How to become a certified pharmacy technician
High level of job stability
Opportunity for advancement
Personal and Professional Growth
The pharmacy technician profession is a growing and in-demand career path in the healthcare field. This website page provides comprehensive information about the education and certification requirements, job duties, salary expectations, and benefits of this profession. Becoming a pharmacy technician can offer job stability, flexible work schedules, opportunities for advancement, and personal and professional growth.
Online training and certification programs are available and can be completed at a low cost. Additionally, this website provides a list of the best online schools for pharmacy technician training and certification. Overall, becoming a pharmacy technician is a fulfilling career path that allows individuals to make a difference in people’s lives by ensuring they receive safe and effective medication therapy.
What does a pharmacy technician do?
Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in ensuring that patients receive their medication safely and efficiently. They work in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. While they work under the supervision of a pharmacist, they often have a great deal of interaction with patients and must have excellent communication skills and a strong attention to detail.
Their main function is to help the pharmacy run smoothly and efficiently by performing tasks such as:
- Receiving and processing prescriptions from patients or healthcare providers
- Counting, measuring, and packaging medication
- Labeling medication with dosage and usage instructions
- Maintaining inventory of medication and supplies
- Processing insurance claims and handling billing and payment transactions
- Providing customer service and answering patient questions
- Compounding and mixing medications as directed by a pharmacist
- Assisting with drug recalls and inventory management
- Performing administrative tasks such as record-keeping and data entry.
Job outlook and salary for pharmacy technician
- Salary High $47,580
- Salary Median $36,740
- Salary Low $25,860
The job outlook for pharmacy technicians is positive, with strong demand for skilled professionals in the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The demand for prescription medications is expected to continue to increase due to an aging population, advances in pharmaceutical research and development, and the increased use of prescription medication as a result of healthcare reform.
Pharmacy technicians are employed in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. As the population ages and healthcare continues to evolve, the demand for pharmacy technicians is likely to increase. Additionally, as pharmacy technology continues to advance, pharmacy technicians with specialized skills and knowledge may be in particularly high demand.
The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $36,740 as of May 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest 10 percent earned more than $47,580, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,740. Factors such as education, certification, experience, and geographic location can all impact a pharmacy technician’s earning potential.
Skills required for pharmacy technician
Pharmacy technicians are an indispensable part of the healthcare system, working to assist pharmacists in dispensing medications and ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. Their role is not only limited to technical knowledge of medication and pharmaceuticals but also requires them to possess a unique set of skills and competencies.
Ethics and professionalism
Pharmacy technicians work with confidential patient information and must maintain a high degree of professionalism and ethical behavior at all times.
Organizational skills
Pharmacy technicians need to be able to manage their time effectively, prioritize tasks, and keep track of multiple patient orders and prescriptions at once.
Math skills
Pharmacy technicians need to be able to perform basic math calculations and conversions to ensure accurate medication dosages.
Customer service
Pharmacy technicians interact with patients regularly and need to provide excellent customer service by being friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about medications and other products in the pharmacy.
Technical skills
Pharmacy technicians need to have a good understanding of pharmaceuticals and how they interact with the human body. They also need to be able to use computer software and equipment to manage inventory and patient records.
Interpersonal skills
Pharmacy technicians work with patients, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals, so good communication and interpersonal skills are essential. They need to be able to communicate clearly and professionally with patients and healthcare providers.
Education and online training for pharmacy technician
Certification:
Education and training requirements for pharmacy technicians vary by state and employer, but generally, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. There are several paths to becoming a pharmacy technician:
- On-the-job training: Some employers provide on-the-job training for pharmacy technicians. This may include learning how to use computer software to manage patient records, how to measure and package medications, and how to communicate with patients and healthcare providers.
- Certificate programs: Pharmacy technician certificate programs are available at vocational schools, community colleges, and some universities. These programs typically take less than a year to complete and include coursework in pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy law and ethics, pharmacology, and patient care.
- Associate’s degree programs: Some community colleges and universities offer associate’s degree programs in pharmacy technology. These programs typically take two years to complete and include coursework in general education, pharmacy technology, and patient care.
- Apprenticeships: Some states offer pharmacy technician apprenticeships, which combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apprenticeships may take up to two years to complete.
Regardless of the path chosen, pharmacy technicians are often required to complete a certain number of continuing education units (CEUs) each year to maintain their certification and stay up-to-date with industry changes and regulations. Additionally, some employers may require certification from a professional organization such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Certification is not always required for pharmacy technicians, but it can improve job prospects and increase earning potential. There are two primary organizations that offer certification for pharmacy technicians: the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Certified by the PTCB:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Full disclosure of all criminal and State Board of Pharmacy registration or licensure actions
- Passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
- Compliance with all PTCB certification policies
The PTCE is a computer-based exam that covers four content areas: medication safety, pharmacy law and regulations, medication order entry and fill process, and pharmacology for technicians. To maintain certification, pharmacy technicians must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years.
Certified by the NHA
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of a pharmacy technician training program or one year of work experience as a pharmacy technician
- Passing score on the ExCPT exam
- Compliance with all NHA certification policies
The ExCPT exam is a computer-based exam that covers three content areas: regulations and technician duties, drugs and drug therapy, and dispensing process and inventory management. To maintain certification, pharmacy technicians must complete 10 hours of continuing education every two years.
Top online schools for pharmacy technician
Considering factors to help you find a program that meets your needs and helps you achieve your career goals.
Considering factors:
Accreditation
Make sure that the school or program is accredited by a recognized agency. Accreditation ensures that the school meets certain quality standards and that your degree or certification will be recognized by employers and other institutions.
Curriculum
Look for a program that covers the skills and knowledge needed for success as an executive assistant, such as office technology, communication, project management, and leadership.
Resources and support
Check what resources and support the school or program offers to students, such as online tutoring, career counseling, and technical support.
Cost and financial aid
Consider the cost of the program and whether it fits within your budget. Look for schools that offer financial aid, scholarships, or other forms of assistance.
Reputation
Look for a program that has a strong reputation in the industry and a track record of producing successful graduates.
Top 5 online schools:
Pharmacy technician pros and cons
Pros
Job growth and stability
The demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow in the coming years, providing job stability and potential for advancement.
Variety of work settings
Pharmacy technicians can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, and long-term care facilities, allowing for flexibility and diversity in the workplace.
Opportunity to help others
Pharmacy technicians play a critical role in ensuring that patients receive the correct medications, dosages, and instructions. This provides an opportunity to make a positive impact on patients’ lives and help them manage their health.
Training and education
Becoming a pharmacy technician typically requires less education and training than other healthcare professions, making it an accessible career option for many.
Cons
Fast-paced work environment
Pharmacy technicians often work in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment, filling prescriptions quickly and accurately, and dealing with a high volume of patients.
Repetitive tasks
Pharmacy technicians may perform repetitive tasks, such as filling prescriptions and managing inventory, which can become monotonous over time.
Physical demands
Pharmacy technicians may be required to stand for long periods and lift heavy objects, which can be physically demanding and lead to potential injury.
Exposure to hazardous materials
Pharmacy technicians may be exposed to hazardous materials, such as chemotherapy drugs, which require special handling and safety precautions.
Ultimate
If you are considering a career as a pharmacy technician, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and evaluate whether this career aligns with your passions and goals. Remember that no career is without challenges, but with the right motivation and dedication, you can overcome any obstacles and find success in your chosen path.