Do you have to be qualified to work in the pharmacy department in CVS/RiteAid/Walgreens, etc.?

Question

I have an Associate's degree in Biology and I wanted to apply at a local drug store (or grocery store that offers a pharmacy department) in the pharmacy department. Do I have to be qualified? Also, what do you think the starting pay would be?

Answer 1

Here in Canada, it depends on your province. Some will allow an uncertified tech to practice, some do not. I assume it is similar in the States.

If your state *does* allow an uncertified tech to be hired at the store you apply to, you may be paid less or be required to become certified after a certain amount of time. The store may help pay for your program, but usually they do not.

You will have an advantage over a non certified person without a degree, but again, only if you do not need to be certified. If you need to be certified, only a Pharmacy Tech certificate will do, of course.

You may also be hired to "assist" in the pharmacy or help with processing claims/and/or payments even if you cannot be hired to prepare and package drugs. It is always worth a shot to apply, or at least call and find out what qualifications you would need.

Pharmacy Techs where I live make anywhere from $11-$20 per hour, more in the hospitals. Again, being certified will usually ensure a higher wage and more opportunities. But you may luck out with what you have. You never know!

Good luck!

Answer 2

Starting pay can vary; typically yes, you have to have some background but you may be able to enter in as a low level RX tech and over time take more tests to increase your certification level. That's how it works at the RX in  my store. I am just not sure how these companies specifically do it.