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Those interested in a career in pharmacy can learn how to become a pharmacy technician. The role of a pharmacy technician is an important one in the healthcare industry.
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Introduction
A pharmacy technician is a member of the health care team who works under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist in a variety of settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. Pharmacy technicians are responsible for many of the tasks that pharmacists do, including preparing and dispensing medications, maintaining records, and handling customer inquiries.
Becoming a pharmacy technician usually requires completing a postsecondary training program and passing a certification exam. Some states also require technicians to be licensed. pharmacy technician careers are expected to grow much faster than average in the coming years.
What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?
A pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional who works in a pharmacy, typically under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to patients and provide customer service. If you are interested in a career in healthcare, becoming a pharmacy technician is a great place to start. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about becoming a pharmacy technician.
Daily tasks
Most pharmacy technicians work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, or grocery store pharmacies. They generally work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist and perform many of the same tasks as pharmacists.
The day-to-day duties of a pharmacy technician usually include:
-Answering phones and helping customers
-Filling prescriptions
-Checking for insurance coverage
-Accepting payments
-Stocking shelves
-Cleaning the pharmacy
Education and training
In order to become a pharmacy technician, you will need to complete a training program that has been accredited by the National Healthcare Association (NHA), the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), or the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT). Once you have completed an accredited program, you will be eligible to take the national certification examination. After passing the examination, you will be credentialed as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
There are many pharmacy technician programs available online and at community colleges, technical schools, and hospitals. Some states require that pharmacy technicians complete a formal education program prior to taking the national certification examination, while other states allow candidates to take the examination without formal training. Many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed formal training programs.
The cost of formal education programs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the length of the program and whether it is offered online or in person. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
A pharmacy technician is a member of the health care team who provides support to pharmacists. They help fill prescriptions, take phone calls, and answer questions from patients. To become a pharmacy technician, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need to complete a pharmacy technician training program and pass a certification exam.
Prerequisites
There are a few prerequisites you’ll need to meet before you can begin training to become a pharmacy technician. These include being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or equivalent, and passing a background check. Some programs may also require you to take a placement test before enrolling.
Once you’ve met these requirements, you’re ready to start training! There are a few different ways to do this, but most pharmacy technicians complete a formal education program. These programs can be found at community colleges, technical schools, and even some universities. They typically last between six and twelve months, and include both classroom and laboratory instruction.
Most states also require pharmacy technicians to be licensed or registered. This usually involves completing an approved education program and passing a state-administered exam. Once you’re licensed, you’ll need to renew your registration every two years and complete continuing education credits to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.
On-the-job training
While no formal education is required to become a pharmacy technician, on-the-job training is typically provided by most employers. This training will generally last between four and twelve weeks, and will cover topics such as pharmacy ethics, recordkeeping, inventory management, prescription processing, and patient interaction. Once this training is completed, most pharmacy technicians will be expected to take and pass a national certification examination in order to earn their credential.
Certification
To work as a pharmacy technician, you will need to be certified. Certification shows that you have the required skills and knowledge to perform the duties of a pharmacy technician. There are a few different ways to become certified, but the most common way is to take an accredited certification program.
Accredited certification programs are offered by many community colleges, technical schools, and online schools. These programs typically last between 6 and 12 months and include both classroom and hands-on training. Upon completion of an accredited program, you will be eligible to take the national certification examination.
The national certification examination is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcare Association (NHA). To be eligible to take the examination, you must have graduated from an accredited program and have completed at least 600 hours of clinical experience. Once you have passed the examination, you will be awarded the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.
Conclusion
The average salary for a pharmacy technician is $32,700 per year. Technicians with more experience and better training can earn up to $45,000 per year. The top 10% of earners make more than $58,000 per year.
Most pharmacy technicians work in hospitals or retail pharmacies. Become a certified pharmacy technician (CPT) through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Once you have your certification, you will need to keep up with your continuing education credits to maintain your credential.
