Embark on a Rewarding Career in Pharmacy Technology!
Are you passionate about healthcare and keen on joining a fast-paced, dynamic field? Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare industry, providing support to pharmacists and ensuring the safe and accurate dispensing of medications. If you’re eager to make a meaningful contribution to the medical field, becoming a pharmacy technician is an excellent path to consider.
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Source skillpointe.com
Let’s Dive In:
1. Meet the Basic Requirements
First things first, ensure you fulfill the essential prerequisites:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Clean criminal record
- Ability to pass background checks
2. Enroll in a Pharmacy Technician Training Program
Seek a reputable pharmacy technician training program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). These programs typically span 9-12 months and cover core topics such as:
- Pharmacy law and ethics
- Pharmacology
- Medication dispensing and administration
- Patient care and safety
3. Complete Hands-on Training
Hands-on training is paramount for developing practical skills. Most programs include externship opportunities where you’ll work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists in various pharmacy settings.
4. Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
After completing the training program, you’re eligible to take the PTCE, the national certification exam for pharmacy technicians. This comprehensive exam tests your knowledge and skills in pharmacy practice. Tip: Start studying early and utilize practice exams to enhance your chances of success.
5. Obtain a State License (Where Required)
Depending on your state, you may need to obtain a state license. Contact your state’s board of pharmacy for specific requirements. In most cases, you’ll need to pass the PTCE and complete a certain number of hours of supervised experience.
6. Continuing Education
Pharmacy technology is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements. Most states require pharmacy technicians to complete continuing education hours to maintain their certification.
7. Advance Your Career
With experience, you can explore career advancement opportunities within the field. Some pharmacy technicians pursue roles as:
- Lead pharmacy technician
- Pharmacy buyer
- Inventory manager
- Pharmacy supervisor
Comparison Table: Pharmacy Technician Training Programs
| Program | Duration | Tuition | Location | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashworth College | 9 months | $6,500 | Online | ASHP |
| Penn Foster | 12 months | $5,500 | Online | ASHP |
| Kaplan Career Institute | 9 months | $6,000 | In-person (various locations) | ASHP |
| Pharmacy Technician Institute | 10 months | $7,000 | In-person (various locations) | ASHP |
Conclusion
Embracing a career as a pharmacy technician offers a fulfilling path with opportunities for growth and advancement. By following these seven steps, you can equip yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a certified pharmacy technician and make a positive impact in the healthcare industry.
We encourage you to explore our other articles for more insights into the field of pharmacy technology. Join the ranks of skilled and compassionate pharmacy technicians today!
FAQ about Pharmacy Tech: How to Become
1. What is a pharmacy technician?
Answer: A pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional who assists pharmacists in providing medication and other healthcare services to patients.
2. What are the educational requirements to become a pharmacy technician?
Answer: Most states require pharmacy technicians to complete an accredited training program. These programs typically take 1-2 years to complete.
3. What are the skills required to be a successful pharmacy technician?
Answer: Pharmacy technicians should have strong communication, math, and organizational skills. They should also be able to work well under pressure and interact professionally with patients and other healthcare professionals.
4. How much do pharmacy technicians earn?
Answer: The median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in the United States is $34,890.
5. What is the job outlook for pharmacy technicians?
Answer: The job outlook for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow by 5% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
6. How can I find a pharmacy technician training program?
Answer: You can find a list of accredited pharmacy technician training programs at the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) website.
7. What is the PTCB certification exam?
Answer: The PTCB certification exam is a national standardized exam that pharmacy technicians must pass in order to become certified.
8. What are the benefits of becoming PTCB certified?
Answer: PTCB certification can help pharmacy technicians advance their careers, increase their earning potential, and demonstrate their commitment to professionalism.
9. How can I prepare for the PTCB certification exam?
Answer: There are many resources available to help you prepare for the PTCB certification exam, including study guides, practice tests, and online courses.
10. What is the recertification process for PTCB certification?
Answer: PTCB certified pharmacy technicians must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their certification.
