Pharmacy Tech License without taking classes?

[TheAnhDy]

My friend wants to be a pharmacy technician. She has been working as a bank teller since graduating from high school in 2001. She has no college education in biology or chemistry. She went to UEI to get some information and they're charging over $11K for classes to get a pharmacy technician diploma from UEI. She can't afford $11K. Is there a way to buy text books and study on your own to get the license? Do you have to go through a school in California to get a license or can you just study and take a state exam to get your license. Thank you for the help.

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[tieu_tho16]

I'm not sure about California's rules, but I took my liscence without going to school. I just used pharmacy tech books to study for the test. I work in a pharmacy for only 2 years, also.

 

[sdn1977]

As of 2004, for a technician to be registered in CA, the applicant must satisfy one of the following criteria: 1) obtain an associate's degree in pharmacy technology 2) complete a course of training specified by the state board 3) be a graduate of a school of pharmacy accredited by the ACPE or 4) be certified by the PTCB. Prior to 2004, pharmacy clerks were grandfathered in, however, being a clerk no longer qualifies an applicant for registration. Some of the large pharmacy corporations (Walgreens, etc..) have a course of training, but I think they are falling out of favor. You can find details of training online by looking up the California Code of Regulations Title 16, Section 1793.6. I'd advise your friend to pursue community colleges - they ususally have a 12-15 month program @ about $2000 (the last time I looked). A list of community colleges offering programs can be found on their websites at www.cccco.edu. You can call the PTCB to obtain information about the requirements for their certification. Hope that helps.