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Considering a career in pharmacy technology? Get the scoop on pharmacy tech training, including how long it takes to complete a program.
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Pharmacy Technician Schools
pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist to help dispense prescription medication to patients. They typically work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. The length of pharmacy technician training programs can vary, but most programs can be completed in about a year.
Research different pharmacy technician schools
Before you can begin a career as a pharmacy technician, you must first complete an accredited pharmacy technician program While there are many different pharmacy technician schools available, they all have one common goal: to prepare students for the challenges they will face on the job.
So, how long is pharmacy tech training? Most accredited programs can be completed in as little as six months, although some may take up to two years to finish. The length of time it takes to complete your program will depend on factors such as the type of program you choose and your prior experience in the healthcare field.
While attending one of the many pharmacy technician schools may seem like a daunting task, it is important to remember that you are ultimately investing in your future. A career as a pharmacy technician can be both personally and professionally rewarding, and the skills you learn in your accredited program will be invaluable in your new role.
Find a pharmacy technician school near you
Accredited pharmacy technician programs generally last between six months and two years. Some schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as four months. After successful completion of an accredited program, students are eligible to take the national certification exam for pharmacy technicians.
Most employers prefer to hire pharmacy technicians who have been certified by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Although certification is not required in all states, it may be necessary to obtain certain state licenses.
Find a pharmacy technician school near you and get started on a rewarding career in healthcare today!
Pharmacy Technician Training
Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist to help fill prescriptions and provide customer service in a pharmacy. Most pharmacy tech programs take about three months to complete, but some schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as six weeks.
Online pharmacy technician training
There are many online pharmacy technician training programs available, but how do you know which one is right for you? It’s important to choose a program that is accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE). The length of the program will also vary, but most programs can be completed in about two years.
Once you’ve chosen an accredited program, you will need to complete a few prerequisite courses before beginning the pharmacy technician training. These courses may include anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and medical terminology. After completing the prerequisite courses, you will move on to the core pharmacy technician courses.
The core courses in a pharmacy technician training program will cover topics such as pharmacology, pharmaceutical calculations, dispensing medications, and customer service. You will also learn about different drug classifications and how to prepare and dispense medications. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCE).
Classroom pharmacy technician training
The majority of pharmacy technician training is completed in the classroom. Programs typically last between 9 and 24 months, although some accelerated programs can be completed in as little as 6 months. During classroom training, students will learn about the different aspects of pharmacy operations, including dispensing medications, medical insurance and billing, and customer service.
Pharmacy Technician Certification
Earning your pharmacy technician certification (CPhT) is the best way to start your career in pharmacy technology. Certification demonstrates to employers that you are competent and knowledgeable in the field, and it can help you advance in your career. The process of becoming certified can seem daunting, but we will break it down for you.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
The PTCB, founded in 1995, is a voluntary certification body for pharmacy technicians in the United States. To become certified, one must complete an accredited training program and pass the PTCB national exam. Certification must be renewed every two years by completing 20 hours of continuing education and paying a renewal fee.
While some states do regulate pharmacy technicians, certification is not currently required in most states to work as a pharmacy technician. However, many employers prefer to hire candidates who are certified, and some pharmacies will only hire technicians who are certified. In addition, some states may require certification for certain job roles or responsibilities (e.g., sterile compounding). For more information on state specific requirements, please visit the PTCB website.
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offers the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. To qualify for the certification examination, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program, and have no more than two years of work experience as a pharmacy technician. Candidates must also pass a criminal background check and adhere to the NHA’s Code of Ethics for Pharmacy Technicians.
How Long is Pharmacy Tech Training?
Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists dispense medication and provide customer service. Most pharmacy technicians complete a short-term, on-the-job training program that lasts about a month. Some community colleges and technical schools offer certificate or diploma programs that can last up to a year.
The length of pharmacy technician training can vary depending on the type of training you receive
There are many different ways to become a pharmacy technician, and the length of training can vary depending on the type of training you receive. If you attend a traditional classroom program at a community college or vocational school, you can expect to complete your training in about one year. There are also many online pharmacy technician programs that can be completed in as little as six months.
If you choose to receive on-the-job training from a pharmacy, the length of your training will depend on the specific requirements of the employer. Some pharmacies require technicians to complete a formal training program lasting several weeks or months, while others may allow you to begin working without any formal training. In most cases, on-the-job training will last for at least one year.
