As they approach the end of the school year, pharmacy seniors are preparing to take their exam. Throughout the school year, students have worked-through their online pharmacy program, Aztec Software, to gain knowledge to become a pharmacy technician. 

“It covers a wide-range of topics relating to work in the pharmacy field and they have been able to work at their own pace,” pharmacy instructor Cynthia Wong said. “At the end of March, they will be taking their final exam on Aztec which mimics the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam.” 

Since students have consistently worked through their online program, they have learned new rules and regulations that a pharmacy technician must follow. 

“Aztec has shown me that the pharmacy industry is very much needed in our society,” senior Gabriel Villacrucis said. “I have taken many notes in order to build my knowledge and taken practice quizzes. Learning about the different types of drugs and many of the safety procedures just shows how serious and somewhat intense the pharmacy industry is.” 

Seniors will have three attempts to pass for their certification. With a passing score of 80 percent or higher, students will only need to complete fewer work experience hours. 

“The exam is really important for all students but especially for those who want to work and get a job as a pharmacy technician,” Wong said. “Without passing Aztec they would have to complete 1500 hours of work-experience, but with the Aztec completion/certification they would only have to complete 500 hours and can take their PTCB exam sooner.” 

Because the Aztec covers a wide-range of topics pertaining to pharmacy, students have expressed concerns about studying for the test. 

“For the Aztec Exam, I am nervous but that’s the same for all of my exams,” Villacrucis said. “I am preparing by making the practice quiz questions with past tests to see which categories I am weaker in and which ones I am stronger in. I also plan to ask Dr. Wong for additional help to prepare our class for the exam.” 

With the help of the certificate, pharmacy students will be able to assist and shadow a pharmacist at pharmacies given their experience. Most times, pharmacies will pay students while they gain 500 hours of work experience, and with the PTCB certification, they can qualify for higher pay. 

“If I pass my exam I plan to work in a Walgreens pharmacy,” senior Kelliya Keodara said. “It would be a great experience and job for me to have while I am in college, along with giving me the work-experience hours to learn more about medicine since I plan to major and pursue biology. I think having this opportunity to become certified is another great thing to add to my resume and build experience while also getting paid well for it.”