By Unitedstatess 
A career as a pharmacy technician is an excellent choice for those looking to enter the healthcare field. Pharmacy technicians play a critical role in assisting pharmacists with prescription medications, interacting with patients, and managing inventory. The role offers opportunities for growth and job security, making it a great option for those looking for a stable career path. In this blog, we’ll walk through the steps you need to take to become a licensed pharmacy technician.
1. Understand the Role of a Pharmacy Technician
Before starting on your path, it’s essential to fully understand the responsibilities of a pharmacy technician. In most settings, including hospitals and retail pharmacies, you’ll be responsible for:
- Preparing prescriptions by counting, measuring, or mixing medications
- Labeling and packaging prescriptions
- Interacting with patients to explain medication usage and side effects
- Processing insurance claims and ensuring coverage
- Managing inventory and ordering supplies as needed
Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists, ensuring that everything runs smoothly in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
2. Meet the Basic Requirements
To begin your journey as a pharmacy technician, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements:
- Age: Most states require you to be at least 18 years old.
- Education: A high school diploma or GED is required. Some states may also require the completion of a pharmacy tech program.
- Clean Background: Many states conduct criminal background checks to ensure that applicants are qualified to work in healthcare.
3. Complete a Pharmacy Technician Training Program
While not required in every state, completing a pharmacy technician training program will improve your job prospects and help you prepare for certification exams. Training programs are offered at:
- Community Colleges
- Vocational Schools
- Online Institutions
These programs typically cover important topics such as:
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy law and ethics
- Pharmaceutical calculations
- Anatomy and physiology
- Medication safety
Most programs include both classroom instruction and hands-on experience through internships. These internships are typically completed at pharmacies or hospitals, allowing students to gain practical experience.
4. Get Certified
Certification is a crucial step in the process of becoming a pharmacy technician. While some states do not require certification, most employers prefer or mandate it. There are two major certifying organizations:
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB): This is the most widely recognized certification. The PTCB administers the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), which covers knowledge of medication safety, pharmacy law, and best practices.
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA): The NHA offers the ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians), which is similar to the PTCE and covers similar topics.
Preparing for Certification Exams
Many pharmacy technician training programs are designed to help students pass these certification exams. You can also find study guides and practice tests online to ensure you’re fully prepared. Certification exams typically cover:
- Pharmacy laws and regulations
- Pharmacology
- Sterile and non-sterile compounding
- Medication safety and quality assurance
- Pharmacy calculations
Once you pass your certification exam, you’ll be a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). This certification is valid for two years, after which you’ll need to complete continuing education credits to renew your certification.
5. Apply for State Licensure
In many states, you must register with the State Board of Pharmacy and obtain a license before you can begin working. Licensing requirements vary by state but generally include:
- Proof of high school diploma or GED
- Completion of a certified pharmacy technician program
- Passing the PTCB or NHA certification exam
- Submitting to a criminal background check
- Paying an application fee
To find out the exact requirements for your state, visit the website for your state’s Board of Pharmacy.
6. On-the-Job Training
Once you’re licensed, many employers provide on-the-job training to help you adjust to the specific tasks required at their pharmacy. During this time, you’ll become familiar with the processes for preparing medications, interacting with patients, and using pharmacy software systems.
7. Pursue Continuing Education (CE)
After becoming certified and licensed, you’ll need to complete continuing education (CE) credits to maintain your certification. Most states and certification organizations require pharmacy technicians to renew their certification every two years. The PTCB requires 20 hours of CE every two years, with at least one hour focused on pharmacy law.
Continuing education can be completed through various methods, including online courses, attending workshops, or on-the-job training. Employers often provide access to CE programs as part of their ongoing staff development.
8. Consider Career Advancement
Becoming a pharmacy technician can be the first step in a rewarding healthcare career. With experience, you can move into more specialized roles, such as:
- Senior Pharmacy Technician: Oversee other technicians and ensure the smooth operation of the pharmacy.
- Pharmacy Technician Instructor: Train new pharmacy technicians in a classroom setting.
- Specialty Pharmacy Technician: Work in specialized areas like oncology or nuclear pharmacy, which may require additional certification.
You may also decide to further your education and become a licensed pharmacist, which requires completing a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program.
9. Job Outlook and Salary
Pharmacy technicians are in demand due to the growing healthcare industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029. The median annual salary for pharmacy technicians was $36,740 as of 2023, with the potential for higher earnings depending on experience, location, and workplace setting.
Conclusion
Becoming a pharmacy technician is a great option if you’re interested in healthcare but don’t want to spend many years in school. With the right education, certification, and state licensure, you can start a rewarding career in a relatively short amount of time. Not only is the job market for pharmacy technicians growing, but the career also offers opportunities for advancement and specialization. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to securing a stable and fulfilling role as a pharmacy technician.
External Resources:
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Pharmacy Technicians