First off, let me elaborate on the fact that I am IN NO WAY asking anyone for money or to help me in my situation. I'm merely asking to be pointed in the right direction as well as suggestions.

I've decided recently that I am going to school in order to obtain my Pharmacy Technician certification. I'm not going to a major college or university because it is not offered, and I can go to a trade or training school and earn the certificate.

That has, however, landing me into a problem... I've been told that the schools that have my program are not qualified for FEDERAL student loans/grants. I can, however, get a private loan through a bank or through Sallie Mae. 

To make matters worse... I have horrible credit. It's a long story, but my credit has made me unable to get any loans on my own.

My question is... Are there other companies that offer loans for students? I wish to get one large enough to pay for school, a new computer, and whatever else I need to get through school smoothly. 

Or is my best bet to keep working and paying off these bills I've gotten myself into, and get my credit back up, THEN try to attend school?

I can't find a cosigner, so I'm really looking to do this on my own, if possible, or should I find a cosigner?

My plan is to Work (trying to work 2 jobs), and go to school part time. Then I can find a Pharmacy Tech job, and begin getting things together for myself.

I apologize to BORE you all with my life story lol, but I thought I'd bring my question to the community, and see what you all think. Hopefully I can figure something out so I can start school sooner rather than late.

Thanks in advance, have a good one!

I wanted to paraphrase my reply by saying that my mom is a Pharmacy Technician at a hospital. Yeah \o/

My biggest concern with technical/vocational schools is that some of them charge ridiculous fees and sometimes rival state 4-year universities.

A had a friend who attended classes for some low-voltage license, he had to pay $14,000 for the class. Where as, my tuition for the year was about the same, I took multiple classes and benefited from grants and loans when needed. 

If you have your heart set on a program, try to reach out to people that are already enrolled and conduct informational interviews.

I know my feedback hasn't helped much on the money front. Just make sure you do enough research about the program your looking to go into, before you shell out money for it.

Are you certain the 4-year university route isn't for you?

Thank you for your replies!

Caesar - That's awesome that your mom is a Pharmacy Tech. Does she enjoy it? I'm trying to work in a hospital when I get my certificate instead of retail locations. In will have to look into extra fees, etc, now that you mention it. Thanks for the heads up. I'll try to gather more info before I make a decision. I don't know what I want to do in terms of 4 year degree route. I feel as if a pharmacy tech will help me decide if I want to continue and pursue a pharmacist degree.

Squishy - What CCA are you mentioning? There's a community college in my city that may offer a program similar to what I need, and I may be able to take it and take my exam to get my certificate. I don't know for sure, however...

I appreciate the replies guys! 

US Career Institute offers a Pharm Tech certificate in 4 months. I was looking at this school for other programs and they have low tuition and payment plans.  There are also online 'college's that offer Pharm Tech certificates as well.

If you are working 2 jobs, I would definitely suggest at least some online classes.

http://www.uscareerinstitute.edu

*I wanted to preface my reply.

So, I spoke with my mom. It took her awhile to climb the salary ladder, so does alot of purchasing too. She told me that retail doesn't typically pay well and that hosptials are very competitive. 

She said it can be very repetitive.

Might be worth shadowing someone, do you know anyone who works in a pharmacy?

Thank you Outkast, I'll look into that. I'll probably end up doing online classes since I'll be working a lot as well.

Caesar - ah I see. I don't know anyone personally. Perhaps I'll try to find someone to shadow. Or do an internship when I start school? 

Again thanks for the info everyone. Sorry for my late reply, I've been working like crazy