Are you interested in a career in the medical field but don’t want to spend years in school? Becoming a certified pharmacy technician could be the perfect fit for you! Pharmacy technicians are essential members of the healthcare team, working under the supervision of pharmacists to dispense medications and provide patient care.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting certified as a pharmacy technician, including the steps involved, the different types of certification available, and what you can expect from the career.
The first step to becoming a certified pharmacy technician is to meet the education requirements. Most states require pharmacy technicians to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some states may also require pharmacy technicians to complete a formal training program.
There are a variety of pharmacy technician training programs available, both online and in-person. These programs typically cover topics such as pharmacy law, pharmacology, and medication administration.
2. Pass a Certification Exam
Once you have met the education requirements, you will need to pass a certification exam. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) offers the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) exam. The CPhT exam is a national certification exam that is accepted in all 50 states.
To be eligible to take the CPhT exam, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and have completed a PTCB-approved pharmacy technician training program.
The CPhT exam is a computer-based exam that consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers a variety of topics, including pharmacy law, pharmacology, and medication administration.
3. Get Experience
Once you have passed the certification exam, you will need to get some experience working as a pharmacy technician. Most states require pharmacy technicians to have at least 500 hours of experience before they can be licensed.
You can gain experience by working in a pharmacy, hospital, or other healthcare setting. During your experience, you will learn how to dispense medications, provide patient care, and follow pharmacy law.
4. Apply for Licensure
Once you have met the education, certification, and experience requirements, you can apply for licensure. The process for applying for licensure varies from state to state. In most states, you will need to submit an application to the state board of pharmacy.
The state board of pharmacy will review your application and determine if you are eligible for licensure. If you are approved, you will be issued a license to practice as a pharmacy technician.
5. Maintain Your Certification
Once you have been licensed as a pharmacy technician, you will need to maintain your certification. The PTCB requires certified pharmacy technicians to complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years.
Continuing education can be obtained through a variety of methods, including online courses, webinars, and conferences.
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Source infolearners.com
Conclusion
Becoming a certified pharmacy technician is a great way to start a career in the medical field. Pharmacy technicians are in high demand, and the job outlook is expected to grow in the coming years. If you are interested in learning how to get certified as a pharmacy technician, I encourage you to check out the resources available on the PTCB website.
Author’s Note:
I hope you enjoyed this blog post about how to get certified as a pharmacy technician. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Q: What are the requirements to become a certified pharmacy technician?
A: Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent, a passing score on a certification exam, and a period of hands-on training.
Q: What is the most popular pharmacy technician certification?
A: The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification is the most widely recognized and accepted pharmacy technician certification in the United States.
Q: How long does it take to become a certified pharmacy technician?
A: The time it takes to become a certified pharmacy technician varies depending on your pace of study and the program you choose. It can take anywhere from a few months to two years.
Q: How much does it cost to get certified as a pharmacy technician?
A: The cost of pharmacy technician certification varies depending on the program you choose and the certification exam fee. The PTCB certification exam fee is $129.
Q: What are the benefits of getting certified as a pharmacy technician?
A: Certification can increase your job opportunities, earning potential, and professional credibility.
Q: How do I prepare for the pharmacy technician certification exam?
A: Study the PTCB exam blueprint, take practice exams, and consider enrolling in a certification preparation course.
Q: What is the passing score for the pharmacy technician certification exam?
A: The passing score for the PTCB certification exam is 700.
Q: How often does the pharmacy technician certification need to be renewed?
A: PTCB certification is valid for two years and must be renewed every two years to maintain active status.
Q: Can I work as a pharmacy technician without certification?
A: In most states, you can work as a pharmacy technician without certification but may have limited job opportunities and earning potential.
Q: Where can I find a pharmacy technician training program?
A: There are many pharmacy technician training programs available, including community colleges, vocational schools, and online programs.
Anna Avalos is SoFi’s Chief People Officer, responsible for the company’s total talent strategy. Her career spans large, global organizations with fast-paced growth environments, and she has a breadth of experience building teams and business. Prior to SoFi, Anna led HR for Tesla’s EMEA region. She previously spent 14 years at Stryker, where she began her career in product operations and business unit leadership before she transitioned into several HR functions.
Anna holds a BA in Communications and an MBA from the University of Arizona
