Fast-track Your Pharmacy Technician Certification in 2 Weeks!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Getting Started at Walgreens
- The Importance of Certification
- Study Resources: YouTube and Quizlet
- Recommended Study Materials
- Results and Performance Analysis
- Areas of Improvement
- Tips for Passing the PTCE Exam
- Conclusion
- Additional Resources
How I Got Certified as a Pharmacy Technician in Two Weeks 💊
Imagine getting certified as a pharmacy technician in just two weeks. Sounds impossible, right? Well, not for me. Hi there, it's Christian, and I want to share with you my journey of becoming a certified pharmacy technician in a surprisingly short amount of time. Buckle up and join me as I take you through the steps I took to achieve this feat.
Introduction
Let's start from the beginning. After graduating from college in June 2019, I found myself at Walgreens. It was a part-time gig, working 13 to 20 hours a week. My goal was clear: I wanted to gain experience and expand my horizons beyond retail. I yearned to work in a hospital or various other medical facilities. Little did I know, getting certified would be the key to unlocking these opportunities.
Getting Started at Walgreens
Working at Walgreens laid the foundation for my journey to become a certified pharmacy technician. Although the hours were limited and the location was inconvenient, I remained determined. I sought guidance from interns and expressed my desire to get certified. Their responses were disheartening at first, but I wasn't easily discouraged. Where there's a will, there's a way.
The Importance of Certification
Before diving into my study methods, let's address the elephant in the room: certification. While it's not mandatory to work in a hospital as a pharmacy technician, it certainly gives you an edge. I wanted to stand out and have better opportunities, so becoming certified was a logical step for me. However, it's important to note that networking and personal connections can also open doors for uncertified individuals.
Study Resources: YouTube and Quizlet
Now, let's talk about the resources that played a crucial role in my two-week certification journey. YouTube, specifically the channel of a pharmacist named Kristen, became my go-to study companion. Kristen had passed the PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam) in just a week, and her videos became my study bible. I devoured every video she posted, absorbing valuable tips, practice problems, and scenarios.
To complement Kristen's videos, I turned to Quizlet, an invaluable tool for memorizing important drug information. One pharmacist intern at Walgreens advised me to focus on learning the top 200 drugs known to pharmacy technicians. These drugs cover a wide range of medical conditions and can greatly enhance your knowledge base. I meticulously studied and memorized 25 drugs per day, dividing them into manageable chunks.
Recommended Study Materials
In addition to YouTube and Quizlet, I discovered an online resource called Union Test Prep. They offer PTCE practice tests that cover a wide range of topics, including pharmacology, pharmacy law, medication order entry, and patient safety. These practice exams were instrumental in reinforcing my knowledge and preparing me for the real thing.
Results and Performance Analysis
After weeks of intense studying, the day of my PTCE exam arrived. When the results finally came in, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. My overall score was 1407, just above the passing score of 1400. While I struggled a bit with pharmacy law and medication order entry, the other sections, such as pharmacology and pharmacy information systems usage, yielded excellent results.
Areas of Improvement
Reflecting on my performance, I realized that I could have done better in certain areas. Pharmacy law questions caught me off guard during the exam, highlighting the need for additional preparation in this domain. I recommend exploring online resources specifically focused on pharmacy law to strengthen your knowledge in this area.
Tips for Passing the PTCE Exam
So, what are my top tips for passing the PTCE exam and obtaining certification in a short period of time? Here are a few:
- Utilize online resources, such as YouTube tutorials and Quizlet flashcards, to supplement your knowledge.
- Focus on memorizing the top 200 drugs used by pharmacy technicians.
- Take advantage of practice exams, like those offered by Union Test Prep, to assess your progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Pay special attention to pharmacy law, as it is a significant component of the exam.
- Stay motivated and determined, knowing that certification can open doors to new and exciting career opportunities.
Conclusion
In just two weeks, I transformed from a pharmacy technician with limited experience to a certified professional ready to take on new challenges. The journey was intense but rewarding, and I hope my story has inspired you to pursue your own certification goals. Remember, with dedication and the right resources, anything is possible.
Additional Resources
To further support your journey to becoming a certified pharmacy technician, here are some additional resources to explore:
- Kristen Vu's YouTube Channel: Link
- Union Test Prep's PTCE Practice Tests: Link
- Top 200 Drugs for Pharmacy Technicians: [Link](insert link)
Highlights:
- Discover how I became a certified pharmacy technician in just two weeks
- Learn about the importance of certification for career growth
- Utilize study resources like YouTube and Quizlet to enhance your knowledge
- Get insights into my exam results and areas for improvement
- Gain valuable tips for passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam
FAQs
Q: Is certification necessary to work as a pharmacy technician in a hospital?
A: While certification is not mandatory, it can greatly enhance your chances of securing a position in a hospital setting. However, networking and personal connections can also open doors for uncertified individuals.
Q: Can you provide more details about the resources you used for studying?
A: Certainly! I primarily relied on YouTube tutorials by a pharmacist named Kristen, who had passed the PTCE in a week. Quizlet flashcards were invaluable for memorizing drug information. Additionally, Union Test Prep provided practice exams to reinforce my knowledge.
Q: How did you overcome challenges in the pharmacy law section of the exam?
A: Pharmacy law questions caught me off guard, so I recommend seeking out specific resources focused on pharmacy law to strengthen your understanding. These resources can help you prepare for the exam more effectively.
Q: Are there any recommended study materials for pharmacy technicians?
A: Yes, one pharmacist intern suggested learning the top 200 drugs used by pharmacy technicians. This knowledge can significantly improve your performance in the exam and in your career.
Q: How can I stay motivated during the intense study period for the PTCE exam?
A: Set clear goals, break your study schedule into manageable chunks, and remind yourself of the exciting career opportunities that lie ahead with certification. Stay focused and keep pushing yourself.
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