Overview of the Pharmacy Technician Career Path
You may have considered pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician. This role is becoming increasingly important in healthcare settings, as pharmacy technicians are responsible for helping pharmacists fill prescription orders, maintain records, and provide customer service. In this article, we’ll explore what it takes to become a pharmacy technician and how long it typically takes.
Definition and overview of the role
A pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional who assists pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications. They are responsible for ensuring accuracy when filling prescriptions, preparing medications, maintaining records, and providing customer service. Depending on the setting, they may also be responsible for ordering and stocking inventory, compounding medications, and billing insurance companies.
Benefits of becoming a pharmacy technician
Pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician offers a number of benefits. The job is relatively secure, with an expected job growth of 7% from 2019-2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, pharmacy technicians earn competitive salaries, with the median annual wage at $33,950 in 2019. And because the role is in high demand, you can find job opportunities in a variety of settings, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, nursing homes, and home care agencies.
Education Requirements for Becoming a Pharmacy Technician
To become a pharmacy technician, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete an accredited program. Most programs take between six months and two years to complete. During your studies, you’ll learn about medical terminology, the laws and regulations that govern the pharmacy profession, pharmaceutical calculations, and drug names and classifications. You’ll also develop skills in communication, customer service, and problem-solving.
Skills and Knowledge Required to Become a Pharmacy Technician
In addition to completing an accredited program, there are several other skills and knowledge areas that you’ll need to develop in order to become a successful pharmacy technician. These include:
- Knowledge of medical terms
- Understanding of pharmaceuticals
- Attention to detail
- Ability to follow instructions
- Problem-solving skills
Certification and Licensing Requirements for Pharmacy Technicians
Once you’ve completed your studies, you’ll need to take a national certification exam to become certified as a pharmacy technician. To be eligible to take the exam, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and have completed an accredited program. Once you pass the exam, you’ll be nationally certified and can begin applying for jobs in the field.
In addition to the national certification, most states require pharmacy technicians to obtain a state license. Each state has its own licensing requirements, so be sure to check your state’s specific requirements before applying for a license.
Typical Job Duties of a Pharmacy Technician
As a pharmacy technician, your job duties will vary depending on the type of setting in which you work. Generally, pharmacy technicians are responsible for preparing and dispensing medications, maintaining records, providing customer service, and ensuring accuracy of prescription orders. Some additional tasks may include ordering and stocking inventory, compounding medications, and billing insurance companies.
Average Time to Complete Pharmacy Technician Training and Certification
So, how long does it take to become a pharmacy technician? It depends on a number of factors, including the length of time it takes to complete a pharmacy technician program (which can range from six months to two years), the amount of time needed to study and pass the national certification exam, the length of time to obtain state licensing, and any additional time needed for continuing education and training.
Overall, the average time to become a fully certified and licensed pharmacy technician is approximately one to two years. However, if you already have a background in the healthcare field, such as experience as a certified nurse assistant or medical assistant, you may be able to complete the process more quickly.
Conclusion
Becoming a pharmacy technician requires a combination of education and training. Pursuing this career path offers a number of benefits, including job security, competitive salaries, and diverse job opportunities. On average, it takes one to two years to complete the education and certification requirements to become a pharmacy technician. With dedication and hard work, you can start working in this rewarding career in no time.
(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)