Is becoming a pharmacy technician right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
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How to become a Pharmacy Technician
Starting a career as a pharmacy technician involves a mix of training, hands-on experience, and sometimes certification or licensure. Here’s a look at how to get started:
- Training Program: Enroll in a pharmacy technician program at a community college, vocational school, or accredited online institution. Look for programs recognized by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
- Gain Hands-on Experience: Many programs include internships or externships to get practical experience in a pharmacy. If your program doesn’t, consider volunteering or working part-time in a pharmacy to build your skills.
- Certification: Certification isn’t always required, but most employers prefer it. The PTCB and NHA offer nationally recognized exams for pharmacy technicians, which usually require completion of a training program or relevant work experience.
- Pass Certification Exam: Prepare for and pass the PTCB or NHA exam. The test covers pharmacy law, pharmacology basics, medication safety, and everyday pharmacy operations.
- State Licensure: Some states require pharmacy technicians to be licensed or registered. Check your state’s board of pharmacy for the exact rules and steps.
- Continuing Education: Keep your certification current by completing continuing education courses. This helps you stay up-to-date on new pharmacy practices and maintain your skills.
- Job Search: Look for positions in retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings. Networking and using online job boards can help you find the right opportunities.
- Professional Development: Once you start working, look for ways to grow in your career. This could include earning specialized certifications, furthering your education, or moving into supervisory roles.
Certifications
Certifications can help pharmacy technicians show their skills, stand out to employers, and open up more career opportunities. Here are some of the most recognized certifications in the field:
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Certification: This national certification demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills to work as a pharmacy technician. It covers pharmacy law, medication safety, and pharmacy operations, and is widely recognized by employers.
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certification: The NHA offers a Pharmacy Technician Certification (ExCPT) that validates your competence in medication preparation and pharmacy procedures. Many employers accept this as an alternative to the PTCB exam.
- State-Specific Licensure or Registration: Some states require technicians to be licensed or registered. Completing these requirements ensures you can legally work as a pharmacy technician in that state.
- Specialty Certifications: Certain certifications focus on areas like sterile compounding, chemotherapy preparation, or medication therapy management. Earning these can help technicians work in hospitals, specialized pharmacies, or advanced pharmacy roles.
- Continuing Education Certificates: Various programs provide certificates for completing courses on new pharmacy technologies, regulations, or patient care practices. These keep technicians up-to-date and maintain certification requirements.
- CPR and Safety Certifications: Certifications in first aid, CPR, or workplace safety are often recommended, especially in hospital or clinical pharmacy settings. They ensure technicians can handle emergencies and maintain a safe work environment.