About Pharmacy technician
Are you interested in becoming a Pharmacy technician? Getting the right pharmacy technician training in your state or city will the perfect way to start. Most states require pharmacy techs to be licensed. Licensed or certified pharmacy tech (CPhT) make high income because they are in high demand. Pharmacy technicians are gainfully employed in hospitals, health centers, and even private medical centers, clinics, home health care pharmacies, and other health maintenance organizations. Some big department stores like Walgreens, Rite-Aid, CVS are more focused pharmacist departmental store. WalMart, Krogers, Publix have many pharmacy technicians taking orders, dispensing medications, and handling cashier machines daily. With the number of roles a pharmacy technician has, it is difficult to become bore. The opportunities to work along with doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacist, to mention a few, will keep you challenged and inspired.
What is a Pharmacy Technician?
Pharmacy technicians are the backbone of the pharmacy industry. Pharmacist do the managerial duties while the pharmacy technician performs the majority of the work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are a few more reasons why CPhT is in such a demanding field:
- 28.8% current job growth
- Over 39,000 annual job openings
- Over 3 billion prescriptions filled each year in the US
The duties of a pharmacy technician include preparing prescriptions, ordering supplies, maintaining patient records, and billing, and maintaining inventory. Pharmacy technicians may also be called upon to mix pharmaceutical preparations under the direction and supervision of the pharmacist. They are also responsible for assisting in the care and cleaning of pharmacy equipment. This may include sterilizing bottles, beakers, and other glassware according to prescribed methods. Another important role of a pharmacy technician is to receive and screen prescription drug orders for completeness and accuracy.
Pharmacy technician training
Before you can work as a pharmacy technician with a high school diploma and some training under a pharmacist. However, more states are starting to understand the important of pharmacy tech to the health care industry, therefore requirement more training and most cases demanding national certifications and continuing education (CE).
Pharmacy technician schools
Many community colleges and trade schools offer pharmacy tech training programs that can be completed in less than a year. These programs issue a Diploma or Certificate to graduates and prepare students for the national exam offered by Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Other colleges offer associate degree programs that take up to two years. Most of these programs offer an externship which gives each student the opportunity to hone their skills in a working pharmacy environment
Upon graduation of a training program, students are encouraged to sit for the national exam issued by either the PTCB or Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT). The following is a 4-steps to becoming a licensed Pharmacy technician in most states.
4 Steps to becoming a credible pharmacy tech in your state
1. Enroll in a pharmacy tech program
Enroll in a community college, a vocational school, or even an online school with your state Pharmacy Technician certification program that fits the description of your choice. These courses will enable you to pass the PTCB exam, and earn the credentials necessary to becoming a certified professional Pharmacy Technician. You have the option of a 6-month to 1-year program, or you register for the an associate degree with a 2-years college in the state.
2. Take the PTCB Exam
After successful completion of a certification program, register for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam. There are many different material available online for the test. Find study guides and sample tests to prepare for the test. Register and take the test. (Registration link in bottom)
3. Join your state Pharmacy Board
After you have passed the PTCB exam, apply to become a licensed Pharmacy Technician your state
4. Join state and national profession organization
Joining profession organization recognized by the state and nationally will help your creditability and also keep you on your toes. Some of these organization offer training, seminar that help keep there members informed of latest activities in the pharmacy technician field. You will also have close connect with like-minded people. Below are some of the organization that you can join.
Importance of becoming a certified Pharmacy Tech?
Pharmacy technician training and certification will increase your credibility and employment opportunities. When certified by the PTCB, or Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, employers will see you as more valuable and profession than those that are not certified. The PTCB conducts certified programs under the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.
These programs offer a standardized level of training that will give you superior knowledge about the pharmacy profession, and allow you to help prevent medication errors; regardless where you end up working. Employers, who check job applications, often look for extra certification from pharmacy techs, because these applicants have a better knowledge of the medication that is given, and this can help prevent errors and possible lawsuits.
Passing the national certification exam will earn you the official title of Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) and will enable you to work anywhere in the US.
Pharmacy Technician Salary
The average pharmacy technician salary varies from states to states but the national is around $35,000. Education and training can help increase your pay, too. But geographical location also matters a lot. It not uncommon for pharmacy in to make over $45,000 but some pharmacy tech in Virginia, for example make $81,000. Pharmacy techs who work for the armed forces are paid significantly more that the average technician. This profession is very important to the medical industry.
Sources:
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
Pharmacy technician (Wiki)
Pharmacy technician training
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