How do I prepare for a degree to become a pharmacy technician?
While programs and degrees vary, here are suggested steps to become a pharmacy technician:
- Research Pharmacy Technician Certification programs. There are a number of avenues to become a certified pharmacy technician. One path is to complete an accredited pharmacy technician program. Depending on the program you choose, plan on spending 4-12 months to complete it. There are over 1,400 different programs across the United States, which include traditional and online learning options. The second path is to begin working in a pharmacy and learn from the pharmacy professionals around you. Once you have a minimum of 500 hours of experience, you are eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). This exam is offered to anyone who has completed a certification program or has the minimum hours of experience. Typically, it takes about 2 hours to finish the test.
- Complete any necessary prerequisites. Many schools want you to be successful so before you begin your program you may need to take basic math, English, and a medical terminology course.
- Show proof your immunizations are current. Being immunized is often a requirement for employment as a pharmacy technician.
- Apply to the college of your choice. Admission into college is not needed to become certified; however, working towards a bachelor’s will give you credibility and help you stand out among your peers. This is especially important if you hope to advance your career and become a pharmacist. There are many degrees that can get your started in the right direction such as: public health, health and wellness, math, or any number of science degrees.
After being admitted to a program, be aware you will probably need to pass a background check as well as a drug test.
What pharmacy technician certificates and degrees are available?
The path to a pharmacy technician certificate is very attainable-most programs take about a year to complete. In addition, many online programs are available! Coursework is a good mix of pharmacy-related math, science, and application classes. There are 2 pharmacy technician certifications. They are:
Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT): This is the most common certification and is designed to allow you to work side-by-side with pharmacists as a member of a healthcare team.
Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT): This is a valuable advanced certification that recognizes you can compound medications in the proper manner as a pharmacy technician.
Where will a pharmacy technician degree take me?
Under the supervision of a pharmacist, you will review medications before given them to patients and may even compound medications. In addition, you call physicians to authorize prescription refills. Other tasks include answering phone calls from customers, accepting payment for medications, and processing claims.
Furthermore, you have opportunities to work in hospitals or other medical facilities prepare an array of medications, including intravenous medications. In addition, you may make rounds in the hospital to give out patient medications.
You’ll play a vital role in dispensing medication properly so being efficient at math and paying attention to details is critical. Your ability to listen to and communicate both with customers, doctors, and pharmacists is essential. Being a pharmacy technician is a rewarding career as you provide compassionate care for those you serve. It can also give you invaluable experience as you develop your talents and go on to become a pharmacist.