Pharmacy Technician in NJ

[islandboy401]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I am a prepharm student in NJ, and I am looking to work as a Pharmacy Technician starting September (when Fall Semester starts). I am planning to look for job openings starting Mid-August (I figure there may be openings in September, when certain summer techs stop working).

I have no pharmacy experience. The only experience I have is an internship in a pharmaceutical lab in Rutgers.

I know that NJ does not require a PTCB certification to work, however I was wondering if it is possible to get hired without one (in the current recession). Has anyone had success? Anyone in my area had success (I live in Jersey City)?

 

[ADN1226]

I think looking for jobs around August/Sept is a good idea. I applied to a CVS online in early Sept and got called after a few days! Granted, this was 2yrs ago when the economy was still good; plus its in South Jersey.... however I have noticed many new techs at my old CVS.

As for becoming a Cert. Tech, I don't think its necessary to find a job. It'll help definitely but not needed. At my store we have ~5-6 registered techs; but not certified. We have maybe 3 certified techs at the store. A lot of the techs are recent HS graduates... going to College nearby.

Hope that helps!

 

[islandboy401]

I notice you use the words "registered" and "certified". Do you have to register with the state board before you start working, or does this happen after you are actually hired?

 

[Tctem1]

From my experience (1 yr as a retail tech, now hospital tech) you do not have to be registered with the state or nationally certified to work with CVS. After a short period of time (I think 60 days) they will require you to be registered. If you decide to apply for a hospital tech position, most hospitals will require you to be registered with the state before you apply.

Hope this helps.

 

[DASicari]

NJ now requires that all technicians possess a license from the state board of pharmacy. I know that at the CVS stores in my area, the store will pay the application fee and any other fees associated with obtaining the license, but I'm not sure how long that will last.

 

[ADN1226]

Yup, like the other poster said, NJ requires all techs to be registered with the state. Its just paperwork and background checks and the retail store should take care of that for you once you're hired so don't worry about that.

 

[Hels2007]

I would advise you to start looking now, or in a couple weeks, because most stores are trying to figure out their fall staffing levels right around now, so it is good to signal your interest to your preferred locations.