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Wondering how to get pharmacy tech certified? We’ve got you covered. Read on for everything you need to know about getting certified as a pharmacy technician
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Introduction
The path to becoming a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) is not always a straight one. There are many different routes that individuals can take to become certified, and the process can vary depending on the state in which you reside. In some states, certification is not even required to work as a pharmacy technician. However, most employers prefer to hire candidates who have been certified, and many states now require certification for licensure. Certification also offers many benefits to the individual, including increased job security and higher wages.
The first step on the path to becoming a certified pharmacy technician is to complete a training program. There are many different types of training programs available, ranging from short-term certificate programs to full-time Associate’s Degree programs. You can find programs at community colleges, technical schools, and even some hospitals and pharmacies. Once you have completed a training program, you will then need to pass the pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCE).
The PTCE is a computer-based exam that consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as pharmacy law, math, anatomy and physiology, pharmaceutical calculations, dosage forms, customer service skills, and more. You will have two hours to complete the exam, and you must receive a score of 700 or higher to pass.
Once you have passed the PTCE, you will then need to apply for certification with the National Healthcare Association (NHA). The NHA offers two options for certification: the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential or the Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPhT) credential. To be eligible for either credential, you must have completed an accredited pharmacy technician training program and passed the PTCE.
If you choose to pursue the CPhT credential, you will also need to complete a practice exam and submit evidence of your experience working as a pharmacy technician. The practice exam is an online exam that consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as ethics, laws and regulations, compounding medications, dosages forms/routes of administration, calculations/menu planning/billing procedures/insurance claims processing/inventory management/pharmacy operations/patient records/sterile compounding/total parenteral nutrition support/vaccine administration protocols/dispensing medications/third-party reimbursement systems. You will have four hours to complete the exam, and you must receive a score of 80% or higher in order to pass.
Once you have met all of the requirements for certification, you will then need to renew your certification every two years by completing 20 hours of continuing education credits (CEUs) and paying a renewal fee. CEUs can be earned through attending conferences or seminars related to pharmacy technology or completing online courses offered by reputable organizations such as the NHA or American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
What You Need to Know About Pharmacy Tech Certification
If you’re thinking about becoming a pharmacy technician, you might be wondering what the requirements are for certification. In most states, you’ll need to pass an exam and complete a training program. Some states also require you to become licensed. In this article, we’ll cover all the requirements you’ll need to meet in order to become a pharmacy technician.
What is pharmacy tech certification?
Pharmacy technician certification is not required in every state, but many employers prefer to hire certified technicians. Certification shows that you have the knowledge and skills required to be a successful pharmacy technician.
There are two main types of pharmacy tech certification: the pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCE) and the Exam for the Certification of pharmacy technicians (ExCPT). Both exams test your knowledge of the basics of pharmacy practice, including dispensing medication, medical terminology, and pharmacology.
The PTCE is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), and the ExCPT is administered by the National Healthcare Association (NHA). To be eligible for either exam, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and you must have completed a pharmacy technician training program or have at least one year of work experience as a pharmacy technician.
Once you pass either exam, you will be certified for two years. To maintain your certification, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education during that time.
If you are interested in becoming a certified pharmacy technician, there are several things you can do to get started. First, check with your state Board of Pharmacy to see if certification is required in your state. If it is not required, you may still want to become certified to improve your employment prospects.
Next, research the different certification exams to decide which one is right for you. Once you have decided on an exam, contact the organization that administers the exam to get more information on how to register and prepare for the test.
Who is eligible for pharmacy tech certification?
Anyone who wants to pursue a career as a pharmacy technician can become certified. Certification is not required in all states, but it is strongly recommended. Most employers prefer to hire certified technicians, and some states may require certification in order to become licensed. Technicians who are certified often earn higher salaries than those who are not.
To be eligible for certification, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and must complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program. Candidates must also pass a national certification exam. Once certified, technicians must renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education credits and passing a recertification exam.
What are the benefits of pharmacy tech certification?
The benefits of pharmacy tech certification are many, and include:
– improved job security
– increased earning potential
– greater mobility within the profession
– enhanced opportunities for career advancement
While certification is not always required for pharmacy techs, most employers prefer to hire those who have been certified by a nationally recognized organization such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcare Association (NHA). Certification provides formal recognition of your skills and knowledge, and can give you a leg up in the job market.
How to Get Pharmacy Tech Certified
There are many schools that offer certification for pharmacy technicians. You can also take the certification online. The most popular certification is the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). You can become certified by passing the PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam).
Step 1: Complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program
In order to become a certified pharmacy technician, you must first complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program. Pharmacy technician programs are typically offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and some hospitals. These programs typically last one year or less and will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the tasks of a pharmacy technician. Upon completion of an accredited program, you will then be eligible to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE).
Step 2: Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
The PTCE is a computer-based exam that consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers nine content areas, including pharmacy law and ethics, pharmacy calculations, sterile and nonsterile compounding, inventory management, Medication Safety, pharmacy quality assurance, pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical calculations and more.
You will have two hours to complete the exam. A score of 600 or higher is needed to pass. The passing score may vary from state to state. Check with your state Board of Pharmacy for more information.
You can register for the PTCE through the PTCE website.
Step 3: Maintain Your Certification
now that you have completed your certification, it is important to maintain it. Depending on the state in which you are licensed, this may mean completing continuing education credits or renewing your certification every few years. Check with your state’s Board of Pharmacy for specific requirements.
Conclusion
After successfully completing a pharmacy technician program and passing the certification exam, you will be well on your way to an exciting and rewarding career in healthcare!
