Requirements for Becoming a Pharmacy Technician

Hi there! Are you also wondering about entering the world of pharmacy?

Before entering the pharmaceutical industry, there are certain requirements that you must fulfill.

Now when we talk about the requirements, what do you think they are?

Is it only about the minimum education required to work as a Pharmacy Technician or is there something beyond that?

In this article, we will give you a piece of detailed information about all the requirements you should possess to become a Pharmacy Technician and contribute to this advanced healthcare industry that keeps on evolving.

To be a pharmacy technician, there are a few things you need to consider:

Education and Training

You usually need a high school diploma or something similar to start working as a pharmacy technician. While it’s not necessary, it’s helpful to complete a training program for pharmacy technicians.

Community colleges, vocational schools, and some hospitals or pharmacies offer these programs.

License or Registration

In many places, pharmacy technicians need to get a license or register with the state board of pharmacy. This usually involves passing an exam after you finish your education and training.

You may be asked for background checks or continuing education to keep your license. However, this is not required in every state.

Experience

Having some experience in a pharmacy, even as a helper or assistant, can be helpful. It gives you practical knowledge about how pharmacies work, how prescriptions are processed, and how to provide good service to patients.

Attention to Detail

Pharmacy technicians have to be really careful while performing their daily tasks. They have to dispense medicines accurately, measure the right doses, and label prescriptions correctly.

Mistakes can be really serious for patients, so attention to detail is a very important part of their job.

Know more: What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do
Where can Pharmacy Technicians Work

Good Communication

A fluent conversation is something that defines your professional skills. Pharmacy technicians talk to pharmacists and patients every day. It’s important to have good communication skills and be friendly.

This helps with teamwork, understanding what patients need, and providing excellent customer service.

Pharmacy Technician Education Requirements

To start your career as a Pharmacy Technician, you must fulfill specific education requirements. However, these requirements are very basic.

So, let’s understand what education you must hold to step into the pharmacy world as a Pharmacy Technician.

Step one: First, get a high school diploma or equivalent to that.

Step two: Choose an accredited Pharmacy Technician Program that prepares you for the certification exam. The training programs include courses in Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmacy Law and Ethics, and medication dosage and dispensing.

Step three: Become certified by national and state certification groups.

Not every state makes it necessary for pharmacy technicians to be certified, but many employers prefer it. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) keeps a list of contact information for each state’s board to check if pharmacy techs need to be certified or not.

There are two main national certification groups for this job: The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The PTCB certification is accepted in all 50 states, and the NHA certification is recognized all across the country. To get certified, both require the candidate to have finished high school and pass a test.

Read more to know about: How to Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician

Step four: Keep your certification updated (every two years)

To keep your PTCB and NHA certifications valid, you need to renew them every two years.

Conclusion

So you must have a clear view of the Requirements for Becoming a Pharmacy Technician. With the educational requirements, you need to learn and train in important skills to provide safe and effective care for patients.

By meeting the educational requirements and getting the right license, you can start a fulfilling career in healthcare.

The need for Pharmacy Technicians has increased after the pandemic and is expected to increase more, so it’s a great option for those looking for a job in healthcare.

Additional Sources:
Pharmacy Technician Facts
Pharmacy Technician Salary
Pharmacy Technician FAQ
Day in the Life of a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician License vs Certification
Pharmacy Technician Certification
Pharmacy Technician Job Description
Hospital Pharmacy Technician
Certified Pharmacy Technician