Claire Said:

In the state of IL, is it necessary to complete a pharmacy technician training program before taking the PTCB?

We Answered:

Passing the PTCB does not qualify you to work as a pharm tech in Illinois per se. You have to apply for the Illinois pharm tech license. For the first two years, certification is not required. PTCB only requires a high school diploma or GED to take the exam.

Jennifer Said:

Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Training?

We Answered:

I actually work at a Walgreens pharmacy and I started working on the floor and I was just put back there. I went to another store for 2 weeks to do training. You don't become certified right away, you don't even have to be certified, you can sign up to take the test when ever you want (they offer it a few times a year) But I believe there is a rumor going around that soon everyone who works in the pharmacy will have to be certified by January but I don't know yet. But yeah you don't need any training to first be hired because they will train you there. But if you apply you probably wont get hired because they just let go about 2 techs per store because they are switching to the "power" system.

Clyde Said:

Which pharmacy technician training programs are board certified?

We Answered:

Please don't waste your time and money doing any formal training to be a pharmacy technician. You can easily get a job in a drugstore, even with no experience. All you need is a HS diploma/GED and a clean criminal record. Anywhere "good" to work (hospital, mail-order) requires experience.

This is one of the few medical jobs where the amount of experience is by far more important than if you have formal training. I've worked at 2 different drugstores, and I have yet to meet a pharm tech that has been through formal training.

Erika Said:

Want to go through a Pharmacy Technician training program that last about 2 months.?

We Answered:

Kaplan University offers an online certification programs. I don't know if it's two months but it will be faster than the associates degree.

American Career College also has a certification program. They're in Anaheim and Los Angeles.

Juanita Said:

Is $729 reasonable/worth it for a pharmacy technician training course?

We Answered:

No state requires any formal education to become a pharm tech. Most states just require a high school diploma. Going through a training course will not increase your salary.

Judith Said:

What is the average cost of Pharmacy Technician training before financial aid?

We Answered:

Job placement after graduation does indeed count for a great deal. I would advise that you do speak with the admissions departments at several schools to see what the range of costs might be.

You could also check with your state's education department about what the average costs may be, as most pharamcy technicians are certified and regulated by various state agencies.

Darren Said:

Does anyone know how to get into a hospital based Pharmacy Technician training program in California?

We Answered:

I would call the hospital's human resources program or the inpatient pharmacy myself and see what schools they recognize or recommend. That would be the best way to find that information directly. Let the person know you are interseted in becoming a hospital CPhT and that you need this information. Good luck to you!