Pharmacy Tech vs. Intern???

[Wan2BPharmD]

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I've searched the forums but haven't found anything concrete on this: I've heard through friends who are techs that once you get admitted to a pharmacy school, your title can be changed to "intern" and your pay goes up a lot, like above $20/hr or something.

Anyone know about this? I'm sure it varies from pharmacy to pharmacy, so I was curious as to what people know about this. Also, when can the status change take place? Is it as soon as you get admitted into pharmacy school? Is it when classes start? After a year of school?

Any insight helps. Thanks.

 

[nightcrawleRx]

I just started working with Walgreen's about a month ago as a first yr intern. I'll be starting my first professional yr of pharmacy school this fall. As far as I know, you can change your title to intern once admitted. You will get paid more but not $20/hr. I live in the northeast where pay is normally above avg when compared to the rest of the country b/c cost of living is ridiculous and I don't make that much. Of course this could be different outside of retail pharmacy.

I am considered an intern at Walgreen's but I can't get credit towards intern hours required by my school until September when I actually start classes. The school won't sign off on it until then. This varies from state to state and school to school. If you work retail then I would definitely talk to your pharmacy manager about changing your status. If you are looking for a pharm job then it will be a lot easier to find a job as an intern than as a tech. In my experience this is due to the fact that the company looks at you as a future pharmacist and therefore it's worth hiring you so that in the long run you might work for them. Most chains also have intern programs where you meet other students, learn about benefits of the company, work on projects, etc. Hope this helps...

 

[glitch]

how much are techs getting paid across the us. texas i'm getting paid 11.25 thats like after 2 raises...

 

[steveysmith54]

in cali at rite aid, the interns are paid abt 14-15 dollars with a dollar increase annually. Still much better than the techs who earn 11-13 to start. Usually closer to 11.

I can't imagine an intern being able to do more than a tech, maybe take requests for new orders from doctors over the phone???? Other than that, i don't think the intern has enough knowledge to be able to do a clinical review...
i would love to hear from someone who knows for sure.

 

[missal]

i'm a tech in va. getting paid 5.85.

pretty sure im going to quit soon 🙁

 

[glitch]

our intern is allowed to do clinical review so I'm assuming so, but thats under the watch of a pharmacist. He can do consults and everything a tech can do w/o a pharmacist creeping up his shoulders though.

 

[steveysmith54]

our intern is allowed to do clinical review so I'm assuming so, but thats under the watch of a pharmacist. He can do consults and everything a tech can do w/o a pharmacist creeping up his shoulders though.

really? wow thats amazing IMO.

 

[Wan2BPharmD]

I just started working with Walgreen's about a month ago as a first yr intern. I'll be starting my first professional yr of pharmacy school this fall. As far as I know, you can change your title to intern once admitted.

So basically you just had to show proof that you were admitted into a pharmacy school, I'm assuming, and they went ahead with the procedure to change your status?

Anyone else know about when you can change your status for other pharmacies?

 

[steveysmith54]

So basically you just had to show proof that you were admitted into a pharmacy school, I'm assuming, and they went ahead with the procedure to change your status?

Anyone else know about when you can change your status for other pharmacies?

check your state board of pharm... in cali i think you have to apply for the license?