Being a Pharmacy Tech...

DigitalCancer

Diamond Member
Apr 6, 2004
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So, I want to get my foot in the door for the medical field (not entirely certain what I want to do just yet) and thought this might be a good start.

I've looked around and currently I'm looking at a program that's $2000 (not including the PTCE test), but it is 300hrs and an externship. Is it worth it or should I just buy the book off Amazon and take the test for $130?

Also, how many of you out there work(ed) as a Pharm. Tech. w/o the certification? I would rather have the cert, and from what I've looked up it seems most places require the cert.

What is the top-out salary for a Pharm. Tech. on average anyway and where could I go from there (besides a pharamacist which is a billion years of school)?
 

Saint Nick

Lifer
Jan 21, 2005
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What is your goal in the medical field? I too was interested in pursuing medicine, but more in an IT sense, maybe helping with data analysis or research, but ended up deciding it wasn't for me.
 

DigitalCancer

Diamond Member
Apr 6, 2004
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I'm not 100%....what I'm 'thinking' that I want to do is go to school for my RN degree and move on to a Nurse Antithesis, which will require a total of 6yrs of school roughly.

But...if I like the pharmacy gig, I could stick with that...I really don't know, I really just know that I enjoy helping people and so the medical field would be ideal for me I think.
 
Oct 9, 1999
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I'm not 100%....what I'm 'thinking' that I want to do is go to school for my RN degree and move on to a Nurse Antithesis, which will require a total of 6yrs of school roughly.

But...if I like the pharmacy gig, I could stick with that...I really don't know, I really just know that I enjoy helping people and so the medical field would be ideal for me I think.

you'll be lucky to do it in 6 years. what schools offer the CRNA program? more than likely you'll have to move. most CRNAs i know were RNs for several years before they got their masters. also, most had a working SO because you can't work a full-time job and expect to pass(it's not impossible though).

also, look into Cardiovascular Perfusionist. good pay, interesting work and awesome if you find a good group/company to work for. one more suggestion is getting you first assist after being an RN. you will have to log several hundred hours in several different surgeries before you can take the cert. exam.

good luck.
 

DigitalCancer

Diamond Member
Apr 6, 2004
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you'll be lucky to do it in 6 years. what schools offer the CRNA program? more than likely you'll have to move. most CRNAs i know were RNs for several years before they got their masters. also, most had a working SO because you can't work a full-time job and expect to pass(it's not impossible though).

also, look into Cardiovascular Perfusionist. good pay, interesting work and awesome if you find a good group/company to work for. one more suggestion is getting you first assist after being an RN. you will have to log several hundred hours in several different surgeries before you can take the cert. exam.

good luck.

I'll have to look that one up!

I was just thinking...4yrs for the RN, then 1-2yrs of working, then the 1.5-2yrs it takes for the antithesis program, so...my numbers were off I guess, lol...at least 7yrs I suppose. =/

I would not be working through the masters for sure, I've read plenty of nightmare stories. ^_^
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
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Pharmacist can be done in 4 years. It's usually a 3 year program after your Bachelors, but I do believe there is an accelerated 2 year program.

You don't have to have a Bachelors though, I was accepted with my AA. There is just a list of prerequisites and a good PCAT score.
 

DigitalCancer

Diamond Member
Apr 6, 2004
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Really? Apparently I should look at the program again, I always thought it was a masters degree?
 

theshad

Member
Apr 15, 2008
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Being a pharmacist is anywhere from a 6-8 year college education, you need a Doctor of Pharmacy to be a new pharmacist. A bachelors degree isn't necessary but it typically helps when you are applying to pharmacy schools.

I worked as a technician without getting a certification (The company kept saying you had to do it but never actually followed through with it) since I was only working seasonally I was making something like $9 a hour, I have seen it go up to around $15-16 for those that have been employed for an extended time. I had the job simply for experience since it was pretty much necessary for getting into pharmacy school.

Also I should note that my cousin went through a professional program to get his technician certification and he has yet to find a job as a technician. It's more about who you know and the impression you make than it is about having a certification in Ohio at least, some other states might be more strict about certifications.
 

Meghan54

Lifer
Oct 18, 2009
11,684
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As for Alkemyst's acceptance to pharm. school with an AA, it's not uncommon. They complete your BS and the pharm. work simultaneously, as he alluded to. You'll spend the first semester(s) completing your BS and working into the pharm. courses.


As for the RN to Anes. requirements, a 1-2 year work history most likely won't be enough, although different schools have differing requirements.

But most require at least a couple of years of work in intensive care, preferably surgical ICU, burn unit, etc.

I was actively looking into such a program when I was a practicing RN. I was applying with 1.5 years surgical ICU, 2 years open heart/cardiovascular ICU/recovery experience and still was just barely satisfying the work requirements. I got accepted after I obtained my CCRN cert. during my 4 year stint as an ER charge RN. Would have gone except was diagnosed with Crohn's and my career came to a grinding halt, unfortunately.
 
Oct 9, 1999
19,632
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As for the RN to Anes. requirements, a 1-2 year work history most likely won't be enough, although different schools have differing requirements.

