Pharmacy Tech Certification.

[mejhnsn2]

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I was wondering if becoming a certified tech in pharmacy would be a better to path to getting a job in a pharmacy (I am planning on attending pharmacy school in 2-3 years.) I'm currently in undergraduate studies for a B.B.A. Finance and also taking pre-reqs for Pharm school. It would be quite a task to do the 8-week program offered in my area but if it would help my chance of getting a job then I would do it.

Are pharm tech jobs in much demand right now?

I'm sure it would help me to prepare for Pharm school in the future but maybe I could keep searching for volunteer work.

How much do pharm techs get paid.

 

[themulya]

Actual pharmacy experience is way better than getting a certified and having no experience.

To become certified all you need to do is take the PTCE. You can register and find more info here.
https://www.ptcb.org

The test is pretty easy, and you definitely do not need to pay for an time consuming 8 week class to take it. I would recommend that you self study for it. A few people on this forum suggest the Mosby's prep book which I'm guessing is loads cheaper than paying for an 8 week class.
http://www.amazon.com/Mosbys-Review-PTCB-Certification-Examination/dp/0323033679/ref=pd_sim_b_2

Actually getting a pharm tech job would prove to be difficult. I know many places including my store have hiring freezes for techs and clerks right now.

From what I've read on these forums, volunteering opportunities in a pharmacy are scarce too, but there is no harm in trying.

Heres a thread from a few weeks ago about tech pay.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=265727&highlight=pharm+tech+pay

If you have more questions, try using the search function to find the answer. If you can't find an answer or feel you need more info, then post.

 

[Passion4Sci]

I'm not entirely sure, but I remember reading that every state has different requirements to be state-certified as a CphT. If I am wrong, please correct me, but you'll want to check with TN Board of Pharmacy to ensure that they don't require you to have a course AND the PTCE completion in order to be state-certified.

Assuming you don't need the course for state-cert, you definitely can pass it using the Mosby's that Themulya linked above. I used it prior to ever stepping foot into a Pharmacy and knowing very little about pharmacy law, emulsions, laminar flow hoods, etc. if your math is weak (Algebra), and for conversions, you might want to practice those most of all.

 

[islsk]

If your state recognizes the ICPT test, take that instead of the PTCB if you are going to work retail. The PTCB goes over alot of things that are relevant in a hospital setting, but are not everyday things for retail techs.

Also, if yo have your heart set on working at a certain chain, make sure you take a test that is recognized by that chain and your state board of pharmacy. I made the mistake of getting licensed and certified in my state through a test that my chain does not recognize.