Pharmacy Technician

mattsmom81 · Nov 13, 2002

Pharmacy techs work under the supervision of a pharmacist and can work in hospitals, LTC facilities, and retail pharmacies.

In my area they make a little less than LVN's..a little more than PCT's. They seem to be in demand as they can do many of the less technical work for the pharmacist, and are cheaper to hire than another RPH.

tonicareer · Nov 13, 2002

Thanks any Indiana folks out there who know if Pharmacy Techs are being hired here? and what it pays?

Vsummer1 · Nov 13, 2002

I have only seen one reference to a pharmacy tech, and that was at a pharmacy which would train you on the job. The pay was a couple of dollars over minimum wage to start.

Perhaps this is not the same as the type of pharmacy tech you are talking about, as you were indicating a degree in it? I would definitly check your local pharmacy out though, because if it is the same thing then those colleges are just trying to get your $$$ in yet another way.

Lausana · Nov 13, 2002

I know of a couple people who were Pharm Techs, but I believe the job requirement was to be enrolled as Pre-Pharm, I'm not sure of a separate degree being offered around here? As far as I know Indiana doesn't have a set certification for these techs, only a handful of states do-but probably will in the future. As far as pay it looks like somewhere around 11-12/hr but that can always change since it sounds like they are in demand & much cheaper than another Pharmacist!

Pharmacy seems to be a good direction to head if you're interested--Purdue has a great program $$ :chuckle

lunakat · Nov 13, 2002

The local community college around here offers the pharmacy tech program. They say it can be finished in about 2 semesters (1 yr). Local hospitals will hire you as well as local pharmacies. The thing I noticed most about the places that hire is that they want you to have experience before applying. As for pay I saw a place that would pay $15 an hour and heard that around where I am they pay maybe $9 and hr.

mattsmom81 · Nov 13, 2002

Tonicareer, the fastest way for you to find out if your area has them is to ask your local pharmacist in person. :)

Roland · Nov 14, 2002

than as a Pharmacy Tech. I see advertisements for LPN's offering at least $20.00 per hour all the time around here (Indianapolis). You COULD get your LPN and work part time while going to school to become a pharmacist. In Indiana you have two pharmacy schools to choose from Butler and Purdue. One GOOD thing about Butler is that if you attend your first TWO years there you are guarenteed admission into their four year pharmacy program. Of course they are expensive, but you would probably qualify for considerable financial aid (unless you are wealthy). As a first year PHARMACIST you could expect to earn about 70K in the Indiana area so it might be worth your while to investigate.