But most require at least a couple of years of work in intensive care, preferably surgical ICU, burn unit, etc.

good point, forgot to mention every CRNA i know spent 2 years in ICU as an RN before getting in.
 

JTsyo

Lifer
Nov 18, 2007
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If you can get the tech job w/o the cert then they might help you get your cert if you stay with the same company for a bit. Some schools (example St. Johns) have 6 yr PharmD programs, which is what you want if you don't want to do retail pharmacy. If you want to go into research and such, you'll probably need a PhD or some interesting research along the way.
 

DigitalCancer

Diamond Member
Apr 6, 2004
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If you can get the tech job w/o the cert then they might help you get your cert if you stay with the same company for a bit. Some schools (example St. Johns) have 6 yr PharmD programs, which is what you want if you don't want to do retail pharmacy. If you want to go into research and such, you'll probably need a PhD or some interesting research along the way.

Yea, but I haven't found one yet, (any pointers on where to look, how to ask)? I'm not looking too terribly hard just yet b/c it all depends on how things play out right now. My wife is interviewing for a job in Milwaukee, and if she gets it, we're moving. I may/may not be able to keep my current job (IT), they could let me go remote but I'm not sure that they will, if they do, then most likely I'll do that for awhile as I'm going to school, but if not, I need to find something to sustain me.
 

x26

Senior member
Sep 17, 2007
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I'll have to look that one up!

I was just thinking...4yrs for the RN, then 1-2yrs of working, then the 1.5-2yrs it takes for the antithesis program, so...my numbers were off I guess, lol...at least 7yrs I suppose. =/

I would not be working through the masters for sure, I've read plenty of nightmare stories. ^_^

Please say"anesthetist-anesthesiology-" NOT anti-thesis...
CNA= Certified Nurse Anesthetist"...

ETA: CNA programs are hard to get into and very expensive.
But get a BSN Nursing and it will open uber Doors for you!
 

silverpig

Lifer
Jul 29, 2001
27,703
12
81
Phew. I was confused that you could be a nurse and then a nurse's antithesis. Thought it was a degree you got from evil medical school or something.
 

eits

Lifer
Jun 4, 2005
25,015
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www.integratedssr.com
being a pharmacy tech opened my eyes to just how many people get side effects. i used to think it was rare that people got side effects for meds. that job made me realize that it was rare for people NOT to have side effects.
 

Ricemarine

Lifer
Sep 10, 2004
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I'm confused now... If the op wants to be a pharm tech, why are people talking about the path to being a pharmacist?
 

Hayabusa Rider

Admin Emeritus & Elite Member
Jan 26, 2000
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I'm confused now... If the op wants to be a pharm tech, why are people talking about the path to being a pharmacist?

Who knows?

Let me explain to the OP what being a certified technician means. If you are working in a hospital you will be paid and treated well. If you are working in a retail pharmacy setting you will be in for a rude awakening. First make sure your state recognizes certification. NY does not. The people I work with got fifty cents an hour more for it. Pay increases are stagnant, you will be working odd hours. Corporate will treat you like a disposable rag. You will be treated rudely by customers and unfortunately some pharmacists (who are shit to corporate too) will not be any better. You will have less respect than someone who flips burgers. You will have to work holidays that they don't. If you go the hospital route then awesome! If you are thinking retail then clean toilets. It's a better job.
 

Ricemarine

Lifer
Sep 10, 2004
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Who knows?

Let me explain to the OP what being a certified technician means. If you are working in a hospital you will be paid and treated well. If you are working in a retail pharmacy setting you will be in for a rude awakening. First make sure your state recognizes certification. NY does not. The people I work with got fifty cents an hour more for it. Pay increases are stagnant, you will be working odd hours. Corporate will treat you like a disposable rag. You will be treated rudely by customers and unfortunately some pharmacists (who are shit to corporate too) will not be any better. You will have less respect than someone who flips burgers. You will have to work holidays that they don't. If you go the hospital route then awesome! If you are thinking retail then clean toilets. It's a better job.

I think it can go both ways pretty easy. As I've probably pointed out in other pharmacy threads, a lot of the pharmacy techs that have been working for a while tend to despise the new pharmacists that should "supervise" them. Thus, the techs try to develop relationships with the store managers, district managers, and other higher ups (sometimes giving gifts, dating, etc.). When they do, the techs can do whatever they want (in my sister's case: chair kicking, talking crap, transferring pharmacists away from their store, etc.). Supposedly, my sister can't do squat about it. She's also had to take a cut in pay as well. AFAIK, the pharm staff choose to work holidays for the holiday pay the majority of the time, not because they have to.

With customers however, you can say that about any retail job...
 

Dangerer

Golden Member
Mar 15, 2005
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Pharmacist can be done in 4 years. It's usually a 3 year program after your Bachelors, but I do believe there is an accelerated 2 year program.

You don't have to have a Bachelors though, I was accepted with my AA. There is just a list of prerequisites and a good PCAT score.

There are a few 3 year PharmD programs out there, but an overwhelming majority are 4 years.

