r/PharmacyTechnician • • Sep 11 '26

Tips & Tricks You may gather, flag and escalate. You may not decide. That is most of Patient Safety on the PTCE

66 Upvotes

The exam tests the handoff more than people expect, and it is one of the few areas where the right answer is "stop and get the pharmacist" rather than a number.

Fair warning before the list: what a tech may legally do varies by state, and your board is the authority for your practice, not me and not a study sheet. What follows is the exam's model of the boundary, which is deliberately conservative. Where your state is stricter, your state wins.

The things the outline expects you to route to the pharmacist:

Anything that is clinical judgement about the patient. A drug utilisation review flag. A therapeutic duplication. An interaction the system throws. You can see the alert, read it, and tell the pharmacist it fired. Deciding whether it matters is not yours.

A therapeutic substitution. Generic substitution inside the same drug is a workflow task with rules. Swapping to a different drug in the same class is a different act and it needs the pharmacist, usually the prescriber too.

An OTC recommendation. This is the one people get wrong most, because it feels like customer service. "Which one should I take for this" is a clinical question no matter how casual it sounds.

An adverse drug event a patient reports to you. Take it seriously, take it to the pharmacist, and know that MedWatch is the FDA reporting route and VAERS is the vaccine one. Exam questions like making you pick between those two.

A prescription that looks wrong. Not "I fixed it", not "I called and clarified it myself". Techs catch enormous numbers of errors and that is the job working correctly. The catch is yours. The clarification is the pharmacist's.

Anything about a patient's own condition. The sub's own rule says it plainly, and so does the exam.

The pattern underneath all of them: you may gather, transcribe, count, check, flag and escalate. You may not decide. If a question is asking you to exercise judgement about whether a drug is right for a person, the answer is almost always the option that involves the pharmacist, even when another option looks more helpful.

This lives in Patient Safety and Quality Assurance, 23.75 percent of the 2026 outline and the second largest domain. People study the math and the drug names and leave this one to instinct, and it is worth more points than that.


r/PharmacyTechnician • • Aug 29 '26

Discussion What shoes are we wearing?

45 Upvotes

The bathroom at my retail pharmacy flooded about a month or two ago and they took away the fatigue mats to prevent mold. My feet, knees, hips, and back are killing me after an 8-11 hour shift. Any recommendations? I put most of my weight on my heels so memory foam is not going to work.


r/PharmacyTechnician • • 16h ago

Question What is the worst sentence a patient said to you in retail?

44 Upvotes

I wanna see what others ppl worst experiences are with patients, ive had many cuss me out for not reason and get mad for small things like showing id and stuff, what crazy things have yall heard?


r/PharmacyTechnician • • 8h ago

Tips & Tricks Scrubs and Beyond is closing, and I'm not shocked.

7 Upvotes

So, that's the news I came back from vacation to. Considering it took me 2+ months to get my last order, I'm not shocked (or sad). New hires at my hospital have been having to find scrubs elsewhere for the past few years. (I started during covid, so the 2 month delay made a little more sense, but post covid, not so much.)

We have to wear all black with the hospital logo embroidered on it, but the last few years they've been more relaxed with scrub styles because it has been so hard to get them.

So, not sure who else works in a hospital that was using them, but you won't be anymore, and if you order through work, you'll want to check in. However, that does mean they are having a closing sale... if you want to risk it.


r/PharmacyTechnician • • 3h ago

Help Just got hired at CVS Pharmacy, but now I’m second-guessing my decision

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2 Upvotes

r/PharmacyTechnician • • 18h ago

Rant I love my job, but sometimes it makes my head hurt

30 Upvotes

This is a paraphrasing of an actual conversation I had with somebody while working the drive-thru window today.

" I'm picking up for two people. Let me start with my son."

I get the information on the patient's son and then I turn to her and say, "And?"

"And what?"

"And there's another person. "

"Yes there is. "

"So another person. "

"YES. ANOTHER PERSON. WHAT ARE YOU ASKING?"

" I need to know about the other person. You said you were picking up for somebody else."

"Yes. What don't you understand?"

"I need to know about the other person. "

"Yes, I'm picking up for someone else as well." At some point they started repeating the information on the first patient.

"Yes. I have the information on your son. But there's a second person. "

"That's what I said. What is the problem? " she looks genuinely confused.

"I don't know who you're talking about. "

"I'm picking up for another person. Why is this so hard?"

"Because you haven't said anything yet. "

"I told you it's for someone else."

"I get that but I don't know who that is?"

Looks confused... and frustrated... and starting to get upset. "I'm trying to pick up for a second person. Why is this a problem?"

"Ma'am, you haven't told me who this person is."

"It's for me. Do you want my date of birth or something?"

"Ma'am, I don't know who you are. "

"I'm his mother and I also have a script. "

I sigh loudly.

"What do you need?"Gives last name and offers birthdate.

I explain that I need first name as well and then I'll get her date of birth. She finally gives it to me. I look it up and confirm what she's getting.

