Pharmacy Tech

Pharmacy Tech [2008-04-27]
Does anyone know where there is a legit Pharmacy Tech online School? Or who to contact like an organization? Thanks, Barbara

Rad Tech [2007-08-26]
Donother classes included. Also, once you finish with that, you can take classes to be certified in ultrasonography, MRI, or CT. Some of these are only 1 semester, but you will get an increase in pay. This is currently what I'm looking into. I had signed up for classes this fall semester but had to drop due to family medical issues. I figured I would just go ahead and get the general classes out of the way, then I would just have the radiology to deal with and nothing else. If the medical issues go okay, I will be signing up next semester.

LPN [2008-10-29]
I am doing the same thing. I was going to check out a school that is basically a Vo-Tech for LPN, but decided to go the college route. I am 38 years old, I have some of my credits for college already, so I am a little ahead of the game. However, I am staying away from the LPN vo-tech school because nothing is transferrable to take to your RN courses. I say get the LPN, get working, and most importantly, get your education paid for through the hospital you work for. Most of them have great scholarship programs.

Pharmacy Tech [2008-04-27]
Does anyone know where there is a legit Pharmacy Tech online School? Or who to contact like an organization? Thanks, Barbara

In a quandry; RN vs MT [2007-12-18]
I am 47 years old (I see from below that I am an old hag :)) and looking to change careers. I if it comes to taking care of my family (4 children 13-6), we will do whatever it takes. In order to maintain our lifestyle, recognizing that I appreciate and recognize good grammar, enjoy a challenging job, and require a job that allows me to work at home, I've been looking very seriously into the MT field. If I pursued this option, it would be with a certificate from either Andrews or M-Tec. Reading the various MT boards, however, I am quite concerned about the future of MT, both in pay and job opportunity. And then, at the same time, I am heartened by the enthusiasm expressed by IC the detractors seem to be just as common as the enthusiasts. Further adding to my quandary is the trickle of nurses moving from RN positions to MT. I would enjoy the solitude of being an MT and am highly self-motivated. I believe I would enjoy oncology, L not necessarily the blood but the pus. I am also concerned about bringing disease and sickness home to my family. So, my current plan is to train with M-Tec or Andrews for a year, obtain my certificate, work as an IC and keep an eye on the nursing field. If possible, I might be able to continue to MT while in nursing school should it prove possible. I am also considering the fields of Radiation Technician and Surgical Tech. The reason I would prefer nursing to RadTec or Surg Tec is due to the travel available for traveling nurses (although I understand MedSurg would require at least 2 years of experience before I would be able to travel nurse). Any thoughts?

You can google [2007-09-18]
Arizona nursing schools. Find professional boards for nurses, such as what AOL has. Consider what most interests you about nursing? Pay? Prestige? Do you want to be in the operating room or delivery room or where do you see yourself? Becoming an RN gives you the most options, especially if you get your BS degree, but many RNs suggest first getting through the nursing assistant program, and then you can work and learn a lot while you continue your education. If it's mostly the money you are interested in, be aware that dental hygienists and respiratory therapists also can make great money in from a 2-year program. If you need a 1-year program, you could become an LPN or surgical tech and still make decent income. Much research to be done, but community colleges have EXCELLENT career counselors who will talk to you for free! Make use of them.

Stopcock device use [2007-08-25]
Are there any nurses reading here that can reassure me about this device my dog has? He had a pneumothorax, and they sent him home with a chest tube. The vet and tech can always get air into the syringe, but hubby and I can't get it to work. We screw on the syringe, change the position of the lever to open it, and pull back on the plunger, but all we can ever get out is some bloody fluid. I know tissues can shift around and block the tube, but always to us and never to them? CJ is very cooperative, lying on his side and not moving. He's such a good boy.

old hag looking into nursing [2007-08-21]
I think this is a good response. Check into all medical fields. I am pre-nursing, but reconsidering. The waitlists are terrible! Also I am concerned with the shift work and stress in teh field. I am entering my 40s and not at all sure nursing will be right for me. However, I do know I need to get out of being an MT as there simply isn't much viable employment opportunties. I was looking into surgical tech and also another not mentioned was PTA (Physical therapist assistant). I know an acquaintance through church who did a 2-year program about 9 years ago. She loves what she does. The pay isn't as high as nursing but they make about 18-21 per hour to start as far as I can see in my area. Some areas more. I think the averages were around 45,000 a year. But they don't work night shift. You have to work when patients are awake. Further you can work outpatient rehab, which may have some later evening hours but generally not past 7 pm or so. You also get to spend more time with patients than in nursing. I guess It just depends on the type of work you are looking for

Research [2007-07-16]
I have done a lot of research on other careers. I'm in my mid 40s. How much time are you willing to put in? What hourly wage to you need to replace? To become an RN may take you 3 or 4 years, depending on whether you have had prerequisites such as chemistry before. Since you have been out of college for a while, you'll have to take a math prerequisites, and possibly other classes. That's why even an associate RN degree can take so long. What department do you see yourself working in? Are you prepared for the long hours, short staffing and call of hospital work? Or do you want to work in an office where you could have actual weekends and holidays off? If you want to work in the operating room, many hospitals are using surgical techs. You may find a 1- or 2- year course for that with fewer prerequisites. They don't use as many RNs there anymore in some places. Do you want to work in labor and delivery? Some places are using RNs and surgical techs there too. As a surgical tech, you can make $20 and more right out of school if you are certified. If you want a pleasant office job, many offices now use medical assistants. The money isn't like what an RN makes, but it might compare with what you make now, with very pleasant work and weekends and holidays off. If your MD likes you he/she is going to reward you to keep you IMO. There are many other allied health positions to consider. And if you really want the RN pay without the weekends and call, consider becoming a dental hygienist. Great pay. I've looked into vet tech, but the pay is very low for what looks like a very challenging education.

Thanks a lot ME for your reply. SM [2007-07-16]
I haven't heard of surgical tech. I will look into that as well.