ipharmtech.com - Internet Pharmacy Technician Training Course

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to work in a Pharmacy to take the course?

While you do not have to work in a pharmacy to take the Pharmacy Technician Training Course, those working as pharmacy technicians do have an advantage in that their work experience will help reinforce some of what is learned in the course. A number of students not working in a pharmacy have completed the course and passed the national certification exam. Perhaps the best solution, if you are not working in a pharmacy, is to ask a community pharmacist to agree to help you in the course and let you see how things work in their pharmacy.

Is there a course textbook?

No. I find that very few students will read textbooks. During the course, we generate hundreds of pages of handouts, worksheets and assignments that work quite well. There are several textbooks available though, and my favorite is the ASHP Manual for Pharmacy Technicians. There is a link to it on our website. One problem I have encountered with textbooks is that they may not do pharmacy calculations the same way we do in the course. So if you have a textbook, don't let it confuse you in your pharmacy calculations.

Do I have to take the course to take the national exam?

No. The course and the national exam are entirely independent of each other and you can choose to take one or both. The only requirements to take the national certification exam for pharmacy technicians is that you have a high school diploma or GED and that you not have been convicted of a felony. The course can help you prepare to take the exam. In the past, students completing our course have done very well on the national exam.

How much time will the course take?

The internet course is based on the live pharmacy tech course which I have taught many times. Count on spending about 3-4 hours each week taking the course on the internet with an additional 1-2 hours spent on assignments.

What if I can't do math?

There is a significant amount of time spent in the course on pharmacy calculations. The method that we use makes it possible for many techs who are uncomfortable with math to succeed with pharmacy calculations. It's really not that bad. You do need to have an open mind and give yourself (and our method) a try. We have graduates who used to sweat doing math, who are now working in the compounding pharmacy setting and regularly do these calculations.

What software do I need for the course?

The course requires you to have a computer with speakers (so you can hear the lectures) and two free software plug-ins. Acrobat reader is used to print out the course materials, and JAVA2SE is required to view the course lectures. Most computers have these programs already installed. Our HELP link will take you to a screen that will check your computer and direct you to the free downloads if you need them.

Is my computer good enough?

We have a sample lecture posted to allow you to see how the course will work on your computer. The sample lecture has sound and slides, so make sure your speakers are on - it will make the presentation a lot more meaningful ! If you have any problems, check out our HELP link or let us know and we'll help you get the sample lecture working on your computer.

Can I take the course if I don't have a computer?

You can take the course if you have access to a suitable computer at home, or using a computer at a local public library or university. The computer you use MUST have internet access. It's obviously a lot more convenient to have a computer at home. If you're planning to use a computer at a public library or university, make sure that it has sound available (you may need headphones) and that you can print out course materials (there could be a per page charge).

What if I need help during the course?

Just ask !! The internet format of the course allows you to pause and replay portions of the lectures (or calculations !) that you need repeated. Additional help is available by e-mail and we will set up chat rooms and provide phone help as needed. When you take the course we expect you to make the commitment to work hard and do your best. We make the commitment to help you in whatever way we can so that you will succeed in the course and pass the national certification exam at the end of the course.

Do you give refunds?

In general, we do NOT give refunds for the course. My experience with students suggests that having refunds available tempts students to bail out of the course. Most students have something that is hard for them in the course. For many it's pharmacy calculations, but for you it might be drug names or business concepts. Whatever it is, you'll be a lot better off by working through it and doing your best rather than letting the course pass you by. Consider carefully before you start. You can do this and succeed at it if you want.

Should I register for the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam?

If you would like to be a certified pharmacy technician, there will probably be no better time to take the national exam than at the conclusion of the course. I suggest that all students in the course plan on taking the national exam when the course ends. Additional information on the national exam can be found at the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board website, http://www.ptcb.org

Exam ? What Exam?

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board tests and certifies pharmacy technicians using a national exam. The exam is a three hour, 140 question exam which costs $120 to take. Those successfully completing the exam are designated certified pharmacy technicians, or CPhTs. There is more information on the exam at the PTCB website, http://www.ptcb.org

Can I take the course with a friend ?

YES !! One of the best ways to take the course is with friends or co-workers. Being part of a group helps you review course material and help one another. We provide a discount to encourage group registrations. If you have three or more individuals registering from a single pharmacy or at the same time, contact us for an additional discount.

What if I have another question ?

That's OK !! Send it in to info@iPharmTech.com and we'll answer it. If it's right for you, we'd love to have you in the course.


