So I’m thinking of taking a pharmacy tech course at my local community college. I already work in healthcare on the admin side (authorizations, front desk etc) & looking to get a certification that’s quick & don’t have to go back to school. How is it being a tech in the hospital setting? What other paths are there for techs? How much can you make? Or are there any other short certifications that would make more money?
I'm a pharmacy technician and wouldn't recommend going to school for it. I started in retail and now work in a hospital making over $16 an hour. I'm nationally certified which is preferred and the test is over $100. The money is in traveling and compounding which is my goal but you need to know your stuff. You have to study. You have to know drug classes, function, interactions, and be good at math to truly do well. It's so much more than counting pills.
I align with this as well. I worked retail pharmacy for 6.5 years (only on the job training). I studied and took the certification independently. In my area there was no money to be made in that arena (capped out) so I left the field for financial services. Now I’m in healthcare, emergency medicine.
The hospital setting was interesting but still not the money I wanted. I would look into the hospital to see if it’s worth your efforts or look into long term care pharmacies, they deliver to nursing homes & rehab facilities. My aunt has worked for one for most of my life & makes great money as a manager.
I make 31 an hour as a tech with a hospital, but I work outpatient infusion center. I make chemo and the drug supporting it. I work regular hour 630-5pm but rotate weekends. It’s very hard to get into the hospital setting but the pay is much better. But still caps out here in cali at about $40 an hour. To be honest if I could do it all over again I’d go to school to do ultrasounds. They much better money.
If you can get into Walgreens, that is your best option. They paid for all of my tests, trained me, and gave me classes to prepare for the exams! I was able to get certified in just a few months!
I have seen certifications being offered for CNA’s, CMA’s, radiology techs, mammogram techs, veterinary assistants, mental health techs, dental assistants. Generally speaking, hospitals pay more vs outpatient setting in most sectors. Good luck to you.