How To Become A Pharmacy Technician

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How Long Does It Take, What Degree Do You Need, and More

Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacy Technicians prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.

Salary
$36450
Becoming One
Medium
Education
No degree required
Job Satisfaction
Low
Job Growth

Personality



Table of contents
  1. Summary
  2. Steps to become one
  3. Popular degree levels
  4. How long does it take

Summary

Degree Pharmacy Technician certificate program
Duration to become one 1 to 2 years
Difficulty to become one Medium

Pharmacy Technicians need at least a high school diploma but may find more job opportunities after obtaining a postsecondary degree. Students studying for Associate’s Degrees or Bachelor’s Degrees tend to choose Pharmacology or Pharmacy Technician programs.

Most states require Pharmacy Technicians to meet certain requirements and possibly obtain a certificate through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).


Pharmacy Technicians Requirements

Step 1: Study Science and Math

Aspiring Pharmacy Technicians should excel in Math and Science. Gaining a solid understanding of Biology, Chemistry, and Math can prepare students for the courses they will take after high school.

Pharmacy Technicians need knowledge of Biology and Chemistry to understand how pharmaceuticals work. Math is necessary for dealing with billing and filling orders.

Students may also want to take a computer class. A basic understanding of computers is beneficial because Pharmacy Technicians frequently use computer software to manage customer records and perform clerical work.

Step 2: Complete a Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program

Most Pharmacy Technicians complete a certificate program to gain the skills and training needed for this career. Pharmacy Technician certificate programs tend to last about one year. Toward the end of the program, students participate in an externship.

The program should be recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Completing a recognized program is a requirement for earning the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. The PTCB recognizes over 1,400 one-year and two-year programs around the country.

Pharmacy Technician certificate programs are typically offered through vocational schools and technical colleges. Some schools offer online training and online/in-person hybrid training to accommodate working students.

Certification programs often offer the shortest path to becoming a Pharmacy Tech. However, the courses are not transferable toward a college degree if a Pharmacy Tech chooses to go back to school.

Step 3: Earn a Pharmacy Technician Associate’s Degree

An Associate’s Degree in Applied Science: Pharmacy Tech is another educational path for aspiring Pharmacy Technicians. Two-year programs are often offered through community colleges.

Attending a community college is typically less expensive compared to attending a vocational school. Students may also qualify for financial aid, which can reduce the upfront cost.

A two-year Associate’s Degree may help candidates stand out compared to individuals with certificates. Students receive additional training through courses in pharmacology, pharmacy procedures, medical terminology, pharmacy laws, and pharmacy management.

Along with preparing students for careers as Pharmacy Technicians, this Associate’s Degree qualifies students for jobs as Pharmacy Billing Specialists and Pharmacy Records Managers. Students may also be able to transfer credits from an Associate’s Degree program toward a Bachelor’s Degree.

Step 4: Complete an Externship

Pharmacy Technician certificate programs and Associate’s Degree programs arrange externships for students. Externships often involve shadowing experienced Pharmacy Technicians in a workplace setting to gain hands-on experience.

Externships usually start toward the end of the Pharmacy Technician program. Unlike internships, externships are almost always unpaid experiences. Most Pharmacy Technician externships last 6 to 12 weeks and provide connections that may lead to employment after finishing the program.

Step 5: Consider Earning a Bachelor’s Degree

A Bachelor’s Degree is not a requirement for becoming a Pharmacy Technician but provides the chance for candidates to distinguish themselves from the competition. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree may lead to additional career opportunities. It is also a necessary next step for Pharmacy Technicians who plan on becoming Pharmacists. However, Pharmacists must also obtain a Doctorate in Pharmacy (PharmD).

Colleges and universities do not offer four-year Pharmacy Tech degrees. Relevant majors include Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Step 6: Earn the Certified Pharmacy Technician Credential

After finishing training or a college program, aspiring Pharmacy Technicians typically obtain the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential from the PTCB. The CPhT credential is not required by all employers, but it can lead to more employment opportunities and higher potential salaries. The CPhT credential is also mandatory for Pharmacy Technicians in 16 states.

The certification process is relatively simple. Applicants need to complete a PTCB-recognized or ACPE-accredited program or complete 500 hours of work as a Pharmacy Technician. Certification also requires applicants to pass an exam.

The CPhT exam includes 90 multiple-choice questions. Eighty of the questions are scored while 10 remain unscored. The exam covers a variety of topics, including pharmacology, medication safety, billing, information systems application, pharmacy quality assurance, and more.

The PTCB provides applicants with a practice test, which makes it easier to prepare for the actual exam. A tutorial and an outline of the exam are also available on PTCB’s website. Candidates who pass the exam may download and print their certificate.

Step 7: Apply for a Pharmacy Technician Job

Start applying for jobs after becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician. Pharmacy Technicians work in a variety of environments, including hospitals, mail-order pharmacies, national chain drug stores, and retail stores with pharmacies.

Aspiring Pharmacy Technicians who struggle to find work should consider joining the National Pharmacy Technician Association. The association offers access to networking events and conferences that may help with the job search.

Step 8: Consider Earning Additional Certifications

Pharmacy Technicians with two or more years of work experience may qualify for additional certifications. Along with the basic CPhT credential, Pharmacy Technicians may obtain other professional certifications to further their careers.

The PTCB offers certifications related to medication history, controlled substances diversion prevention, hazardous drug management, immunization administration, technician product verification, and billing. Earning one or more of these certificates may result in more job prospects or opportunities for advancement.

Step 9: Meet Continuing Education Requirements

The CPhT certificate and other credentials require the completion of continuing education (CE) courses. To maintain the CPhT credential, Pharmacy Technicians must complete 20 hours of CE during two years. The 20 hours of CE must include one hour of Pharmacy Law and one hour of Patient Safety training. Each additional certification may come with separate CE requirements.

What degree do most Pharmacy Technicians have

High School Diploma

We did a survey to ask other Pharmacy Technicians what degree they had when they first became one. Here are the results.

High School Diploma
59.63%

Post-secondary certificate
13.74%

Certificate
12.78%

How long does it take

1 to 2 years

Most Pharmacy Technicians who decide to pursue further education complete a one-year certificate program or a two-year Associate’s Degree program before obtaining the Certified Pharmacy Technician credential and finding work.


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