Become A Certified Pharmacy Technician

How To Become A Certified Pharmacy Technician

The world of pharmaceuticals has always been lucrative, but now especially we can see an increase in the amount of seniors in the population and the medical and health world is booming. Licensed pharmacists have too many tasks to handle, so they turn to pharmacy technicians to assist them with everyday, routine responsibilities. So what does one do to become a certified pharmacy technician?

What does a Pharmacy Technician do?

A pharmacy technician is responsible for helping label bottles, count pills, verify prescriptions, helping customers with any health questions, keeping their records up to date and keeping the inventory stocked. There are also a variety of administrative duties to handle, so it is a very busy, but rewarding position.

What are the Pharmacy Technician Requirements?

If you like a challenge, you are good working with people, have patience and can easily multi-task, you should look into what it takes to become a certified pharmacy technician. It may be exactly the right career opportunity for you.

Pharmacies are now popping up everywhere, even in grocery stores and major department stores, so the amount of positions available for pharmacy technicians is on the rise. If this is a career you are considering, and you are still in school, there are steps you can take to prepare for your future studies. Make sure to take high school classes in math and health and if you have the option of taking medical terminology, do so.

What options do you have for Pharmacy Technician Training?

Once you complete high school, you must enroll in a pharmacy technician program, and you have many different options. Normally a 1-year certificate program at a community college or technical school should suffice, and you can also find many accredited online programs where you can pursue your training as well.

Your pharmacy tech program will help you master skills in medical terminology, anatomy, pharmacology, mixing medications, chemistry and business skills to help you work with people and understand pharmaceutical law and ethics. You will also get additional training as an intern or extern so you have hands-on experience.

When your course is over, you can either apply immediately to become a pharmacy tech or you can get entry level work as a pharmacy assistant to build up some experience and gain additional knowledge of your work environment. A pharmacy assistant's job is mostly clerical and stocking shelves, so it will give you time to prepare for your exam.

Should you consider Pharmacy Technician Certification?

To be a certified pharmacy technician, you will then need to prepare to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. It is not mandatory but it is a credential that will be impressive to employers as it proves your competency. If you achieve certification, you will need to take an additional 20 hours of continuing education classes every 2 years, which can be done online in a variety of subjects. This is for you to keep your certification current by renewing it every 2 years as required.

To become a certified pharmacy technician may only take you about a year, and the time you invest will reward you with a long, fulfilling career.

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