Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to become a certified pharmacy technician! If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare industry, becoming a pharmacy technician is a great starting point. In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to become certified and land a job in this rewarding field.
Education and Training
In order to become a certified pharmacy technician, you’ll need to complete a formal education and training program. Most programs can be completed in as little as six months and are offered by community colleges, vocational schools, and online institutions. These programs cover topics such as pharmaceutical calculations, drug distribution systems, and pharmacology.
Certification Exam
Once you’ve completed your education and training program, the next step is to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). This exam is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and covers topics such as medication safety, pharmacy law, and drug information. Passing this exam is required to become a certified pharmacy technician.
On-the-Job Training
In addition to passing the certification exam, most employers will also require pharmacy technicians to complete on-the-job training. During this training period, you’ll work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist to learn the day-to-day responsibilities of a pharmacy technician. This may include filling prescriptions, managing inventory, and interacting with patients.
Continuing Education
Once you’ve become a certified pharmacy technician and landed a job, it’s important to continue your education in order to stay current in the field. Many states require pharmacy technicians to complete a certain number of continuing education hours every year in order to maintain their certification. This may include courses on new medications, pharmacy law updates, or patient privacy regulations.
Congratulations on reaching the end of our ultimate guide to becoming a certified pharmacy technician! We hope this post has provided you with valuable information on the steps you need to take to pursue a career in this field. If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences, please leave a comment below. Good luck on your journey to becoming a certified pharmacy technician!