what you need to know as a pharmacy technician

Everything You Need to Know about Becoming a Pharmacy Technician

• Job Outlook and Security. Many societal factors will contribute to the job security of pharmacy technicians in upcoming...
• Education and Licensing. Most pharmacy technicians have a high school diploma, and some earn post-secondary education...
• Skills and Strengths. Strong Customer Interaction Skills: If you...

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What skills are required to be a pharmacy technician?

What you need to know as a pharmacy technician? Requirementsfor pharmacy technicians generally include: High school diploma or GED. Criminal background check. Formal education or training. Exam. Fees. Continuing education. Some states and employers require certification. Click to see full answer. Also asked, is it worth being a pharmacy technician?

What are the requirements to become a pharmacy technician?

Jun 02, 2017 · Everything You Need to Know about Becoming a Pharmacy Technician Job Outlook and Security. Many societal factors will contribute to the job security of pharmacy technicians in upcoming... Education and Licensing. Most pharmacy technicians have a high school diploma, and some earn post-secondary ...

What training do you need to become a pharmacy technician?

Apr 30, 2017 · Pharmacy technicians are medical professionals that work under a pharmacist and perform a variety of duties, including dispensing medications per prescription instructions, dealing with patients’ insurance and payment, entering data into pharmacy computer systems, organizing medication inventory, and more.

How you can become a pharmacy technician?

Although paths in this field may vary, here is one possible path to becoming a certified pharmacy technician: Step one: Earn a high school diploma or the equivalent (four years). Successful pharmacy technicians typically have... Step two: Graduate from an accredited pharmacy technician training ...

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Skills Inherent to a Pharmacy Technician's Personality Attention to Detail and Accuracy:. You are required to maintain utmost level of accuracy while processing prescriptions. Dependability and Reliability:. You are expected to demonstrate ethical behavior with emphasis on confidentiality,... ...

What you need to know before becoming a pharmacy technician?

What skills do pharmacy techs need?

Is being a pharmacy tech hard?

What do you learn as a pharmacy tech?

What is your greatest weakness as a pharmacy technician?

How do I ace a pharmacy tech interview?

Is there a lot of math in pharmacy technician?

What are the disadvantages of pharmacy technician?

Is pharmacy technician a good career?

How much do pharmacy techs make?

What are the responsibilities of pharmacy techs?

They aim to prepare pharmacy techs for their future daily responsibilities, among which, preparing medications, performing various administrative tasks, and assisting customers.

How old do you have to be to become a pharmacy tech?

Please note: to be eligible for a pharmacy tech training program, you will need a high school diploma (or equivalent), and be at least 17 at the time of application.

What is the PTCB exam?

After you fulfill your pharmacy tech training, you will have the opportunity to take your Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Those who pass the exam become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).

What to do before enrolling in pharmacy tech?

Before you apply and enroll in a pharmacy tech course, it is a good idea to discuss your options with an admission officer. The goal of any talented admissions expert is to explain the application and enrollment processes and help get you on the right track.

What is the best way to gain real world experience in pharmacy?

Most pharmacy technician programs require students to complete a clinical internship, which is the best way to gain real-world experience in this role. An experienced mentor will guide you, which is an excellent way to understand more about your future career.

Is a pharmacy tech certification good?

Even if your state doesn't require pharmacy tech certification, earning the CPhT credential can set you apart in such a competitive job market. Certified pharmacy technicians often have better career opportunities and potential for growth across the US. Additionally, pharmacy tech certification boosts the chances of securing a higher paying entry-level position and fast-tracking your way up the career ladder.

Do pharmacy assistants work part time?

Factors such as location, ability to commute or relocate, and personal circumstances, often influence the right decision. Many prospective pharmacy assistants and technicians work part-time or occasionally full-time as they study. So they prefer schools that can provide a more flexible schedule.

What is the job of a pharmacy technician?

Job Tasks. As a pharmacy technician, you would assist pharmacists in dispensing prescription medication to clients or other health care professionals. You would be expected to gather the data needed to correctly fill prescriptions, measure medication, label prescriptions, and manage medication inventory. Additionally, you’ll be required ...

What do you need to be a pharmacy tech?

As a pharmacy technician, you will need to be exact in how much medication is dispensed and precise in how the medication is labeled. As you become a more senior technician, you may need to check and verify the work of someone less experienced than yourself. Excellent Communication Skills: You must excel in both communicating with ...

What organizations offer pharmacy technician certification?

Industry organizations such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the National Healthcareer Association offer certifications to help young professionals reach their goals.

How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician?

Quick Start: Unlike some fields that require years of education followed by experience, you can get started and certified in under a year in most states. Although there are always opportunities to learn more in any field, you can start working, earning and gaining experience very quickly as a pharmacy technician.

Why is it important to mind the details when working as a pharmacy technician?

