Is NHA easier than PTCB?

Yes, the NHA (ExCPT) is generally perceived as easier and more focused on retail pharmacy operations, while the PTCB (PTCE) is considered harder due to broader, hospital-focused content with more medications and math, though both are accepted nationally and PTCB is the industry standard. NHA often involves more practical, day-to-day dispensing tasks, making it more accessible for retail techs, whereas PTCB covers a wider scope, including inpatient scenarios and more in-depth calculations.

Is NHA certification hard?

The NHA exam (like the CCMA) is considered challenging because it covers extensive material with a mix of straightforward and complex, scenario-based questions, but it's manageable with dedicated study, focusing on practice exams, and mastering core clinical and administrative concepts, with pass rates around 70-80% indicating success is achievable. Many test-takers find it harder than practice tests, but resources like SmarterMA.com and Ms. K on YouTube can significantly boost preparedness, even if practice scores vary. 

What is the NHA passing rate?

NHA's CCMA Exam

The exam takes 3 hours and covers topics ranging from clinical patient care to administrative assisting. There are 180 multiple-choice questions and you must score at least 390 out of 500 to pass. The nationwide passing rate is 77%.

Who gets paid more, CNA or pharmacy tech?

Pharmacy technicians generally earn slightly more than CNAs, with median salaries around $43,000-$44,000 compared to CNA averages, which can range from $38,000-$45,000 but often start lower, though earnings vary significantly by location, experience, and employer, with CNAs potentially increasing pay through overtime. Both roles offer similar entry points, but pharmacy techs often see better pay in hospital or outpatient settings, while CNAs provide direct patient care in homes or facilities, with both roles serving as stepping stones in healthcare. 

What is the difference between NABP and PTCB?

PTCB advances medication safety by credentialing technicians who are qualified to support pharmacists and patient care teams in all practice settings. NABP is the independent, international, and impartial association that assists its member boards and jurisdictions for the purpose of protecting the public health.

PTCB vs NHA: Which Pharmacy Tech Exam Is Better?

Is NHA certification the same as PTCB?

NHA (National Healthcareer Association) and PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) both offer widely accepted pharmacy technician certifications (CPhT), but the PTCB (PTCE exam) is often considered the industry gold standard and more universally recognized, especially for hospital roles, while the NHA (ExCPT exam) is popular in retail and may be seen as slightly easier, with the key difference being PTCB's focus on advanced credentials and broader state acceptance versus NHA's retail focus, though both meet most state requirements and have similar costs and CE needs. 

Which pharmacy tech exam is easier?

The PTCE has a slightly higher pass rate than the ExCPT. Pass rates in 2023 were 63% for the ExCPT and 69% for the PTCE. The PTCE also has fewer test questions but has a shorter time limit. Both exams are scored similarly, with each question scored differently based on topic and difficulty.

Does CVS or Walgreens pay pharmacy techs more?

Generally, pay between CVS and Walgreens for pharmacy technicians is very comparable, with slight variations depending on location, experience, and specific role (like Certified Tech or Lead Tech), but some data suggests CVS might offer slightly higher hourly rates for technicians, though both face criticism for low starting wages in retail. CVS Health showed higher average hourly pay for technicians in one comparison ($17.65 vs $16.60 at Walgreens), while Pharmacy Technician Guide showed slightly wider ranges for both, with CVS potentially higher overall ($24k-$44k vs $23k-$42k). 

Is pharmacy tech easier than nursing?

Pharmacy technicians typically complete a certificate or diploma program, which can be completed in as little as six months. Registered nurses, on the other hand, must complete a nursing program, which can take two to four years, depending on the degree level.

Is it worth becoming a certified pharmacy tech?

Working a pharmacy technician job gives you a good opportunity to work in healthcare without having to spend thousands of dollars or multiple years in school or training programs. Pharmacy technicians are well respected, earn a decent living, get great benefits, and enjoy excellent job security.

What if I fail the NHA exam?

If you didn't pass your NHA certification exam, you might be feeling discouraged. It happens, and the best thing you can do is prepare and try again. You can reapply to sit for the exam up to three times, with at least 30 days between each test.

What is the highest paid medical assistant?

The highest-paid medical assistants work in specialized fields like cardiology, dermatology, or oncology, in hospitals or research settings, and in high-cost-of-living areas (like NYC, SF) or leadership roles, potentially earning $65,000 to over $80,000 annually, with specialized skills, certifications, and union benefits boosting pay for complex duties like assisting with EKGs, minor surgeries, or managing clinical operations. 

What is the hardest exam for nurses?

