It would be nearly impossible for the task of dispensing prescriptions to flow smoothly were it not for the efforts of pharmacy technicians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that demand for pharmacy technicians will increase by 20% by the year 2022, which is faster than average for all occupations. The right training program is needed to become a pharmacy tech. Here is a look at some of the pharmacy technician education requirements that will help you land a job in this ever-growing career field.
On-the-Job Training
Many people enter this profession after completing an on-the-job training program. An approved program will be conducted under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist, and will include at least 600 hours of instruction over a period of 15 weeks or longer. An on-the-job training program should be accredited by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists in order to be recognized. You may be eligible for certification only if you have completed an on-the-job training program that is accredited by this agency.
Career Certificate
Most people become pharmacy technicians after earning an Associate’s degree in pharmacy technology. However, there are also a number of schools that offer career certificates for pharmacy technicians. While earning a career certificate, you will take courses such as:
- Pharmaceutical dispensing
- Pharmacy operations
- Veterinarians as prescribers
- Poison and drug emergencies
- Adverse reactions and drug interactions
Associate’s Degree Program
You will take many of the same classes while earning an Associate’s degree, but may also be required to take additional courses such as:
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Calculus
- Medical law and ethics
In order to be accepted to an Associate’s degree program, you will normally need to achieve a very high score on the math and science portions of your college entrance exam.
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Certification
Certification is not required in all states. In fact, the certification requirements for pharmacy technicians vary a great deal from one location to the next. Some states only require pharmacy technicians to register with the state medical board, while others require them to undergo certain education or training requirements first. Even though it is not mandatory in all areas, many pharmacy technicians nonetheless elect to become certified. Some employers may actual require it, especially “big box” pharmacy stores that operate in multiple states.
There are two ways to become certified. The first and most common way is to pass the exam that is offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. To sit for this exam, you must be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate. A background check will also be required. If you have a criminal record or have previously been disciplined as a pharmacy technician, you will be ineligible.
The National Healthcareer Association also offers certification for pharmacy techs. To be eligible for this exam, you must graduate from an approved training program (college or on-the-job), be at least 18 years of age, and have a high school diploma or equivalent. This certification will be good for up to two years, after which time you must recertify by completing at least 20 hours of continuing education.
Continuing Education
You must typically complete continuing education credits, regardless of whether or not you are certified. Most employers require this because new drugs are constantly being developed, and you must stay abreast of changes in medications in order to become proficient at your job. You may complete continuing education through webinars, in-person seminars, or via online training.
After completing pharmacy technician training, you’ll be eligible to work in a pharmacy, hospital, veterinary clinic or research laboratory. Get started on your new career today- contact us for help in locating a training program near you.
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