Differences of Pharmacy technician

RNMeg · Sep 28, 2008

I have no idea. I know a girl who learned how to be a pharmacy tech on the job. This might not be the best place to ask this question..maybe a pharmacy forum would have better answers?

emmybear2005 · Sep 28, 2008

the tech with the degree went to school for 2 years, where as the tech just did on the job training. there isn't a difference in pay. my 19 yr old daughter is a pharm tech n has been since she was 17. she makes 8 bucks an hr here in central pa. she is a nationally certified tech as well as a cvs certified tech, with some other certifications from cvs. she did like her job so much she is now in college to be a pharmacist. which does pay really well.

if u get in w/a chain pharmacy, they will train you & they may pay for u to take ur national cert test. but if u are looking to be the primary bread winner with this job, not gonna be easy. and don't waste ur money on the schooling, most chains will train u their way. :specs:

samsam22, CNA · Sep 28, 2008

my boyfriend is a pharmacy tech and he never went to school for it. He basically was with walgreens for 2 years as a clerk, then they asked him if he wanted to work in the pharmacy. He studied for 2 months and took the test and now he is a pharmacy tech! there is no point to go to school for it O.o

he gets paid 13.75 a hour, but this is in southern california so i think the wages are higher here

premedturnednursing · Sep 28, 2008

I was a pharm tech for several years in Texas. I learned all of my stuff on the job, but was nationally certified and registered with my state. When I quit working as a tech in 2007, I was making 15.71 an hour...

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Sep 29, 2008

I started working pharmacy in a retail store (part time while going to school). I transferred to inpatient hospital setting within 6 months. Learned a lot, the pay wasn't great, but neither was the responsibility.

I had no experience in health care AT ALL. If you can go this route, I recommend it. Don't waste your hard earned $$ on so-called "certificate programs." I know some in my area that are upwards of $12,000 (Everest Institute), then you "graduate" earning 12.00/hour.

Once you have been a tech for 6-12 months, and have some experience under your belt (through OJT), you can take the CERTIFICATION (not licensure) exam for your CPhT. Some employers (especially large hospitals) won't hire you without this certification or give you a certain time limit to complete it. And it usually comes with a raise. I worked pharmacy for 3 years. I couldn't see myself doing it forever, because I love the patient contact, but I learned A TON!

Best,

Diane

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Sep 29, 2008

the tech with the degree went to school for 2 years, where as the tech just did on the job training. there isn't a difference in pay. my 19 yr old daughter is a pharm tech n has been since she was 17. she makes 8 bucks an hr here in central pa. she is a nationally certified tech as well as a cvs certified tech, with some other certifications from cvs. she did like her job so much she is now in college to be a pharmacist. which does pay really well.
if u get in w/a chain pharmacy, they will train you & they may pay for u to take ur national cert test. but if u are looking to be the primary bread winner with this job, not gonna be easy. and don't waste ur money on the schooling, most chains will train u their way.

please shrink your font. it's very hard to read.

thank you

justme1972 · Sep 29, 2008

Two years would probably be a waste of time unless your state requires it.

The longest I have seen is a 1 year program. 2 years is a first.

Nursebarebari · Sep 29, 2008

Two years would probably be a waste of time unless your state requires it.
The longest I have seen is a 1 year program. 2 years is a first.

I thought so too, that is why I posted the ? THANKS