Pharm. Tech.

[alittler]

What kind of experience/training is required to get a job as a pharmacy technician at Wal-Mart, Walgreens, etc.? I'm interested in getting a job there, but I'm not actually in pharmacy school yet, and I don't know exactly what I need to have done prior to working as a tech.

 

[indoflip]

When I became a tech 5 years ago I had no experience. They pretty much trained me on the job.

 

[alittler]

Thanks for your help. 🙂

 

[jackie00ag]

It might depend on what state you live in whether or not you can work there with no certification and not headed off to pharm school.

 

[DrugDealer]

Totally depends on the state. Here in California, you have to be licensed, which requires two years of classes and on-site experience through a vocational school. Until a few years ago, you could also become licensed by having a certain number of hours of pharmacy experience (such as being a lowly cashier) and then taking some exam.

 

[meister]

If you successfully pass the PTCB certification test in California you can become licensed, no schooling needed. Although some experience and study time is almost necessary in order to pass the test. (I passed it with 6 months of real experience and a good science background.)

 

[pharMchiCK]

so i just passed the ptce in november. how do i get licensed? or is it the same thing?

 

[WildOrchids27]

so i just passed the ptce in november. how do i get licensed? or is it the same thing?

It's not the same thing. Here in California, you have to resgister in the state of California to be officially licensed and can practice as a Pharm Tech. There are more fees you'll have to pay and do a live scan. I hope that helps.