A Love of Details: Since customers rely on doctors and pharmacists to provide the right medication in specific doses in order to treat an illness or disease, it is important that you mind the details. As a pharmacy technician, you will need to be exact in how much medication is dispensed and precise in how the medication is labeled.

Why do pharmacies open around the clock?

Flexibility: Because many pharmacies are opened around the clock, you may have some flexibility in setting your work schedule. If you are seeking a job that can be worked around education, family or other commitments, you may be able to negotiate hours that are helpful to you but unpopular with others.

What do you need to know about pharmacy tech?

Everything You Want to Know About Being a Pharmacy Technician. Pharmacy technicians are members of one of the fastest-growing careers in the world. With the ever-increasing demand for healthcare (and for the resulting prescriptions), pharmacy work continues to be one of the most lucrative opportunities in modern times.

What is a pharmacy technician?

Pharmacy technicians are medical professionals that work under a pharmacist and perform a variety of duties, including dispensing medications per prescription instructions, dealing with patients’ insurance and payment, entering data into pharmacy computer systems, organizing medication inventory, and more. Technicians can work in ...

How much does a pharmacy tech make?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for pharmacy technicians in 2015 was $30,410 per year ( $14.62 per hour).¹ Depending on where you work and what your hours are, you can expect some variation in this level of pay. In general, those who hold some kind of professional pharmacy tech certification earn more money in the position than those who do not.

Can a pharmacy technician work part time?

Hours are generally quite flexible and are set based on the specific pharmacy’s needs and hours. Technicians can work either full- or part-time, as desired, which makes it a great career for those who require some time during the day/week to care for young children.

Do you need a college degree to become a pharmacy tech?

Pharmacy technicians don’t require a college degree and can be easily certified with a professional training program. This certification is not necessarily required (many pharmacy technicians begin their career with only a high school diploma or GED), but it does help prospective pharmacy techs get a leg up over other applicants (and may also help when negotiating pay).

What do pharmacy technicians do?

So what do pharmacy technicians do? The BLS (2020) states that these professionals perform a variety of functions under licensed pharmacists such as measuring medications; labeling and packaging prescriptions; acting as liaisons between customers and healthcare workers; delivering medicine to patients, nursing stations, or surgical rooms; managing and organizing pharmaceutical inventories; and accepting payment for medications. Many of the duties are learned on-the-job, and these technicians may work in drugstores, grocery stores, nursing homes, hospitals, or other medical settings. Since some pharmacies are open 24 hours per day, some of these professionals work nights and weekends, although with increased seniority, they may have more control over their schedules. The BLS adds that in 2019, there were 422,300 pharmacy technicians across the country making an average annual salary of $33,950.

How to become a pharmacy technician?

Although paths in this field may vary, here is one possible path to becoming a certified pharmacy technician: 1. Attain a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g., GED ). Successful pharmacy technicians typically have strong backgrounds in mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physiology.

How many states require a pharmacy tech license?

As mentioned above, the rules surrounding the certification, registration, or licensure of pharmacy techs vary by state. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)—one of the two main national certification bodies—reports that 45 states currently regulate people in this profession, and 25 states require PTCB certification specifically. Regional rules can be retrieved by contacting the specific Board of Pharmacy, a list of which has been provided by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).

What is a pharmacy CE?

Finally, the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) reports that CE hours are “a structured educational activity designed or intended to support the continuing development of pharmacists and/or pharmacy technicians to maintain and enhance their competence.” Organizations that offer CE opportunities include the American Association of Pharmacy Technicians; the American Pharmacists Association; the National Pharmacy Technician Association; and PharmacyTechCE.

How much do pharmacy technicians make?

The BLS adds that in 2019, there were 422,300 pharmacy technicians across the country making an average annual salary of $33,950.

How many hours do you need to take the PTCE?

Candidates who either have at least 1,200 hours of supervised pharmacy experience or have completed a pharmacy technician education program within the past five years are eligible to sit for this exam. The 100-question exam tests similar areas as the PTCE.

What is accreditation in pharmacy?

Accreditation can serve as an indicator of program quality as administrators review the curricula, methods, and outcomes of programs.

What do pharmacy technicians need to know?

As a pharmacy technician you are expected to know fundamentals of chemistry, pharmacology, medical terminology and mathematical calculations. Besides, nowadays technology is being used to support daily operations at busy pharmacies. From robotics to computer softwares, a pharmacy technician is expected to overlook the automation process.

What are the skills required to become a pharmacy tech?

As a pharmacy technician you are required to have certain inherent skills which are crucial to the favorable outcome of your career. High levels of integrity and accuracy, attention to detail, dependability and empathetic communication are some inherent skills to being a pharmacy tech.

What language do pharmacy technicians speak?

Some placements therefore require bilingual pharmacy technicians, so being proficient in Spanish and Mandarin apart from English is an added advantage.

What is mail order pharmacy?

In mail order pharmacy where the dispensing of medication is mechanized you are expected to know the computer software required to operate the machine. You are also expected to handle and fix minor breakdowns.

