How to Become a Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians work in a variety of settings supporting pharmacists. They can be found practicing in retail chains, independent pharmacies, hospitals, mail-order companies, home care suppliers, long term care facilities, the military and correctional facilities, They can also use their skills in education, training, management, and sales. Read on to learn how to become a pharmacy technician.

Pharmacy technicians work in a variety of settings supporting pharmacists. They can be found practicing in retail chains, independent pharmacies, hospitals, mail-order companies, home care suppliers, long term care facilities, the military and in correctional facilities, They can also use their skills in education, training, management, and sales. Read on to learn how to become a pharmacy technician.
Introduction
- The job of pharmacy technician generally has fairly simple entrance requirements. Most states do not require certification, and consequently have no formal education and training requirements. There are also no federal licensing regulations.
Step 1: Decide If It's Right for You
- A pharmacy technician assists a pharmacist. Hours are flexible, as technicians are needed to work days, evenings, weekends and holidays. As this is a job which has a lot of interaction with the public, strong customer service skills are required.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians The duties and responsibilities are determined differently by each state, but generally involve tasks which do not require the professional judgment of a pharmacist.PTCB: Pharmacy Technicians Depending on individual state law, technicians may:
1. Provide medications that have been prepared by pharmacists to patientsBureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians
2. Verify information on prescriptions with patients and doctorsBureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians
3. Count out tablets and label containersBureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians
4. Prepare insurance claim formsBureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians
5. Answer phones, stock shelves, and operate cash registersBureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians
Step 2: Education
- A high school background in English, chemistry and health may be helpful. Some hospitals, vocational and technical schools and community colleges offer formal education programs for pharmacy technicians, although formal education is usually not required by employers. Having taken coursework, however, may make a candidate more attractive to employers. Formal programs may offer a diploma, a certificate or an associates degree, depending on the nature of the sponsoring institution.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians Programs may include classroom, lab work, and internships, covering:
1. Medical and pharmaceutical terminologyBureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians
2. Pharmaceutical calculationsBureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians
3. Pharmacy record keepingBureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians
4. Pharmaceutical techniquesBureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians
5. Pharmacy law and ethicsBureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians
6. Medication names, actions, uses, and dosesBureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians
- There are also home study and online course which can prepare you to work as a pharmacy technician.ACPE: Pharmacy Technician, FAQ, Additional Questions
Step 3: Training
- Most pharmacy technicians receive on the job training. There are some aspects of the job, however, that can be learned in other industries. Related experience managing inventory or using computers may be helpful.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians On the job training generally begins with observation, then progresses to performing duties under supervision, ending with independent performance of job duties.Career Overview: Pharmacy Technician and Aide
Step 4: Certification
- Although certification is not usually required by state law, some employers prefer certified pharmacy technicians. There are two organizations-- the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians-- which administer national certification tests.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians Certification requires:
1. A high school diploma or GEDBureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians
2. No felony convictions within five years of applyingBureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians
3. No drug related felony convictions during the candidate's lifetimeBureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians
4. A passing grade on the certification examBureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians
- Both programs require recertification every two years.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians In order to be recertified, a technician must have:
1. 20 hours of continuing education, 1 hour of which must be in pharmacy lawBureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians
2. 10 of the continuing education hours can be on the job training, working under a licensed pharmacistBureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians
Conclusion
- Pharmacy technicians can enter the field quickly, receiving on the job training. Formal education and certification may make it easier to find a job, however. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expected to continue to offer good job prospects in the future.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacy Technicians Technicians can expect a median annual salary of $23,650.NPTA: About the Profession
References for How to Become a Pharmacy Technician