How to Become a Pharmacy Technician

How to Apply for Pharmacy Technician Programs, What to Expect, and Why It’s a Great Career Choice

Trade School Dudes

Pharmacy Technicians play a vital role in the healthcare system by assisting pharmacists in dispensing medications, managing inventory, and providing customer service. They help ensure that prescriptions are filled accurately and that patients receive the correct medications, which is critical for their health and well-being. If you’re interested in entering the healthcare field and want to pursue a stable, rewarding career with a relatively short training period, becoming a Pharmacy Technician might be the right choice for you. This guide will walk you through how to apply for Pharmacy Technician programs, what to expect during your education, how to pay for it, and why this career is a great option for many individuals.

What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?

Pharmacy Technicians work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists to support medication dispensing and other pharmaceutical services. Their daily tasks can vary depending on where they work, but typical duties include:

  • Filling Prescriptions: Pharmacy Technicians prepare and dispense prescribed medications, ensuring that they are accurate and safe for patients.
  • Managing Inventory: They help monitor inventory levels, stock medications, and ensure that medications are stored properly and within their expiration dates.
  • Labeling Medications: Pharmacy Technicians affix labels to medication containers, ensuring they include necessary information, such as the patient’s name, dosage, and instructions for use.
  • Customer Service: They may interact with customers and patients, answering questions about medications, potential side effects, and providing general guidance under the pharmacist’s supervision.
  • Handling Medication Compounding: In some settings, Pharmacy Technicians may prepare compounded medications, which are custom-made medications tailored to an individual patient’s needs.
  • Processing Insurance Claims: Pharmacy Technicians can also assist with processing insurance claims, ensuring that patients’ prescriptions are covered by their insurance plans.

Step 1: Research Pharmacy Technician Training Programs

To become a Pharmacy Technician, you need to complete an accredited training program that will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills. Here’s what to consider when researching programs:

  • Accreditation: Look for programs accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or the Accrediting Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Accreditation ensures the program meets the required educational standards and prepares you for certification and licensure.
  • Program Length: Pharmacy Technician programs typically take about 9 months to 2 years to complete, depending on whether you attend a certificate program, an associate degree program, or a part-time program.
  • Program Content: Courses generally include subjects like pharmacology, drug classification, dosage calculations, medication administration, pharmaceutical ethics, customer service, and pharmacy law. Clinical practice, where you gain hands-on experience in a real-world pharmacy, is also a key component.
  • Location and Schedule: Consider whether you prefer to attend a local program or are willing to relocate. Many schools offer online or hybrid (online and in-person) programs for added flexibility, which is ideal for working adults.

Step 2: Meet Basic Admission Requirements

Before applying to a Pharmacy Technician program, ensure that you meet the school’s prerequisites. While requirements may vary from one program to another, common criteria include:

  • Education: Most programs require you to have a high school diploma or GED. Some programs may also require you to have completed certain high school courses, such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
  • Age Requirements: Some programs may have age restrictions, typically requiring applicants to be at least 18 years old.
  • Criminal Background Check: Since Pharmacy Technicians work with prescription medications, many programs require a background check as part of the admissions process. Felony convictions may affect your eligibility for licensure, depending on the state.
  • Health Screenings: Some programs require health screenings or immunizations, especially since you’ll be working with medications and interacting with patients in healthcare settings.
  • Entrance Exams: Some programs may require you to take an entrance exam that assesses basic math, science, and reading comprehension skills.

Step 3: Apply to Pharmacy Technician Programs

Once you’ve decided which program to apply to, you’ll need to complete the application process. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:

  • Submit an Application: Complete the online or paper application for the program. Many schools require you to create an account on their website to submit your application.
  • Provide Transcripts: You will need to submit your high school or GED transcripts. If you have previously attended college, you may also need to provide transcripts from other educational institutions.
  • Write a Personal Statement: Some programs ask for a personal statement or essay where you explain your interest in becoming a Pharmacy Technician and your career goals.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Some programs require letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or individuals who can speak to your skills, work ethic, and suitability for the profession.
  • Pay the Application Fee: Most programs require a non-refundable application fee. Be sure to check with the school to find out the amount and the payment methods accepted.