Home Brochure Syllabus Books Sample FAQs Register HELP! PTCB Study Guide Links CE	Frequently Asked Questions Do I have to work in a Pharmacy to take the course? While you do not have to work in a pharmacy to take the Pharmacy Technician Training Course, those working as pharmacy technicians do have an advantage in that their work experience will help reinforce some of what is learned in the course. A number of students not working in a pharmacy have completed the course and passed the national certification exam. Perhaps the best solution, if you are not working in a pharmacy, is to ask a community pharmacist to agree to help you in the course and let you see how things work in their pharmacy. Is there a course textbook? No. I find that very few students will read textbooks. During the course, we generate hundreds of pages of handouts, worksheets and assignments that work quite well. There are several textbooks available though, and my favorite is the ASHP Manual for Pharmacy Technicians. There is a link to it on our website. One problem I have encountered with textbooks is that they may not do pharmacy calculations the same way we do in the course. So if you have a textbook, don't let it confuse you in your pharmacy calculations. Do I have to take the course to take the national exam? No. The course and the national exam are entirely independent of each other and you can choose to take one or both. The only requirements to take the national certification exam for pharmacy technicians is that you have a high school diploma or GED and that you not have been convicted of a felony. The course can help you prepare to take the exam. In the past, students completing our course have done very well on the national exam. How much time will the course take? The internet course is based on the live pharmacy tech course which I have taught many times. Count on spending about 3-4 hours each week taking the course on the internet with an additional 1-2 hours spent on assignments. What if I can't do math? There is a significant amount of time spent in the course on pharmacy calculations. The method that we use makes it possible for many techs who are uncomfortable with math to succeed with pharmacy calculations. It's really not that bad. You do need to have an open mind and give yourself (and our method) a try. We have graduates who used to sweat doing math, who are now working in the compounding pharmacy setting and regularly do these calculations. What software do I need for the course? The course requires you to have a computer with speakers (so you can hear the lectures) and two free software plug-ins. Acrobat reader is used to print out the course materials, and JAVA2SE is required to view the course lectures. Most computers have these programs already installed. Our HELP link will take you to a screen that will check your computer and direct you to the free downloads if you need them. Is my computer good enough? We have a sample lecture posted to allow you to see how the course will work on your computer. The sample lecture has sound and slides, so make sure your speakers are on - it will make the presentation a lot more meaningful ! If you have any problems, check out our HELP link or let us know and we'll help you get the sample lecture working on your computer. Can I take the course if I don't have a computer? You can take the course if you have access to a suitable computer at home, or using a computer at a local public library or university. The computer you use MUST have internet access. It's obviously a lot more convenient to have a computer at home. If you're planning to use a computer at a public library or university, make sure that it has sound available (you may need headphones) and that you can print out course materials (there could be a per page charge). What if I need help during the course? Just ask !! The internet format of the course allows you to pause and replay portions of the lectures (or calculations !) that you need repeated. Additional help is available by e-mail and we will set up chat rooms and provide phone help as needed. When you take the course we expect you to make the commitment to work hard and do your best. We make the commitment to help you in whatever way we can so that you will succeed in the course and pass the national certification exam at the end of the course. Do you give refunds? In general, we do NOT give refunds for the course. My experience with students suggests that having refunds available tempts students to bail out of the course. Most students have something that is hard for them in the course. For many it's pharmacy calculations, but for you it might be drug names or business concepts. Whatever it is, you'll be a lot better off by working through it and doing your best rather than letting the course pass you by. Consider carefully before you start. You can do this and succeed at it if you want. Should I register for the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam? If you would like to be a certified pharmacy technician, there will probably be no better time to take the national exam than at the conclusion of the course. I suggest that all students in the course plan on taking the national exam when the course ends. Additional information on the national exam can be found at the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board website, http://www.ptcb.org Exam ? What Exam? The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board tests and certifies pharmacy technicians using a national exam. The exam is a three hour, 140 question exam which costs $120 to take. Those successfully completing the exam are designated certified pharmacy technicians, or CPhTs. There is more information on the exam at the PTCB website, http://www.ptcb.org Can I take the course with a friend ? YES !! One of the best ways to take the course is with friends or co-workers. Being part of a group helps you review course material and help one another. We provide a discount to encourage group registrations. If you have three or more individuals registering from a single pharmacy or at the same time, contact us for an additional discount. What if I have another question ? That's OK !! Send it in to info@iPharmTech.com and we'll answer it. If it's right for you, we'd love to have you in the course.	Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10 Week 11 Week 12
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