take classes or self study for pharm tech

[sbomb]

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Hi,

I was wondering if anyone had experience with the pharm tech certification process. Is it difficult to get a job as a pharm tech if you didn't take classes (online or in class, both of which provide externships which lead into the actual job)? I kinda don't want to blow 1.5K on an online course, but I'm not sure if just passing the certification test via self-study would get me anything because I would never get the externship. Thanks.

 

[genesis09]

You do not need to take classes, in Illinois, to become a licensed pharmacy tech. Most pharmacies are looking for that. For the certification, most people I know who did it, just studied on their own. Certification is not required to be a pharm tech.

 

[chate]

Hello,
My first post on here! I took the PTCB exam on aug22 and studied using a mosby review book i bought online. I studied for about 1.5 months maybe 5 hrs a week then 2 hrs a day or so the week of the test memorizing generics/brand names and i got a preety high score on the test. Again, nothing's easy, but the only benefit of the ROP or private classes is the externship which will make it easier to find a job later on, though i got hired as a tech the day i found out i passed (CVSs are EVERYWHERE now and theyre all hiring!). Good luck!

 

[ndearwater]

Delmar's has a decent book you can use to self-study. I would not personally recommend taking any classes for the PTCB. It's not required and not really necessary. Especially if it's 1.5K- a PCAT prep class shouldn't even be that much!
Check your state laws. Some might require taking a state test which could possibly require taking a course. Virginia has a state class that can be taken instead of the national certification test and that requires a course.
Anyway, if you've had retail experience you'll be fine. If you've had retail and hospital experience it'll be cake! No worries! Save your money for pharmacy school!

 

[Scrubs Fan]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone had experience with the pharm tech certification process. Is it difficult to get a job as a pharm tech if you didn't take classes (online or in class, both of which provide externships which lead into the actual job)? I kinda don't want to blow 1.5K on an online course, but I'm not sure if just passing the certification test via self-study would get me anything because I would never get the externship. Thanks.

I took the PTCB in march and finally got my license in may. I have had trouble finding a job as a pharm tech b/c I have no actual experience. I didn't take the classes to train as a pharm tech and therefore i didn't have the internship experience where they teach you techniques and such. I live in California and i've been volunteering as a pharm tech at a couple places to get experience and i'm starting my job hunt again hoping that this volunteering will help. My advice, if you can afford to spend the money, and want use a year to take it, then go for it. They'll teach you basic skills like how to do IV's and such. Granted, yes you can learn this stuff on the job, but I haven't been able to find places (hospitals or retail pharmacies) that are willing to take a chance on me.
I also don't know if I advise taking an online course to get certified b/c they don't train you on the hands on techniques.

That's just my two cents based on my experiences. I hope you have better luck. Good luck.

 

[phAnicillin]

It depends on where u live. I live in the South Bay Area, CA and it's almost impossible to find a clerk job.

i know some people who have taken the PTCB, passed, and were unable to find jobs because lack of experience. Some companies like Walgreens will not hire you as tech unless you complete classroom training and pass the PTCB.



if you can shell out the mullah and time, definitely take a pharm tech course. Research pharm tech programs and their reputation. it's a great way to network and meet people who work in the field. I spent 6 months and i recieved an externship to KAISER. On top of that, our program coordinators were very helpful in finding jobs for students at Kaiser, Valley Medical, Longs, and even specialty pharmacies.

 

[babieblueazn]

i recommend being a clerk at a retail store first. if you manager allows you to, try to learn how to type rx from the technicians. after you get comfortable with typing prescriptions, take the PTCB exam, and if you pass, you can apply for a license in the state of CA. the manager will most likely hire you as a technician once you've received your license.