It’s a common question with no easy answer – after all, everyone’s educational journey is unique. However, we can give you a general idea of how long it might take to become a pharmacy technician
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Introduction
Pharmacy technicians are an important part of the healthcare team. They work closely with pharmacists to dispense medication and provide customer service. While the role of a pharmacy technician may vary from place to place, most technicians need at least a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete a formal training program. Some states also require technicians to be licensed.
The Short Answer
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of pharmacy technicians have completed a postsecondary education program of at least 1 year. Many pharmacy technicians, however, complete 2-year associate’s degree programs.
The Long Answer
How many years of college does it take to become a pharmacy technician? The long answer is that it depends on which program you choose and whether you already have some college credit.
The most common path to becoming a pharmacy technician is to attend a pharmacy technician program at a community college or technical school. Most of these programs take two years to complete, although some may be as short as one year. If you already have some college credit, you may be able to complete the program in as little as six months.
Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll need to pass the pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Once you’ve passed the exam, you’ll be a certified pharmacy technician and will be eligible to work in most pharmacies in the united states
Some states require pharmacy technicians to be licensed, but this is usually only necessary if you plan to work in a hospital pharmacy. In most states, licensure simply requires passing an examination administered by the state Board of Pharmacy.
So, how many years of college does it take to become a pharmacy technician? The short answer is two years, but if you already have some college credit or want to attend a longer program, it could take up to four years.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that it usually takes about two years of full-time study to become a pharmacy technician. However, the actual amount of time it takes can vary depending on the PROGRAM you choose and how many credits you take per semester.
