Frequently Asked Questions
What do Pharmacy Techs do?
Some of a pharmacy technician’s responsibilities are:
- Fill Prescriptions
- Interprete Prescriptions
- Bill Insurance
- Inventory Control
- Compound
- Perform Pharmacy Calculations
- Uphold Pharmacy Laws and Regulations
- Provide Customer Service
Where can Pharmacy Techs work?
- Retail
- Hospitals
- Mail Order
- Specialty Pharmacies
- Home infusion
- Nuclear
- Specialty
- Compounding (Make medicine)
What are the requirements?
Pharmacy technicians are traditionally required to have their high school diploma or GED, no drug charges or felonies, and some state boards have additional requirements.
How much do Pharmacy Techs make?
Pharmacy technicians earned a median annual wage of $30,410 in 2015, according to the BLS. The best-paid earned $45,030, while the lowest-paid earned $20,950. Sectors that pay well include the federal government, which pay an average annual wage of $42,060, and outpatient care centers, which pay an average annual wage of $40,250.
How can it only be 11 weeks or less?
We focus on what’s important, without giving you classes you won’t need. Our program is to the point and helps prepare you to enter the field and sit for the national certification.
Who teaches your online course?
Our online class is taught by Dr. Isabella Rodriguez, practicing pharmacist.
Are you accredited?
Rx Tech Prep is approved by the Division of Private and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education. (IBHE is the Illinois Board of Higher Education) and the DSPS Educational Approval Program, formerly Wisconsin EAB. We are not accredited. Accreditation is for programs containing more than 600 hours (one of many requirements). Accreditation would require lengthening the program significantly as well as increasing the cost thereof.
What National Exam will I be prepared for?
There are 2 national exams you can choose from, the EXCT and the PTCB. We recommended the PTCB because it is accepted in all 50 states.
What is the difference between the 2 national exams?
The PTCB and the ICPT both offer national certification for pharmacy technicians.
The PTCB exam is the PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam).
The ICPT exam is the ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians).
The PTCE is more widely recognized and endorsed. The PTCB has been around longer and therefore more established. However, there is no evidence that one is more difficult than the other. Some speculation has been mentioned on discussion boards that the ExCPT is more geared toward retail pharmacy and the PTCE is split more evenly with hospital pharmacy.
The PTCB exam is the PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam).
The ICPT exam is the ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians).
The PTCE is more widely recognized and endorsed. The PTCB has been around longer and therefore more established. However, there is no evidence that one is more difficult than the other. Some speculation has been mentioned on discussion boards that the ExCPT is more geared toward retail pharmacy and the PTCE is split more evenly with hospital pharmacy.
Do you offer externships?
Yes, we do although externships are not mandatory. We are currently approved for externships through CVS Pharmacies that are located nationwide. There is an additional application process for externships.
Is there online support?
Yes, we do offer online support both technical and instructor support. Your instructor is a helpful guide and will coach you through the program.
How do I sign up?
The process to enroll is simple and easy.
1. Download and read the school catalog
2. Complete the online application
3. Secure your spot by paying your registration fee, or paying your full tuition*
*Acceptance is not guaranteed. See admission requirements for details.
How much does it cost?
The Online Program is $1500, but if paid in full $1200. The classroom program is $1800. The cost includes registration fee, all textbooks, student binder, handouts, study guides, instructor support, instruction, tutoring, and upon successful completion a certificate of completion. You can check out additional information about tuition here.
Do you offer financial aid?
Financial aid is for a degree granting program that is accredited and although we are certified and approved through the IBHE and WEAB, we do not meet the requirements for FASFA. We do offer flexible payment plans, and we do accept external financial aid from various community organizations as well as state governed entities such as unemployment benefits.*
*These are state specific, so check with Admissions for details
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, for online payment plans you pay $449 down and monthly payments of $149 for 7 months.)You can check out additional information about tuition here.