Anyone a Pharmacy Technician or EEG Technician?

[Mickey'sMainMami]

I am looking to go back to school. I recently, after working in the private sector, got a job in healthcare. I work at a hospital as an ICU secretary. I love my job, but after being a secretary for 17 years, I am pretty much burnt out! I originally wanted to go back to be a Respiratory Therapist, but after seeing all the gross stuff they suction out of people, I sooo could not do it! Anyway, is anyone a Pharmacy Tech or EEG Tech, do you like it, is the pay good? I really want to do EEG, but can't find any programs offering it around here right now. Of course the hospital that I work at, both our EEG Tech's were trained in house, but who know's how long before they have another position. I feel like I am always a day late and a dollar short. So anyone have any suggestions? I was also thinking about Medical billing/codeing, but again, I think I am over the whole desk job thing!

 

[WhateverLolaWants]

I don't have experience in either of those fields, but I did start out going back to school for a health-related field before I finally found my current position. My goal was to become a medical sonographer, but found out that it would take 4-5 years (even with the basics already taken because I have BS) to get through the program because there was a 2+ year waiting list. Check into a local community college (stay away from Sanford Brown and similar "schools") and see what health career degrees/certificates they offer and set up an appointment if anything interests you. Also, check to see if your job will pay your tuition. There was at least one woman in one of my classes who was a secretary at the hospital and she got tuition reimbursement.

 

[LisaZee]

I have been a pharmacy tech for about 6 years. I work in long term care - we service skilled and assisted living facilities. Our pharmacy is a little different than lots of other LTC pharmacies - we used automated dispensing.

I love my job. I'm the supervisor but still do tech work on occasion. I did take a summer class at my community college, but we train people as well.
Depending on what state you're in -you may have to become certified which means taking a test and maintaining CE credits every other year. Our starting pay is low, I feel - about $11/hr for entry-level fill techs, $14/hr for lead techs, and $15/hr for IV techs. Experience of course gets you more money.

I definitely recommend it as a field, if you can get past the fact that you are basically there to assist the RPh - doing most of the manual work so the RPh can "bless it". Lol.