Pharmacy Technician Certification Training

What is a Parmacy Technician?

Pharmacy technicians order and stock medication inventory, prepare and package medications for distribution, and provide information to patients.

Even though the work may be similar to that of a pharmacist, there are certain tasks that pharmacy technicians can't perform without the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

They aren't allowed to make judgment calls related to drug substitutions, interpretations of prescriptions, or give instructions for preparing prescriptions.

In most facilites, they also can't take a chart order or a new prescription over the phone. They also can't dispense medication unless the order for the prescription has been verified by a licensed pharmacist.

 

Parmacy Technician Career Outlook

Pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies, which may be located in hospitals, clinics, healthcare facilities, drugstores, grocery stores, or independent facilities.

As the population ages and the prevalence of chronic diseases rises, more pharmacy technicians will be needed in pharmacies and may even see themselves taking on greater responsibilities in their role.  

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for pharmacy technicians will grow 12% through 2028 – that equates to over 30,000 new jobs!

 

Parmacy Technician Salary Expectations

In 2021, the average Parmacy Technician made:

• an average hourly wage of $ 18.25
• an average yearly salary of $ 37,970

Top 4 states with the highest employment level in Personal Trainers are:

1. California
2. Texas
3. Florida and,
4. Pennsylvania

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

 

Parmacy Technician Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Qs)

Q: Do pharmacy technicians need a certification? 
A: Requirements for pharmacy technicians vary by state, but most require certification, registration or licensure. Earning your certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) provides a valuable, industry-recognized credential that meets most states’ requirements. 

Q: How long does it take to complete a pharmacy technician course?  
A: This pharmacy technician course can be completed in one year or less. This does not include the time you spend in an externship program or preparing and sitting for state licensure. 

Q: Can I go from pharmacy technician to pharmacist?
A: There are a few different ways to become a pharmacist after you gain experience working as a pharmacy technician. First, you will need to earn a bachelor's degree by earning an associate degree and rolling the credits into a 4-year program or enrolling directly into a pre-pharmacy bachelor's program.

Second, after earning your bachelor's degree, you will need to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). Your scores on this standardized test, along with previous contributions to the pharmacy industry (such as volunteer hours, membership in pharmacy organizations, and of course, working as a pharmacy technician), will be used to determine your acceptance to pharmacy school.

Once accepted, you will attend school for another 4-5 years before taking and passing your state pharmacy board and law exams. Finally, your hard work will pay off, and you will be granted a license to practice as a pharmacist in your state.