ANSWERS: 1
  • There is no strict set of prerequisites associated with becoming a pharmacy technician. Some states require a minimum of a high school diploma, while others do not. For many years, pharmacy technicians with no previous background in the field received informal on-the-job training. However, a growing number of employers are turning to formal training and certification programs for new employees.

    Enrolling in a Pharmacy Technician Program

    Before enrolling in a pharmacy technician program, evaluate your career objectives. Various pharmacy technician programs are available, with some lasting as short as six weeks and others lasting two years. These programs award different levels of certification, ranging from a diploma or certificate up to an associate degree. If you are serious about a long-term career as a pharmacy technician, an associate degree may provide better pay benefits over time, whereas someone just interested in trying out the career field would be better served in a shorter and less-expensive certification program.

    Training Programs

    Pharmacy technician training programs are usually taught by professional pharmacy technicians who have had several years' experience in the field. Before enrolling in your training program, find out the credentials of your instructor to ensure that you are learning from an established pharmacy technician and not a recent graduate of the program. In addition to being able to answer workplace questions, an experienced pharmacy technician instructor will also have greater career contacts and leads than a recent graduate, potentially making it easier for you to find a job.

    On-the-job Training

    Many students enrolled in pharmacy technician programs seek part-time employment while pursuing their certification. Coupling the on-the-job training received from a part-time pharmacy technician position with the formal instruction received in your certification course is an effective way to apply new concepts and procedures as you learn them. Another reason many students pursue this path is that it allows them to earn income while attending the training program.

    Finalizing Training and Job Hunting

    Pharmacy technician certification exams are issued at the completion of nondegree-awarding training programs. Students taking the examine must earn a predetermined passing score to be awarded certification. Unfortunately, simply possessing the certification will not automatically land graduates a pharmacy technician job. Pharmacy technicians should look at a variety of resources for potential career opportunities, including retail store pharmacies, hospital pharmacies and government pharmaceutical facilities. Pay tends to be better at hospitals and government facilities than retail stores, however, every technician is likely to be evaluated individually when determining salary.

    Source:

    Pharmacy Technician Summary

    National Pharmacy Technician Association

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