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If you’re interested in becoming a pharmacy technician you might be wondering what kind of training and education you need. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to get started in this rewarding career.
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The Education Requirements
You will need at least a high school diploma or the equivalent to become a pharmacy technician In some cases, on-the-job training may be enough, but many employers prefer technicians who have completed a formal training program. Many community colleges, vocational schools, and private career colleges offer pharmacy technician training programs. These programs typically last one or two semesters and lead to a certificate or diploma.
High School Diploma or GED
A high school diploma or GED is required to become a pharmacy technician. Many community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools offer pharmacy technician training programs that last from several months to a year. These programs typically include both classroom and laboratory work in subjects such as medical ethics, pharmaceutical calculations, recordkeeping, pharmacy law, and pharmacology. Some states require pharmacy technicians to complete an accredited training program and pass a nationally recognized exam before they can begin working.
Completion of an accredited pharmacy technician program
While there are presently no formal education requirements to become a pharmacy technician, most employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed an accredited pharmacy technician program These programs are typically offered at community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools. During schooling, students take classes such as medical terminology, body systems, pharmaceutical calculations, dosage forms, and pharmacy law and ethics. In addition, most programs require students to complete a certain number of hours of externship experience in a retail or hospital pharmacy setting. Upon successful completion of an accredited program, students will sit for the national certification exam.
The Certification Requirements
Pharmacy technicians play an important role in pharmacies, working under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist to dispense medications and provide customer service. To become a pharmacy technician, you will need to complete a postsecondary education program and earn a professional certification. This article will provide an overview of the certification requirements for pharmacy technicians.
Certification by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
To become a certified pharmacy technician, you must pass the pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Once you have passed the PTCE, you will be awarded the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.
There are a few eligibility requirements that you must meet in order to sit for the PTCE. You must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent. You must also have completed a training program or have at least one year of relevant work experience.
Once you have met all of the eligibility requirements, you can register for the PTCE online or by mail. The exam fee is $129 and it is valid for two years from the date of purchase. The PTCE is made up of 90 multiple-choice questions and you will have two hours to complete it.
Certification by the National Healthcare Association (NHA)
The National Healthcare Association (NHA) offers the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPHT) certification. To be eligible for the CPHT exam, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete an accredited pharmacy technician program, and have at least 500 hours of work experience as a pharmacy technician.
To maintain your CPHT certification, you must complete continuing education (CE) credits every two years. The NHA provides a list of pre-approved CE activities on their website.
The Registration Requirements
In order to become a pharmacy technician, you must be registered with the Pharmacy Technician Registration Board of Ireland (PTRBI). To do this, you must complete an application form and pay the registration fee. You will also need to provide evidence of your qualifications and training.
Registration with the state Board of Pharmacy
In order to work as a pharmacy technician in the United States, you will need to be registered with the state Board of Pharmacy in the state in which you intend to work. Each state has different requirements for registration, so it is important that you check with your state Board of Pharmacy for specific requirements. In general, however, most states will require you to:
-Be at least 18 years of age
-Have a high school diploma or equivalent
-Complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program
-Pass a national certification exam
-Submit to a background check
-Pay a registration fee
The Experience Requirements
Pharmacy technicians are in high demand, and the job outlook is good. If you’re thinking of becoming a pharmacy technician, you may be wondering what the experience requirements are. The good news is that you don’t need a lot of experience to get started in this career. In most cases, a high school diploma or GED is all you need.
Completion of a pharmacy technician traineeship
To become a pharmacy technician, you must complete a pharmacy technician traineeship. This usually takes two years to complete, and you will be working under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. After completing your traineeship, you will need to pass a national exam in order to become certified.