Step 4: Complete Pharmacy Technician Training

Once you’ve been accepted into a Pharmacy Technician program, you’ll start your coursework and clinical training. Here’s what you can expect:

Classroom Learning

During the classroom portion of your training, you’ll cover a wide range of topics necessary to succeed in the field. Typical courses include:

  • Pharmacology: Study the different types of medications, their uses, side effects, and potential interactions.
  • Pharmacy Law and Ethics: Learn about the legal and ethical standards governing pharmacy practice, including the controlled substances regulations and patient confidentiality laws.
  • Dosage Calculations: Gain knowledge in calculating correct medication dosages, considering factors like patient weight, age, and the form of medication (e.g., liquid, pill).
  • Pharmaceutical Terminology: Become familiar with medical and pharmaceutical terminology used in the pharmacy environment, enabling you to understand prescriptions and medical orders.
  • Drug Interactions: Learn how various drugs can interact with each other, and how these interactions can impact patient care.
  • Customer Service Skills: Develop strong communication skills for interacting with patients and healthcare professionals, answering questions, and handling prescription-related concerns.

Clinical Training

Alongside your classroom education, you will gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting, where you’ll apply your knowledge in a real-world pharmacy. Typical clinical training includes:

  • Dispensing Medications: You’ll work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists to accurately prepare and dispense medications for patients.
  • Inventory Management: Gain experience in managing inventory, stocking medications, and ensuring that products are stored according to regulations.
  • Patient Interaction: Develop customer service skills by interacting with patients, answering questions, and providing advice on over-the-counter medications.
  • Pharmacy Software: Learn to use pharmacy management software to process prescriptions, manage inventory, and handle insurance claims.

Step 5: Obtain Certification

While certification is not required to work as a Pharmacy Technician in every state, it is highly recommended and may be required by many employers. Certification helps demonstrate your expertise and enhances your job prospects. The most common certification for Pharmacy Technicians is the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). To become certified, you must:

  • Complete the Required Education: Complete a Pharmacy Technician training program that is accredited by ASHP or ACPE.
  • Pass the Certification Exam: The PTCE is a multiple-choice exam that tests your knowledge of pharmacy law, drug information, patient safety, medication management, and other essential topics.
  • Maintain Certification: Once certified, you must complete continuing education and recertify every two years to keep your certification active.

How to Pay for Pharmacy Technician Programs

Pharmacy Technician programs can vary in cost, depending on the length of the program and the institution. Fortunately, there are several ways to finance your education:

  • Financial Aid: Many Pharmacy Technician programs offer financial aid through federal grants, loans, and scholarships. Be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for aid.
  • Scholarships: Various organizations and schools offer scholarships specifically for students pursuing a career in pharmacy. Look for scholarships from local pharmacy associations, healthcare organizations, and community foundations.
  • Employer Assistance: If you are already working in a pharmacy or healthcare-related job, some employers offer tuition reimbursement or support for further education.
  • GI Bill: Veterans and military families may be eligible for education benefits through the GI Bill, which can help cover the cost of Pharmacy Technician programs.

Why Becoming a Pharmacy Technician is a Great Career Choice

Becoming a Pharmacy Technician offers a number of advantages, making it an appealing career choice for many individuals:

  • High Job Demand: The demand for Pharmacy Technicians is expected to grow significantly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Pharmacy Technicians is projected to grow by 4% from 2021 to 2031.
  • Competitive Salary: The median annual wage for Pharmacy Technicians in the U.S. is approximately $36,000. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and certification, with the potential for higher earnings in certain settings.
  • Job Stability: Pharmacy Technicians are in high demand across a variety of healthcare settings, from retail pharmacies to hospitals, ensuring long-term job stability and security.
  • Opportunities for Advancement: With experience and additional certifications, Pharmacy Technicians can move into supervisory or management roles, or specialize in areas such as sterile compounding or oncology.
  • Helping People: Pharmacy Technicians play a crucial role in patient care by ensuring that medications are dispensed accurately and safely. This job allows you to make a positive impact on patients’ health and well-being.
  • Work-Life Balance: Many Pharmacy Technicians work in settings with regular hours and the possibility of part-time or full-time schedules, making it an ideal career for those seeking a work-life balance.

Becoming a Pharmacy Technician offers a stable, rewarding career in the growing healthcare industry. With short training programs, competitive salaries, job stability, and opportunities for career advancement, it’s an excellent choice for individuals interested in healthcare. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can start your journey toward becoming a certified Pharmacy Technician and begin working in a field that allows you to make a difference in people’s lives.