Marilyn Said:

CVS Pharmacy Tech. Questions?

We Answered:

Yes, they will hire you with no experience. I was hired with a hs diploma and no pharmacy experience. 95% of the techs I have worked with started out this way as well.

Don't bother to try to sell yourself. Honestly, they don't care. I'm not trying to be mean, just honest. This is a minimum-wage entry-level job. Just assure them that you will show up for work on time, are task-oriented, can keep calm in almost any situation, and pay close attention to details.

Yes, they will train you. It's usually paid training, as well :]

Leon Said:

I was offered a job as a pharmacy tech at CVS. Does anyone work for them, know benefits, wages, etc?

We Answered:

I have an acquaintance who works for the CVS up the street from me. I don't know all the details, but he said that it is the best paying job he's had, and that he has good benefits and an employee discount. Wages could vary from state to state (I live in AZ, one of the lowest-paying states, in general). If I see him tomorrow, I will try to get more info.

Adam Said:

Pharmacy Tech Jobs... anyone have details?

We Answered:

First of all, do NOT waste your money on classes if you don't have to. Most states don't require any schooling past a HS diploma/GED. Find out the requirements to become a tech in your state; Google "[your state name] state board of pharmacy".

This is NOT a glamor job. It is hard and very stressful. The most stressful thing about the job is the customers. You must be 110% prepared to not take anything personally; you need to have a very tough skin for this job. 9 out of 10 customers are already angry when they come to the pharmacy, either because their insurance company won't pay for anything or their doctor wouldn't prescribe them what they wanted or their prescription wasn't filled fast enough or. . .a million other things. You WILL get yelled at by customers *every day*. You WILL get called every name in the book. These people are brutal. The pharmacist also WILL NOT back you up or come to your aid in these situations; you are totally on your own to diffuse the angry customer.

Also, there is a reason why most of the pharmacy techs that you see are college students: this is an entry-level, dead-end job with terrible hours, terrible pay, and virtually no advancement opportunities. If you think that you can buy a car, buy a house, get married, support your kids, and live for the rest of your life on close to minimum wage, then go for it. Most pharmacy technicians are only in this job for 5 years or less, simply because the pay is so bad. Hospitals pay well, but most ask for at least 3+ years of retail pharmacy experience.

When you are first starting out, it is almost guaranteed that you will be exclusively working nights and weekends. You will also be mostly operating the cash register and answering the phone (doesn't matter if you are certified or not for this part!). Of course, you will also be working holidays.

The national exam (I assume you mean the PTCE) is fairly straightforward. Any tech that has worked in a retail setting for a few months should pass with no problems. The cost is $129, so you better hope that you get it right the first time!


With all of that said, I hope that I didn't *completely* discourage you from looking into this job. It is a perfect second job for someone who wants to work nights/weekends. However, I cannot imagine making this your career. Don't get me wrong - I have met some techs that have worked retail for 10, 15, 20+ years . . . but they are as miserable and nasty as our worst customers.

Mark Said:

I was offered a job as a pharmacy tech. for CVS. Does anyone work for them, know benefits, wages, etc?

We Answered:

I'm shocked that you didn't ask these questions when you interviewed with them.

Kathy Said:

cvs pharmacy tech?

We Answered:

Yes it sounds like you got the jobs. But some jobs are aholes and they lie to you, saying o willl call you but they never do. But just give it like 5 days for the phone call, if no call then yess call them to check the status. This also shows that you care and they like that. Good luck :)