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If you’re interested in a career in pharmacy, you may be wondering how to get a job as a pharmacy technician There are a few different routes you can take to become a pharmacy technician and in this blog post, we’ll explore a few of them. We’ll also provide some tips on how to stand out as a pharmacy technician candidate, so be sure to read on!
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Introduction
A pharmacy technician is a health care worker who performs dispensing and other technical duties under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Most states require certification, although requirements vary by state.
The duties of a pharmacy technician include, but are not limited to, the following:
-Receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate
-Ask the patient questions about their symptoms, medications, and medical history in order to determine what prescription or over-the-counter drugs are appropriate
-Select the appropriate drug from stock and calculate the correct quantity to dispense
-Prepare labels for and assemble prescribed medications for dispensing
– Instruct patients on how to take their medications correctly
– Maintain patient confidentiality at all times
Education and training requirements for pharmacy technicians vary by state. In most states, a high school diploma or equivalent is required, although some states may require completion of an accredited postsecondary training program. Pharmacy technicians also must pass a national certification examination.
What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?
Pharmacy technicians are responsible for a variety of tasks in the pharmacy, from dispensing medications to interacting with patients. They typically work under the direction of a licensed pharmacist and must be registered with the state in which they practice.
While the specific duties of a pharmacy technician may vary from state to state, there are some common tasks that are generally part of the job. These include:
-Receiving and verifying prescription orders from patients and doctors
-Communicating with insurance companies to obtain payment for prescriptions
-Preparing medications for dispensing
-Dispensing medications to patients
-Maintaining patient records
-Answering questions from patients and other healthcare providers
Pharmacy technicians typically work in retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, or clinics. They may also be employed by long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, or by pharmaceutical companies.
Education and Certification
of pharmacy technicians require at least a high school diploma although some jurisdictions require or recommend postsecondary education, and many employers prefer applicants with technical skills learned through a formal training program or prior work experience. Most accredited pharmacy technician programs are offered at community colleges and technical schools and take about 1 year to complete, although accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as 6 months are also available. Many pharmacy technician programs include both classroom and laboratory instruction in the following areas:
-Anatomy and physiology
-Medical Terminology
-chemistry
-pharmaceutical calculations
– pharmacology
In addition to completing an accredited program, most states also require pharmacy technicians to pass a national certification exam. Certification exams are administered by 2 organizations—the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT). Both PTCB and ICPT certify individuals who have met certain eligibility requirements, which generally include completing an accredited program and passing a standardized exam. Some states require certification from one of these organizations as a condition of licensure; however, many states have reciprocal agreements whereby certification from either organization satisfies the state’s requirements.
The Job Search
The job search for a pharmacy technician can be challenging. However, there are a few avenues you can explore to increase your chances of being hired. Start by looking for open positions at your local pharmacies. You can also check job postings online, in newspapers, and with employment agencies.
Some pharmacy technicians find work through on-the-job training programs. These programs are typically offered by hospitals and long-term care facilities. To be eligible for these programs, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Once you complete the program, you will be able to take the pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCE).
Once you have passed the PTCE, you will be able to work as a pharmacy technician in most states. Some states may require you to register with the state Board of Pharmacy before you can begin working. Be sure to check with your state Board of Pharmacy for specific requirements.
The Interview
Once you have your resume ready and have applied for jobs, the next step is to prepare for the interview. The interview is your chance to show the employer that you are the best candidate for the job.
Here are some tips to help you prepare:
-Read over the job description and make a list of the skills and qualities that the employer is looking for.
-Think of examples of times when you used those skills and qualities to achieve success.
-Practice answering common interview questions out loud.
-Research the company and be prepared to ask questions about the job and company during the interview.
-Dress professionally and arrive early for your interview.
During the interview, be sure to:
-Listen carefully to each question and take a moment to think about your answer before responding.
-Speak clearly and avoid using fillers such as “um” or “like.”
-Make eye contact with the interviewer and smile.
-Be honest about your experience and qualifications.
-Ask thoughtful questions about the job and company.
-Thank the interviewer for their time at the end of the interview.
The Future of Pharmacy Technician Jobs
As the healthcare industry continues to grow, so does the demand for pharmacy technicians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that pharmacy technician jobs will grow by 12% from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than average.
If you’re thinking about becoming a pharmacy technician, now is a great time to start your career. With the right training and certification, you can begin working in this growing field in as little as a few months.
There are many reasons why now is a good time to pursue a career as a pharmacy technician. In addition to the strong job growth projections, pharmacy technicians also enjoy good job security and potential for advancement. And with the rising cost of healthcare, prescription drugs are in high demand, which means there will be plenty of work for pharmacy technicians for years to come.
If you’re interested in becoming a pharmacy technician, the first step is to research the training and certification requirements in your state. Every state has different requirements, but most require at least a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of an accredited pharmacy technician training program. Once you have completed your training, you must pass a national certification exam to earn your credential.
After you have met all of the qualifications and passed the certification exam, you will be ready to start applying for jobs as a pharmacy technician. There are many job opportunities available in both retail and hospital pharmacies, so you should have no trouble finding work that suits your needs and interests. With the right training and credentials, you can begin working as a pharmacy technician and enjoy a secure future in this growing field.
