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You may be wondering how long it takes to become a pharmacy technician The answer may surprise you – it doesn’t take as long as you might think! In this blog post, we’ll explore the steps you need to take to become a pharmacy technician and how long each step takes. So if you’re interested in a career in pharmacy, read on!
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Introduction
Becoming a pharmacy technician usually takes about two years of training, although the length of time may vary depending on the requirements of the specific state or employer.
Most pharmacy technicians complete a formal training program, which can be done either on-the-job or at a vocational school. After completing the training program, pharmacy technicians may need to take a certification exam in order to become certified and registered with the state in which they plan to work.
Some states require pharmacy technicians to be licensed, and others do not. However, even in states where licensure is not required, most employers prefer to hire candidates who are certified and registered.
Once they are registered and certified (if required by the state), pharmacy technicians can begin working under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. With experience, they may advance to higher-level positions or may choose to specialize in a particular area of pharmacology.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Pharmacy Technician?
There are many pharmacy technician schools that will help you become certified in as little as six weeks. However, most employers prefer to hire candidates who have at least a year of experience. So, if you’re looking to become a pharmacy technician, you should expect to spend at least a year in training.
High School Diploma or GED
You can become a pharmacy technician with a high school diploma or GED. You will need to complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, technical schools, and online schools. Pharmacy technician programs typically take one year or less to complete.
Certificate Programs
Many community colleges and vocational schools offer certificate programs that take about one year to complete. These programs include both classroom and laboratory instruction in basic sciences such as chemistry and math, as well as introductory coursework in pharmacy operations and pharmacy law. Many also offer an externship component, which allows students to gain real-world experience in a pharmacy setting.
Associate’s Degree Programs
An Associate’s degree in pharmacy technology is the most common type of educational program and takes two years to complete. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, technical institutes, and some universities. During the first year, students take general education courses such as English, math, and science. The second year is focused on pharmacy topics such as drug classification, dispensing procedures, and medical terminology. In addition to coursework, students in these programs must also complete clinical rotations in a pharmacy setting.
Conclusion
In order to become a pharmacy technician, you will need to complete an accredited training program. These programs typically take between six and twelve months to complete, although some accelerated programs may be available. Upon completion of your training, you will be required to pass a national certification exam in order to become registered and work in most states.
