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A pharmacy technician is a vital part of the healthcare industry. They work closely with pharmacists to dispense medication and provide customer service. If you’re interested in becoming a pharmacy technician read this blog post to learn how.
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Overview
A pharmacy technician is a professional who is responsible for various tasks in a pharmacy, such as customer service, preparing and dispensing medication, and maintaining inventory. Becoming a pharmacy technician requires completing a pharmacy technician training program and passing a certification exam. In this article, we’ll give you an overview of what you need to do to become a pharmacy technician.
What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?
A pharmacy technician is a person who works in a pharmacy and is responsible for assisting the pharmacist with various tasks. These tasks can include preparing and dispensing medications, answering patients’ questions, and providing customer service. In order to become a pharmacy technician, one must complete an accredited pharmacy technician program and pass a national certification exam.
The job outlook for Pharmacy Technicians
The job outlook for pharmacy technicians is quite positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the occupation is expected to grow by 31% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth will be driven by the aging baby boomer population, who will require more medications as they age, as well as an increasing emphasis on preventive care.
There are a number of ways to become a pharmacy technician. Many community colleges offer certificate or diploma programs that can be completed in one year or less. Alternatively, there are a number of online programs that offer flexibility for students who may have work or family commitments. Whichever route you choose, it is important to make sure that the program you select is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
The Steps to Becoming a Pharmacy Technician
A pharmacy technician is responsible for providing customer service and performing various technical and clerical tasks in a pharmacy setting. Most pharmacy technicians work in hospitals, but some may also work in retail pharmacies or other healthcare facilities.
To become a pharmacy technician, you will need to complete a certified training program and pass a national certification exam. Some states also require certification from a state-recognized organization. Once you are certified, you will need to keep up with your continuing education requirements to maintain your certification.
Here are the steps you will need to take to become a pharmacy technician:
1. Research accredited training programs. Pharmacy technician programs are offered at community colleges, technical schools, and online universities. When choosing a program, make sure it is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or another recognized accrediting body.
2. Complete an accredited training program. Pharmacy technician programs typically take one to two years to complete and include both classroom and laboratory instruction. During your training, you will learn about anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, pharmaceutical calculations, dispensing prescriptions, medication orders, customer service, record keeping, and more.
3. Pass the national certification exam. Once you have completed your training program, you will need to pass the pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). To be eligible for the exam, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and must have completed an accredited pharmacy technician training program.
4. Become registered or licensed in your state (optional). While not required in all states, some states require pharmacy technicians to be registered or licensed as well as certified by a national organization such as the PTCB. In these states, additional requirements such as passing a state-specific exam or completing an approved apprenticeship may be necessary in order to become registered or licensed as a pharmacy technician.. requirements vary by state so it’s important that you research the specific requirements for your state before beginning your training program
Education and Training
In order to become a pharmacy technician, you need to complete a pharmacy technician training program and pass a national certification exam.
The Prerequisites for Becoming a Pharmacy Technician
In order to become a pharmacy technician, there are a few prerequisites that must be met. First, individuals must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Next, they must complete an accredited pharmacy technician program. Finally, they must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
The Education and Training Required to Become a Pharmacy Technician
In order to become a pharmacy technician, you will need to complete a training program that has been accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). There are many options for pharmacy technician training programs, including online and in-person programs. The length of the program will vary depending on the type of program you choose, but most programs can be completed in less than two years.
Once you have completed a pharmacy technician training program, you will need to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) in order to become nationally certified. After passing the PTCE, you will need to keep your certification up to date by completing continuing education requirements every two years.
Certification and Licensing for Pharmacy Technicians
To work as a pharmacy technician, you will need to have at least a high school diploma, although some employers may prefer you to have completed a formal training program. Pharmacy technician programs are available at both the high school and postsecondary levels, and they can last anywhere from several months to two years. In addition, most states require pharmacy technicians to be licensed or registered, and some states may require you to take a certification exam.
The Job of a Pharmacy Technician
A pharmacy technician assists a licensed pharmacist in various ways. Duties include but are not limited to counting pills, measuring medication, and labeling bottles. They also might take inventory, answer customer questions, and process prescriptions. Most pharmacy technicians work in retail pharmacies, but they can also be found in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other settings.
The Responsibilities of a Pharmacy Technician
A pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional who works in a pharmacy, typically under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health care providers.
They may also be responsible for:
-Receiving and processing prescriptions
-Preparing and giving injections
-Maintaining medication inventories
-Assisting with customer inquiries
-Completing administrative tasks
The Work Schedule of a Pharmacy Technician
Most pharmacy technicians work full time, but some may work part time. They usually work in retail pharmacies and drugstores, but also may work in hospitals, nursing homes, the military, mail-order pharmacies, and grocery stores. Some pharmacy technicians travel to patients’ homes or long-term care facilities to give them their medications.
Pharmacy technicians typically work behind the counter at a pharmacy. They hand medications to pharmacists, who dispense the prescriptions to patients or other health care providers.
The Salary of a Pharmacy Technician
The average salary for a pharmacy technician in the United States is $32,700 per year. salaries can range from $28,000 to $37,000 per year. The salary will vary depending on experience, location, and employer.
The Future of Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy technicians are an important part of the healthcare team. They help pharmacists dispense medication and provide customer service. In some states, pharmacy technicians can even administer immunizations. With the aging population and the increasing use of prescription medication, the demand for qualified pharmacy technicians is expected to grow.
The Job Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians
The job outlook for pharmacy technicians is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for pharmacy technicians will grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.1
With an aging population and an increased focus on preventive care, there will be a greater need for prescription medications. As a result, pharmacists will need more support from pharmacy technicians to dispense medications and provide customer service.
There are many opportunities for pharmacy technicians in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, retail pharmacies, and long-term care facilities. If you’re interested in becoming a pharmacy technician, here are some things to keep in mind:
-You’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent.
-You’ll need to complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program.
-You may need to pass a certification exam.
-You’ll need to have strong customer service and communication skills.
The Career Progression for Pharmacy Technicians
Most pharmacy technicians start their careers working in retail pharmacies. With experience, pharmacy technicians may move into other settings, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, the military, or companies that manufacture or distribute pharmaceuticals. Some pharmacy technicians may eventually become pharmacists.
In order to become a pharmacy technician, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need to complete a formal training program and pass a national certification exam.
