Pharmacy technicians play an important role in the healthcare industry. They work closely with pharmacists to dispense prescription medications to patients. But what do you need to become a pharmacy technician?
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Basic Requirements
For anyone looking to enter the field of pharmacy tech, there are a few basic requirements that must first be met. Most importantly, individuals must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some on-the-job training is often required, and many employers prefer to hire candidates with prior experience in the customer service or healthcare fields. Finally, individuals must become certified through a pharmacy technician certification program.
Must have a high school diploma or GED
You must have a high school diploma or GED to sit for the pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCE) administered by the pharmacy technician Certification Board (PTCB). Some states require certification; however, certification is not required in all states.
While in high school, you can take measures to prepare for a career as a pharmacy technician. Useful courses include health sciences, mathematics, English, and computer science. You can also volunteering or working in a pharmacy to get some experience.
Must have completed a pharmacy technician training program
Earning your pharmacy technician certification is the best way to start your career in this exciting and growing field. Although not all states require certification, many employers prefer or require it. In order to take the pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCE), you must have completed a pharmacy technician training program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
Must be registered and licensed with the state Board of Pharmacy
All states require pharmacy technicians to be registered and licensed with the state Board of Pharmacy. In some states, certification by a nationally recognized organization such as the National Healthcare Association or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board is also required.
Preferred Qualifications
Pharmacy technicians are responsible for a variety of tasks in the pharmacy, from stocking shelves to entering patient data into the computer. Most employers prefer candidates who have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and most states require certification. Many community colleges offer pharmacy technician programs that can help you gain the skills and knowledge you need for the job.
Prior experience working as a pharmacy technician
Prior experience working as a pharmacy technician is the preferred qualification for this position. The ideal candidate will have at least one year of experience working in a retail or hospital pharmacy. Candidates with certification from a pharmacy technician program will also be considered.
Certification from a nationally recognized organization, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
In order to work as a certified pharmacy technician, most employers require certification from a nationally recognized organization, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcare Association (NHA). Once you have completed a formal training program and have gained some experience working in a pharmacy, you can sit for the certification exam. Once you pass the exam, you will be awarded a certificate that you can use to apply for jobs.
Continuing Education
If you’re a pharmacy technician, you know that the field of pharmacy is always changing. To keep up with the latest advances, you need to make sure you’re taking continuing education courses But what do you need for pharmacy tech continuing education? Let’s take a look.
Most states require pharmacy technicians to complete continuing education credits every year to maintain their registration and license
The number of required credits and the topics covered vary by state, but most states require pharmacy technicians to complete at least 2 hours of continuing education each year. Some states require pharmacy technicians to complete a certain number of credits in specific topic areas, such as medication safety or pharmacy law.
You can usually find continuing education courses offered by local colleges, community pharmacies, and online providers. Some employers will also offer continuing education opportunities to their employees.
It is important to make sure that the continuing education provider you choose is accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE). Courses that are not accredited will not be accepted by most state boards of pharmacy.
Many employers also require their technicians to complete continuing education courses to keep up with the latest changes in pharmacy laws and regulations
While not required by all employers, many will require their technicians to complete continuing education courses to keep up with the latest changes in pharmacy laws and regulations. These courses can be found at community colleges, technical schools, and online. They range in length from a few hours to several weeks, and some may be offered for free or for a nominal fee. Many employers also offer continuing education opportunities for their employees.
