Pharmacy Techs?

[Miss Kelly]

Just wondering if any of you are Pharmacy Techs and if so, do you like your job? Average pay? Room for advancement? Typical day is like?

BTW, I am looking to maybe study and take the national exam in March. Any comments?

Thanks!
Kelly

 

[ebaynut31]

Hi, Pharmacy Tech here. I love my job. We cannot give any advice about anything (or counsel I should say) to anyone. It's law in Mass.

I took the PTCB exam and passed. It was tough though. I am a Certified Pharmacy Coordinator and my pay doesn't reflect what the average tech is getting but starting pay for a part time tech where I work was $7 hr when I started part time. Went to 8 something for full time.

Any specific questions? I'll be glad to answer.

Typical day? if you work in a pharmacy, you already know the typical day.

on average we fill about 400 prescriptions a day. Always explaining people's insurance to them etc. In my opinion, you must have great customer service skills to be a good tech.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Just saying 'hello', Kelly!!!!

 

[EdiePA]

I think pharmacy techs are a wonderful addition to our profession and I've been known to gift a great tech after a bad day with flowers and candy. They just really help to lighten the load.

Do you have great people skills? Are you patient? How about math skills, computer skills, typing, phone etiquette, etc? Are you comfortable standing on your feet for long periods of time?

Have you worked in a pharmacy? The average pay around here isn't great, not much more than a buck or two above minimum wage in the retail setting. I work in a State Mental Hospital and our techs can start at about $10 an hour.

There isn't a whole lot of room for advancement -- except if you're willing to go to pharmacy school and become a pharmacist.

Hope this helps,
Edie

 

[Miss Kelly]

Thanks everyone. I'm just trying to get a feel of what I'm in for IF I decide to pursue this.

The only reason I am seriously considering this is because I need/want some experience dealing with medications so I can go on to a pharmaceutical sales company where the pay is excellent, not to mention the commission. I have some contacts there who are suggesting I sit for this exam and gain experience. Apparantly this company wants everyone employed to be a Pharm Tech. Hopefully I will look like a good choice if I already have these qualifications.

Thanks again!
Kelly