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Want to get certified to become a Pharmacy tech, where do I start?

I worked in a pharmacy for 2 years about 14 years ago. It was my favorite job. Now it seem to get into it, they want you to be certified. I would love to get the certification that I need to work in a pharmacy again. But just don't know where to start. There are so many options with online school, what's the best one? Can anyone help me? Is there a pharmacy association you can go through?

Public Comments

1. Local colleges are your best place to get started. Ask your local pharmacist as well - they might know where you can get scholarships, and about associations, etc, as well as where the best pharm schools are in your area. I hope your background was strong in chemistry! Good luck to ya!
2. Go to a community college. It will only take you 1 year to complete. Hear are a list of the classes that you will be taking: Math 101 Introduction to pharmacy Pharmacy practice Pharmacy technician math Therapeutic agents 1 Therapeutic agents 2 Pharmacy technician practicum 2 Pharmacy technician practicum 3 Pharmacy management
3. Buy a review book or get a job and study. You don't need to be certified. Most start without being certified. Taking a formal class is a waste of money.
4. Pharmacy rules and regulations vary by state. Check the website of your state Board of Pharmacy to find out exactly what the regulations/rules are in your area. Some pharmacies will hire a person as a Pharmacy Clerk and offer training so he or she can become a Pharmacy Technician. If you are unable to find one in your area willing to do this then you have other options. You can enroll in a Pharmacy Technician training program at many community colleges. Verify that the training meets the requirements established by your state Board of Pharmacy. You can purchase some training manuals/CD's and study at home to prepare for the PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam) offered by the PTCB. http://www.ptcb.org Some good books (These are the training manuals used at the community colleges in my area). The Pharmacy Technician, 3rd edition ISBN: 0-89582-736-0 The Pharmacy Technician Workbook & Certification Review, 3rd edition ISBN: 0-89582-737-9 http://www.pharmacytrainer.com/ At the website listed above you can buy an interactive PTCB CD-Rom (PTCB Examination Review Course). With the CD you also get 4 months access to the online practice testing.
5. I would recommend ptcb.org as a starting point. I took the certification exam through that organization. I think it cost around $75-100, and there is not a prerequisite to take the exam. You have to complete continuing education every 2 years (basically you read articles about pharmacy related topics and complete quizzes) and pay a registrant fee, but other than that, once you are certified, you are certified forever. You can buy a study guide for the certification exam at most larger bookstores (Barnes & Noble, etc). I paid $60 for mine. Definitely don't waste your time or money with formal classes. More than anything, I've learned that employers value real world work experience over any accreditation.