As for the OP, don't bother going to school for a pharm tech license. If you want to get a taste of what pharmacy work is, call around your local chains and ask if they have any openings for a "pharmacy clerk." You get paid close to minimum wage, but you'll have an opportunity to see what technician work is like. You also get to learn to do what the technicians do (minus pulling and dispensing of medication) without all the added pressure of being expected to know how to do it already. If you like what you see after a few months of work, you can become certified (depends on the state) by taking an examination. Shouldn't be too hard if you have an IT background since it's basic math and common sense scenarios.

As Hayabusa rider mentioned, retail pharmacy can be a hellish environment and the pay ain't that great. That's why starting as a pharmacy clerk, you can quit anytime you want without investing any real money into it.
 

Hayabusa Rider

Admin Emeritus & Elite Member
Jan 26, 2000
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I think it can go both ways pretty easy. As I've probably pointed out in other pharmacy threads, a lot of the pharmacy techs that have been working for a while tend to despise the new pharmacists that should "supervise" them. Thus, the techs try to develop relationships with the store managers, district managers, and other higher ups (sometimes giving gifts, dating, etc.). When they do, the techs can do whatever they want (in my sister's case: chair kicking, talking crap, transferring pharmacists away from their store, etc.). Supposedly, my sister can't do squat about it. She's also had to take a cut in pay as well. AFAIK, the pharm staff choose to work holidays for the holiday pay the majority of the time, not because they have to.

With customers however, you can say that about any retail job...

I'm sure it happens somewhere, but I've not seen it. My philosophy is do your job and I'll leave you alone. If you don't we'll work on it. If someone tried to pull the crap on me you describe heaven help them.

"Pharmacy technician" seems to connote some professional standing. Not in retail.
 

bhanson

Golden Member
Jan 16, 2004
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How much are you making now? Tech jobs do not pay very well at all.

The vast majority of "tech" jobs (pharmacy, surgery, critical care, w/e) pay very little. Some places will start you at $10, while the upper part of the range is probably $15-17.
 

DigitalCancer

Diamond Member
Apr 6, 2004
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How much are you making now? Tech jobs do not pay very well at all.

The vast majority of "tech" jobs (pharmacy, surgery, critical care, w/e) pay very little. Some places will start you at $10, while the upper part of the range is probably $15-17.

I am salary right now at $30k. I'm not in it just for the money, so long as I can make at least $10, I can survive. At least while continuing my education.



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ProfJohn

Lifer
Jul 28, 2006
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Hayabusa has it mostly right.

Don't spend that kind of money on some program, not worth it at all.

Starting pay for people coming out of the local community college with some rx tech cert is $10 an hour. A program like that is worth it, but costs a lot less than what you are looking at (I think)

You would be much better off talking to an RX about wanting to work in the field etc and get in without the school if you can. Or find a cheaper school such as a community college. Many CC's have nursing and other medical classes you can take that will help get you in the door.


BTW PharmD may take 6 years of your life, but you can walk out the door and into a job making $100k easily so it is very much worth it. And retail pharmacy is not THAT bad. The biggest complaint I hear from Rx's in retail is how boring the job can be and all the other non RX stuff the companies are making them do these days to help drive sales and make money for the company.
 

bhanson

Golden Member
Jan 16, 2004
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I am salary right now at $30k. I'm not in it just for the money, so long as I can make at least $10, I can survive. At least while continuing my education.



Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk

There's a very good chance it will be closer to $10/hr than $30k/year.

But if you're okay with that then it's good experience but if you want to do something more it's better to just go back to school.
 

Rockinacoustic

Platinum Member
Aug 19, 2006
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I've worked as a Tech for ~2 years now in a retail setting, and am starting Pharmacy School this fall, so here's my 2 cents:

Depending on your state, you may need to be nationally certified (through the PTCB) to even step foot in a pharmacy. But some states allow you to work as a clerk/cashier without certification. Regardless, I would not advise dishing out thousands of dollars for a job that pays only $9-10 per hour starting. Obviously it economically makes no sense, but also I guarantee that you would learn more starting as a cashier in the pharmacy that any program could teach you. The profession is a very on the job learning experience, for both techs and pharmacists alike.

Go to any of the Pharmacies in town and ask to speak to the Pharmacy manager. Explain to them you're interested in being a technician and want to know if they are looking to hire. The best qualities to have are experience with customer service, and a desire to advance in the profession (be it tech, Pharmacist, or anywhere else in the medical field). Many of the retail chains (CVS, Walgreens) will pay for your training and certification. An independent may do this too.

As far as Haybusa's picture that he paints of working in a retail setting... there are ups, downs and politics no matter what setting you work in. Some people hate the corporate demands of retail, and some hate the politics of a hospital/inpatient setting. Personally, I have a love/hate relationship being in retail, but above all I enjoy the patient interaction, and the accessibility people have to my services. If you have issues communicating with people who may not be in the happiest of moods coming from the doctor/hospital, then you'll be in for a rude awakening. It most definitely does take a thick skin and an assertive attitude.

Pharmacy is a small world and and being a technician is certainly not a dead end if you always look to get your foot in the next door.