be come a registered technician you must take and pass the PTCB exam and then file for registration with the state board.

I think you'll be hard pressed to find an employer who will hire you as a tech trainee. This is more or less a designation for students in pharmacy tech courses which offer clinical rotations. While it is not required to be enrolled in a course to receive the tech trainee status, I just do not believe you will be hired as a tech trainee with whatsoever no expierence unless you know a pharmacist-in-charge.

 

[Dangoboy85]

As far as the PTCB exam goes, do I need to go to school before I could take it or could I just study for it independently and take it?

I'm asking because on the PTCB exam application, there's a place where you have to put in the school code.

 

[cdhoward]

You do not need to go to school to take this test. You can independently study for this exam.

As far as the school code goes, that part wasn't necessary when I took the exam. I just looked over their website and it looks like the schools listed probably have some sort of pharmacy technician class or coursework program. The list even included a lot of high schools. There were not a lot of major universities listed.

 

[JoJo1972]

I know of one company that might bring you in as a tech trainee. That would be HEB, and I only say this because when I was certified they said they hire techs as cashiers in the pharmacy unless they have experience. They pay you less money and you get experience. While working at CVS we had one cashier and two managers come back to the pharmacy as trainees.

I think with your background you shouldn't have any problem studying independently. The formulas should be easy for you. The drug info covers side effects, storage, interactions, and brand to generic and vice versa. The test also covers insurance and law. I had a few questions even about venting when prepearing a chemo bag. I think two questions were on every ones "Which of these drugs should not be taken with Warfarin" and "Which of these drugs is most likely to change the color of the patients urine?"

 

[WestTXisGr8]

I was hired at CVS in East Texas with no experience and no training. The day I started they signed me up to be a "Tech in Training" which costs nothing on the Texas Board of Pharmacy website.

After working there several months I took the PTCB exam. No schooling, just work experience. Although you can take the PTCB exam with no schooling and no work experience. Just leave that part blank since it doesn't apply to you.

If I had to go back and do it over again, I would definitely take the PTCB test first and then find a job, just because the pay is better to start and you have more options. Two girls got hired on after I did, both had their PTCB cert but no experience. And they were hired on at $2 more per hour than I was. Just for having their cert.

Hope that helps.