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How to become a pharmacy technician?

By HotBotUpdated: July 8, 2024

Answer

Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare industry, working under the supervision of licensed pharmacists to prepare and dispense medications. If you're considering this rewarding career, there are several steps you'll need to take to become a qualified pharmacy technician. This guide covers everything from educational requirements to certification processes and job outlooks.

Understanding the Role of a Pharmacy Technician

Before diving into the steps to become a pharmacy technician, it's essential to understand what the job entails. Pharmacy technicians are responsible for:

Assisting pharmacists in dispensing prescription medications to patients
Packaging and labeling prescriptions
Managing inventory and ordering supplies
Processing insurance claims
Providing customer service

Technicians work in various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and mail-order pharmacies.

Start

Educational Requirements

High School Diploma or GED

The first step to becoming a pharmacy technician is obtaining a high school diploma or GED. Courses in mathematics, biology, chemistry, and health can be particularly beneficial.

Post-Secondary Education

While not always required, completing a pharmacy technician program can significantly enhance your qualifications. These programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and online institutions. They typically take 6 months to 2 years to complete and cover subjects such as:

Pharmacology
Pharmacy law and ethics
Medication dosage and calculations
Prescription processing
Medical terminology

Certification and Licensing

National Certification

Most employers prefer or require pharmacy technicians to be certified. The two primary certifying bodies are:

You can become certified by passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). To be eligible for these exams, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and have completed a pharmacy technician training program or have equivalent work experience.

State Licensing

Licensing requirements vary by state. Some states require pharmacy technicians to be licensed, registered, or certified. Check with your state's Board of Pharmacy for specific requirements.

Gaining Experience

After completing your education and obtaining certification, gaining practical experience is crucial. Many pharmacy technician programs include externships or on-the-job training. Additionally, entry-level positions in retail pharmacies or hospitals can provide valuable hands-on experience.

Skills and Qualities

Successful pharmacy technicians possess a combination of technical skills and personal qualities. These include:

Attention to detail
Strong communication skills
Proficiency in mathematics
Organizational skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Empathy and customer service orientation

Continuing Education and Advancement

Continuing Education

Pharmacy technicians must complete continuing education (CE) to maintain their certification. The PTCB requires 20 hours of CE every two years, including one hour of pharmacy law. CE can be obtained through various methods, including online courses, workshops, and seminars.

Advancement Opportunities

With experience and additional education, pharmacy technicians can advance to roles such as:

Lead pharmacy technician
Pharmacy technician supervisor
Specialized pharmacy technician (e.g., chemotherapy technician)
Pharmacy technician educator

Some pharmacy technicians choose to further their careers by becoming licensed pharmacists, which requires additional education and training.

Job Outlook and Salary

The demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow, driven by an aging population and increased access to healthcare services. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029.

Salaries for pharmacy technicians vary based on factors such as location, experience, and workplace setting. As of May 2020, the median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $35,100.

Finding a Job

Once you've completed your education, obtained certification, and gained experience, you're ready to start your job search. Here are some tips for finding a pharmacy technician position:

Network: Connect with professionals in the field through internships, externships, and professional associations.
Online Job Boards: Utilize job search websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn.
Local Pharmacies: Visit local pharmacies and inquire about job openings.
Career Services: Take advantage of career services offered by your educational institution.

Unique Pathways and Specializations

While the most common pathway to becoming a pharmacy technician involves traditional education and certification, there are unique pathways and specializations available. For example, some pharmacy technicians specialize in areas such as:

Compounding: Preparing customized medications for patients
IV Pharmacy: Working with intravenous medications in hospital settings
Nuclear Pharmacy: Handling radioactive medications for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes
Telepharmacy: Assisting with remote pharmacy services

Exploring these specializations can open up additional career opportunities and areas of interest within the field.

The journey to becoming a pharmacy technician involves a combination of education, certification, and hands-on experience. By understanding the role, meeting the necessary requirements, and continually advancing your skills, you can build a fulfilling career in this essential healthcare profession. The path you choose and the specializations you explore will shape your unique journey in the world of pharmacy.