What are some of the tasks that go into keeping the pharmacy organized?

Stocking shelves with supplies, keeping medicine containers in order, affixing printed labels on bottles, keeping stock data well updated are some of the tasks which go into keeping the pharmacy organized.

How does packaging technology benefit patients?

This is the packaging technology that benefits patients in terms of receiving medicines in pouches that are organized according to dosages. It helps the pharmacies too as they can increase the number of filing of prescriptions per patient. You are required to learn how to use this simple automated packaging technology.

Why is it important to learn the names of new drugs?

Learning the names of new drugs and medical terminology is essential in the ever-evolving pharmaceutical world. You should have an innate ability to learn and retain information.

What Does Being a Pharmacy Technician Mean?

Pharmacy technicians ensure medications are filled properly and in a timely manner. While it may seem simple to assist a pharmacist in dispensing the right prescription medication, it requires incredible precision and attention to detail.

What Does Being a Pharmacy Tech Entail?

The main duties of a pharmacy technician include assisting in correctly measuring, counting, mixing and labeling dosages of medications.

What Can I Expect? What Are Some of the Responsibilities?

A patient takes their prescription from the doctor to a local drug store. You, as the pharmacy technician, are likely the first person they’ll meet. After you get the prescription, you’ll:

What Are the First Steps in Getting Certified?

You’ve read the duties and responsibilities and think this could be the career path for you! So next you may be wondering how to become a pharmacy technician.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Pharmacy Technician?

Most states actually have no certification or licensing requirements for you to become a pharmacy technician. However, many employers are requiring applicants who have national certifications regardless of what their state requirements.

How Is It as a Career Path?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for pharmacy technicians are expected to be far better than average in the upcoming years. In fact, employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 20% by 2022. This can be attributed to the fact that we’re all living longer.

What Is the Pay Like?

According to Glassdoor, the national salary average for pharmacy technicians is $31,296 a year. However, average salaries in Oregon last year were much larger at $36,270 a year or $17.44 an hour.

How much does a pharmacy tech make?

The median salary for a pharmacy technician is $31,750 per year *. The median annual salary for pharm techs is over $30,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). They also report the top 10 percent of earners brought in nearly $47,000 per year.

What is a pharm tech?

A pharm tech certification can be just the beginning of your career path. Earning certification helps legitimize your knowledge of the field and prepares you for the rigorous education requirements of becoming a full-fledged pharmacist. If you are interested in pharmacy work, a pharm tech certification can be the perfect entry-level option.

What does it mean to work in a pharmacy?

You must pay attention to the details. Working in a pharmacy means you’re providing critical medications for individuals. This means your actions could literally mean life or death for patients. “Accuracy is very important,” Vickery says.

Why do pharmacists use math?

Your math teacher was right—you will use that stuff in the real world! Both pharmacists and pharm techs utilize math abilities on a daily basis to ensure they have the right dosage and measurements and chemistry knowledge to ensure that compounds are mixed correctly for your patients.

Do Pharmacists check the details of a drug?

If you are working as a pharm tech, the little details matter, but you won’t be alone. Pharmacists are there to check those details and ensure that all medications are filled properly.

Is the pharmacy industry slowing down?

With an aging population and a growing number of individuals needing both medical and pharmaceutical care, the pharmacy industry is certainly not slowing down anytime soon. The BLS predicts employment of pharmacy technicians will grow 12 percent through 2026, which is a rate higher than the average occupation. *

Do pharmacies open at all hours?

Many pharmacies are open at all hours. This can mean irregular schedules and night shifts for some pharmacy workers. Especially early on, technicians may be assigned late or even overnight shifts. However, as you increase your experience and move up the ranks, you’ll likely gain more autonomy over your schedule. 2.

What is a pharmacy technician?

A pharmacy technician assists the pharmacist in running the operations of the pharmacy, interacting professionally with customers, and complying with regulatory laws. Pharmacy technicians work in drugstores, grocery stores, hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. 1 .

How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician?

3  Most certificate programs can be completed within a year or less; associate degree programs usually take two years.

What are the soft skills needed for a pharmacy tech?

There are a number of soft skills that pharmacy techs need to have. Technicians need to be able to follow the directions of their pharmacy manager and the pharmaceutical company, communicate with staff and customers, and be organized and able to multitask. Accuracy. Adaptability.

What are some examples of industry specific knowledge that pharmacy techs must master?

Insurance, MedPay, and prescription accuracy are examples of industry-specific knowledge that pharmacy techs must master. Being able to understand medical history, read prescriptions, and adhere to billing protocols can be complicated, but it is a key part of pharmacology.

What do you need to read a prescription?

You must be able to read ingredients on a prescription, which requires a basic understanding of medicine and chemistry . Additionally, you will be using measuring equipment and industry-specific software. You are working with chemicals intended to heal the body or manage pain, and it is vital that you follow training guidelines and use equipment to accurately help customers.