Is $1795 for online pharmacy tech program excessive?

Question

I'm interested in becoming a pharmacy tech to work in a hospital setting. Gatlin Education Services www.gatlineducation.com is offering an online pharmacy for almost $2k with an externship at Walgreen's pharmacy.

Should I go for it? Or is there another way to study and become nationally certified pharmacy tech to work at hospital?

Answer 1

I wouldn't pay that much to become a tech. I worked as a retail tech for 5 years, and towards the end of that I studied to take the PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination.) I didn't take any classes, I just learned it all myself from study guides, and on-the-job training at the retail pharmacy. I've been a hospital tech for 10 years now, and I've also helped write questions for later versions of the PTCE, so I can tell you that you don't need to spend that kind of money. There are some very good study guides available - check out Amazon.com or ASHP.com for some great ideas.

You don't have to have any first-hand experience in order to pass the test, but some helps. If you can get a job at a retail pharmacy without your certification (laws depend on your state) I would do that for a little while while studying for the test. Then, once you pass the test, you'll have some retail experience and the certificate to show your hospital employer, and you'll be in great shape to get the job!

And just as an FYI, our hospital does not require any experience or certification to get an entry-level tech job, and we've hired people without either. It just makes it easier to get the job.

Answer 2

You don't need to take a class to be certified. You can self study and take the exam. A job which average starting pay is about $10-11 per hour for retail about about $14 for hospital, $2k is a lot of money. You better off getting a job and learning through that. Most hospitals require at least 1-2 years of experience and certification for techs.

Answer 3

Any pharmacy tech program is a waste of money. Apply for a job at the pharmacy and they will train you. They usually could care less whether you completed a pharmacy tech program.