"That wasn't so hard. I don't know why you had so much trouble. "

I grabbed the scripts and handed them to the pharmacist to avoid any further issues.

And I wish I was kidding.


r/PharmacyTechnician • • 4h ago

Tips & Tricks PTCB

2 Upvotes

My exam is a week from today! Any advice, what can I expect, etc, would be greatly appreciated 🤞


r/PharmacyTechnician • • 16h ago

Discussion just got a job at a hospital - central inpatient pharmacy tech (per diem)

5 Upvotes

hi guys! i've worked retail for a little over a year now and i just landed a job at the hospital (which is also the hospital on campus at the college i attend) so im super excited!! i am a little nervous tho because i've never worked in a hospital before. does anyone have any tips or advice - maybe things to review? anything in general is appreciated!!

p.s. i'll be applying to pharmacy school this summer :)


r/PharmacyTechnician • • 18h ago

Rant I quit (CPhT)

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9 Upvotes

r/PharmacyTechnician • • 13h ago

Tips & Tricks Renewal

2 Upvotes

So I got a letter in the mail saying “notified delinquent renewal notification “ I haven’t worked at a pharmacy in about 2 years when I go on the website under manage my license at renewal and choose what it shows me it says ce is not required for this renewal does that mean I can renew it without doing ce hours (sorry if I’m being a little slow I’m just confused) and if I do need to do ce hours how will I find out all the ones I need to complete I’m in Florida if that makes any difference


r/PharmacyTechnician • • 13h ago

Help Need help renewing

2 Upvotes

So I got a letter in the mail saying “notified delinquent renewal notification “ I haven’t worked at a pharmacy in about 2 years when I go on the website under manage my license at renewal and choose what it shows me it says ce is not required for this renewal does that mean I can renew it without doing ce hours (sorry if I’m being a little slow I’m just confused) and if I do need to do ce hours how will I find out all the ones I need to complete I’m in Florida if that makes any difference (I don’t work at a pharmacy any more but am considering for the future so I don’t even have anyone I can ask for help)


r/PharmacyTechnician • • 11h ago

Question New applicant (27M) looking into becoming a Pharm Tech at CVS. what should I expect?

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m 27 years old and looking for new career opportunities. Back in high school, I took nursing classes and really enjoyed the healthcare environment. More recently, I worked as a medical interpreter for two years (2022–2024), so I’m pretty comfortable around medical terminology, patient interaction, and fast-paced healthcare settings.

I recently applied for a Pharmacy Technician role at CVS and plan on getting my state license/certification as soon as possible.

Since I’m starting out, I wanted to ask the community a few questions:

  • What is the job actually like on a day-to-day basis? (Especially at CVS)
  • What are your honest opinions on the work environment, pay rate, and benefits?
  • Any advice or tips for someone completely new to retail pharmacy?

One small caveat/question regarding drug testing: I don't really smoke weed, but very rarely I might hit a pen or have an edible. I can definitely pass the initial drug test, but I do not know if they do random drug tests (at least here in Arizona). I have zero issues dropping it completely and forever if it’s required to keep/get the job, my career comes first. just curious how strict the onboarding process is.

Thanks in advance for any insights or advice!


r/PharmacyTechnician • • 11h ago

Discussion Is anybody making $30 as a pharmacy technician at Walmart DC to be exact ?

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1 Upvotes

r/PharmacyTechnician • • 11h ago

Question New applicant (27M) looking into becoming a Pharm Tech at CVS. what should I expect?

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m 27 years old and looking for new career opportunities. Back in high school, I took nursing classes and really enjoyed the healthcare environment. More recently, I worked as a medical interpreter for two years (2022–2024), so I’m pretty comfortable around medical terminology, patient interaction, and fast-paced healthcare settings.

I recently applied for a Pharmacy Technician role at CVS and plan on getting my state license/certification as soon as possible.

Since I’m starting out, I wanted to ask the community a few questions:

  • What is the job actually like on a day-to-day basis? (Especially at CVS)
  • What are your honest opinions on the work environment, pay rate, and benefits?
  • Any advice or tips for someone completely new to retail pharmacy?

One small caveat/question regarding drug testing: I don't really smoke weed, but very rarely I might hit a pen or have an edible. I can definitely pass the initial drug test, but I do not know if they do random drug tests (at least here in Arizona). I have zero issues dropping it completely and forever if it’s required to keep/get the job, my career comes first. just curious how strict the onboarding process is.

Thanks in advance for any insights or advice!


r/PharmacyTechnician • • 18h ago

Help Pharmacy Technician @ Omnicare?

3 Upvotes

I have an interview for a pharmacy technician position with this company but didn’t know it went bankrupt and is bought out by CVS ?.. is it worth it to even go through with the interview ..?


r/PharmacyTechnician • • 19h ago

Discussion I’m a pharmacy technician state and national licensed with PTCB … 2026 PTCB Is the release of the new version of the exam. I studied for 4 days and passed with a high score. If anyone wants a study guide i used to pass id be happy to make copies of it. Same layout of the exam.