There isn't one single "toughest" nursing exam, but the NCLEX-RN (for new grads) and the Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification (for experienced nurses) are widely considered among the most challenging due to their breadth and depth, testing critical thinking, complex scenarios, and extensive knowledge beyond simple memorization, with the NCLEX being the essential gateway to licensure and the CCRN a significant step for critical care specialists.
 

Is NHA worth it?

Achieving an NHA certification shows employers they have the knowledge and skills to do the job, and certification holders often tell us that it boosts their confidence and pride knowing they are #NHAcertified.

Is NHA a real certification?

Yes, NHA (National Healthcareer Association) certifications are real, nationally recognized credentials for allied health professionals, accredited by the NCCA, and valued by many employers for proving entry-level competency in fields like medical assisting, phlebotomy, and pharmacy technician roles, though specific employer preferences for certain credentials (like CMA vs. CCMA) can vary.
 

How can I pass my NHA exam?

To study for the NHA exam, start your preparations early, ensure your study materials are up-to-date and sufficient, and focus on the major topics that the exam covers, including foundational knowledge and basic science, anatomy and physiology, clinical patient care, patient care coordination and education, ...

Which pays more, pharmacy or nursing?

RN to Pharmacist: Salary

Salary-wise, RNs make an average of $98,430 per year, while the average pharmacist's salary is higher at $137,210 per year. However, your actual wage can vary based on factors like education, years of experience, the type of healthcare settings you are employed in, and geographic location.

What disqualifies you from being a pharmacy tech?

Disqualifications for pharmacy technicians generally involve serious criminal offenses, especially drug-related, theft, fraud, or violent crimes, as well as issues with professional integrity like fraud or dishonesty, though specific rules vary by state, with factors like the crime's nature, time passed, and compliance with parole considered. Mental or physical incapacity affecting job performance, unprofessional conduct, or prior disciplinary actions can also lead to denial, suspension, or revocation of licensure.
 

Can an RN make $200,000?

Yes, a Registered Nurse (RN) can make $200,000 or more, especially through travel nursing, high-demand specialties (ICU, OR, ER), working in high-cost-of-living areas, taking extensive overtime, and pursuing advanced roles like Nurse Practitioner (NP) or leadership positions, though it's often a combination of these factors rather than a standard salary for most RNs. Factors like location, experience, and specialization are crucial, with travel nurses in high demand often reaching this income, while experienced NPs in niche areas or C-suite roles can also achieve it. 

Who gets paid more, pharmacy tech or CNA?

Pharmacy technicians generally earn slightly more than CNAs, with median salaries around $43,000-$44,000 compared to CNA averages, which can range from $38,000-$45,000 but often start lower, though earnings vary significantly by location, experience, and employer, with CNAs potentially increasing pay through overtime. Both roles offer similar entry points, but pharmacy techs often see better pay in hospital or outpatient settings, while CNAs provide direct patient care in homes or facilities, with both roles serving as stepping stones in healthcare. 

Do pharmacy techs work 12 hour shifts?

During Peak/high demand, shifts last up to 12 hours (standard full-time shifts are 8-10 hours). Work a flexible schedule - shifts will possibly start and end outside of normal business hours.

What kind of pharmacy tech makes the most money?

The highest-paying pharmacy technician jobs involve specialized roles like Pharmacy Technician Informaticist, Program Director, or working in settings like hospitals and outpatient centers, with top earners potentially exceeding $70k-$100k+ by advancing into management or specific niches like compounding, with states like Alaska and California often paying more. Roles focusing on data, training, and complex clinical environments offer better compensation than typical retail. 

Are PTCB and NHA the same?

While the exams are slightly different, they both cover similar topics. While the PTCB exam is more widely recognized than the NHA, all 50 states accept both the PTCB certification and the NHA certification as part of their licensing requirements.

Is pharmacy tech a lot of math?

There are many math concepts that are used in this career role such as addition and subtraction, fractions, determining percentages, weights, and even measurements. It is vital that you are skilled in math computation and have a strong background in math to ensure patients are receiving the correct dosage of medicine.

How to pass the PTCB on the first try?

To pass the PTCB on the first try, master pharmacy math and drug suffixes, use the official exam outline to focus on Medications, Patient Safety, Order Entry, and Federal Requirements, create a structured study plan with consistent practice tests and flashcards, and utilize reliable resources like the PTCB website and Mosby's Pharmacy Technician. Familiarize yourself with the software via tutorials and focus heavily on core knowledge areas like drug classifications, high-alert meds, and laws to build confidence.