Becoming a Pharmacy Technician: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you interested in becoming a pharmacy technician? It’s a great career choice for those who are passionate about helping others and working in the medical field. With a pharmacy technician certification, you have the potential to launch a rewarding career with great job security and a competitive salary.

In this blog post, we will cover all the necessary steps to become a pharmacy technician, from education to certification. Let’s get started!

Understanding a Pharmacy Technician's Role

Before we get into the specifics of pharmacy technician training, it is important to understand what a pharmacy technician does. A pharmacy technician’s primary role is to work with pharmacists to ensure that medications are dispensed correctly and safely. This includes stocking shelves, labeling medications, packaging medications, and helping customers with their questions.

In addition, pharmacy technicians are responsible for maintaining accurate records, processing insurance claims, and managing inventory. Pharmacy technicians must also adhere to all safety and confidentiality protocols set by the pharmacy.

Getting the Right Education

To become a pharmacy technician, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. However, many employers prefer candidates who have completed a formal pharmacy technician training program.

These programs vary in length and cost, but you can expect to spend anywhere from six to twelve months in school. A good program should include both classroom instruction and clinical training. During your course of study, you will learn about pharmacy law and ethics, medical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, and more.

Finding the Right Certification

Once you have completed your pharmacy technician training program, you will need to obtain a certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This certification is a requirement for many pharmacy technician jobs, and it demonstrates that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to work in a pharmacy.

To become certified, you must pass the PTCB exam. This exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. You will be tested on your knowledge of pharmacy law and ethics, medication safety, medication and inventory management, and more.

Gaining Experience

Another important step in becoming a pharmacy technician is gaining experience. Many employers prefer to hire candidates with at least one year of experience. To gain this experience, you can look for an internship in a pharmacy or volunteer at a local clinic or healthcare facility.

Finding a Job

Once you have obtained your certification and gained some experience, it is time to start looking for a job. You can search for pharmacy technician jobs online, in newspapers, or through job postings at local pharmacies. Be sure to highlight your certification and experience on your resume and during your interviews.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a pharmacy technician is a great way to start a rewarding career in the medical field. With the right education, certification, and experience, you can launch a successful career as a pharmacy technician.

We hope this blog post has given you a better understanding of the steps involved in becoming a pharmacy technician. Best of luck in your journey!