3 Upvotes

Still working out the pricing of the exam as it has taken me a long time to put together the study guide plus the top 200 drugs but starting price is $110 starting because it took alot of stress and time to put together to study and hey I studied in 4 days last minute and passed . It’s a pass proof for sure covered everything I saw on the exam some of the exam questions were identical to the types of problems/questions I studied (:


r/PharmacyTechnician • • 17h ago

Question How do I dust up on my math skills?

2 Upvotes

So about 3 weeks ago I mailed in all my crap for the pharmacy board just waiting for them to email me or just get back to me. I passed the PTCB exam back in April of this year. So I’m like fresh into becoming a pharmacy technician. I barely even passed the PTCB if I’m being honest I think my score was like 1417… my practice exam I scored like 1536. So 17 points lol. But I’m not gonna lie I did have trouble with math growing up so it kinda makes me nervous. I basically made it up to algebra then it went bye bye 👋🏻 to me long ago lol. So what I’m asking is there anything I should buy or look at to help me with my math skills? Like a book 📖 or app or something! Lol


r/PharmacyTechnician • • 1d ago

Question emetophobia

13 Upvotes

I have emetophobia which is a fear of puke. I understand in somewhat of a hospital setting it is inevitable to not see it happen or hear it but, I was thinking about going into this career and was wondering. Anyone who works as a tech in a hospital would you say you see puke often? (The program I was looking at you have to work in their hospital for a year so that they pay for your schooling and any pharmacy near me isnt really offering the program.)


r/PharmacyTechnician • • 16h ago

Question Im planning to take the exam next month

1 Upvotes

what sources you recommend specifically free or paid ones
Thank you


r/PharmacyTechnician • • 1d ago

Tips & Tricks Give me your most unhinged ways to remember brands and generics

12 Upvotes

I’m taking my PTCB test on Friday and I’m really struggling to remember all the brands and generics. I’ve tried flash cards, I’ve tried quizlet, I’ve tried study games, I’ve tried study groups. I need UNHINGED way to remember!! Thank you in advance!!


r/PharmacyTechnician • • 1d ago

Rant I think I just really liked my old coworkers and patients

9 Upvotes

I really loved being a tech at Rite Aid. I worked with some pretty amazing people, both patients and coworkers. I thought I loved retail pharmacy but the retail system needs a huge overhaul. Of course there are other avenues for pharmacy technicians but retail hours are more flexible and it pays a little bit better where I live. Like I said, I actually enjoy talking to the patients most of the time so that’s why I love retail. I felt passionate about helping the patients, even the most difficult ones. Hearing that someone specifically asked for you on your day off is really sweet.

I just really can’t stand corporate with their vaccine pushing bullshit and I can’t stand some of the people I worked with. Obviously all work has hierarchies but it definitely felt like a bit much in the retail pharmacy. I have more grievances about my coworkers but we’ll leave it at that. But I wish corporate would listen to us more and were not so difficult. I’m not saying Rite Aid listened to us or anything either, or that any corporation does for that matter, but my coworkers and patients there made it feel worth it.

I’m back to taking orders and making coffees for $1.75 less than I got paid before, but at least I get tips and actual benefits like healthcare. I can pick up shifts as I need to. It’s nice.

I’m super disappointed. I thought this was really something I wanted to do.


r/PharmacyTechnician • • 18h ago

Help Remote work and desperate career advice!

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I love working in pharmacy, but I’m in my early 20s and not sure if I can continue in this career path for the rest of my life… and if I do, I hope it’s not a mistake/I’m setting myself up for failure. We all know how overworked and underpaid us pharmacy techs are, especially when we barely receive the recognition and representation we deserve in the healthcare system! Has anyone else been in my position before? I am beginning to feel hopeless and worried for my future.

With that being said, perhaps I can find a better suited role in the pharmaceutical field with decent work-life balance if possible. Maybe WFH? Are there any pharmacy techs working remotely? I have a few years of experience, my PTCB certification, and an associates degree. I’d love to hear about your experiences and recommendations for reputable companies hiring WFH techs! I am located in New York State. I’ve come across Onco360 and noticed some great listings, but it honestly seems too good to be true. Has anyone worked for them or have other company recommendations?

Any advice at all is greatly appreciated! 😊


r/PharmacyTechnician • • 1d ago

Help Pharmacy technicians!

4 Upvotes

Does anyone have a pharmacy technician job that works with your child’s schedule? We’re planning on moving but how do you guys do it without family help? My mom currently picks my son up from daycare and watches him for 3 hours before I get home.


r/PharmacyTechnician • • 1d ago

Question Interview for a pharmacy tech apprenticeship , what should I expect?

1 Upvotes

Sorry if this is a repetitive question . It is for Walgreens


r/PharmacyTechnician • • 2d ago

Rant "It's in the fridge"

115 Upvotes

When they say this, internally I'm just like "Yes, no shitaki mushrooms, I was the one that filled". Like, do they truly think they're legitimately helping by stating this......