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In order to become a pharmacy technician you will need to follow these five steps. With the right education and training, you can start your new career in no time!
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Introduction
If you’re interested in a career in healthcare but don’t have the time or money to commit to becoming a nurse or doctor, becoming a pharmacy technician might be the perfect solution. Pharmacy techs work closely with pharmacists to dispense medication and provide customer service in healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics, and retail pharmacies.
The job outlook for pharmacy technicians is strong—the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12% growth in jobs from 2018 to 2028—and with on-the-job training and relatively short certification programs available, becoming a pharmacy technician is a great way to enter the healthcare field.
Here are five steps you can take to become a pharmacy technician:
1. Research your state’s certification requirements.
2. Complete a postsecondary education program.
3. Pass the pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCE).
4. Get registered with your state’s Board of Pharmacy.
5. Find a pharmacy technician job and start your career!
What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?
A pharmacy technician is a health care worker who helps licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medication to patients. They work in both retail and hospital settings. Duties of a pharmacy technician include measuring and mixing prescribed drugs, preparing IV solutions, counting pills, maintaining patient records, and answering questions from patients and their families.
While most states do not require certification to work as a pharmacy technician, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a formal training program and passed a national certification exam. pharmacy technicians can complete a one-year certificate or diploma program at a community college or technical school. Some states also offer apprenticeship programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Becoming a pharmacy technician is a great way to get started in the medical field. Pharmacy technicians work closely with pharmacists to help dispense medications to patients. If you are interested in becoming a pharmacy technician, here are the steps you need to take.
Step One: Research Pharmacy Technician Programs
You can become a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) by completing a pharmacy technician training program and passing a credentialing exam. Most states regulate pharmacy technicians, and many states require certification.
Prospective students should research pharmacy technician programs to find one that suits their needs. Accredited programs are available at community colleges, technical schools, and hospitals. Some programs can be completed in as little as four months, although most take about a year to complete. Programs typically include classroom instruction and hands-on experience in a pharmacy setting.
When researching programs, prospective students should consider the following factors:
-Cost
-Location
-Duration of the program
-Curriculum
-Accreditation
Step Two: Complete a Pharmacy Technician Program
Before you can begin working as a pharmacy technician, you must complete a pharmacy technician program that has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). There are both diploma and certificate programs available, although the majority of employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a certificate program.
The length of time it takes to complete a pharmacy technician program varies, but most programs can be completed in one year or less. During your training, you will take courses in medical ethics, pharmacy law, mathematics, pharmacology, and other subjects related to the field of pharmacy. You will also complete a supervised internship in a community or hospital pharmacy setting.
Step Three: Become Certified
The Institute for Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT) offers a national certification exam for pharmacy technicians. Becoming certified shows employers and patients that you have the knowledge and skills needed to perform your job well.
To be eligible to take the ICPT certification exam, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and you must have completed a training program or have at least one year of experience working as a pharmacy technician. Once you meet these requirements, you can register for the exam.
The ICPT certification exam is a two-part, multiple-choice exam that covers both general pharmacy knowledge and specific knowledge related to the duties of a pharmacy technician. Part one of the exam is taken online, and part two is taken in person at an ICPT-approved testing center. You will have three hours to complete the entire exam.
Once you pass the ICPT certification exam, you will need to renew your certification every two years by completing continuing education courses and paying a renewal fee. Renewing your certification shows employers and patients that you are keeping up with new developments in the field of pharmacy technology.
Step Four: Find a Job
The fourth step to become a pharmacy technician is to find a job. Although some pharmacy technician positions do not require certification, most employers prefer or require certification from applicants. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and is widely recognized by employers as the standard for certification. Certified pharmacy technicians generally have an advantage in the job market, and some employers may even require certification. Once you have passed the PTCE, you can apply for jobs at pharmacies, hospitals, grocery stores, and other healthcare facilities.
Step Five: Maintain Certification
Maintaining National Certification
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offers the registered pharmacy technician (CPhT) credential. To maintain this credential, you’ll need to recertify every two years. The process involves completing continuing education (CE) credits and passing a proctored exam. Depending on the state in which you work, you might need to complete additional CE credits to maintain your stateRegistration/license.
In Conclusion
Although a career as a pharmacy technician may seem daunting, it is certainly achievable with the right mix of education and experience. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can set yourself up for success in this exciting and growing field.
