Working as a pharmacy technician offers a great starting point for many pharmaceutical careers. Pharmacy technicians work under the guidance of a licensed pharmacist to assist them in distributing medication to patients.
Some responsibilities of pharmacy technicians include packing medications, labeling prescription bottles, maintaining records of patient information, processing insurance claims, and maintaining inventory among other tasks.
Training and Education
While there are some states that allow for on-the-job pharmacy technician training, most will require the completion of an accredited pharmacy technician program. These programs are often offered at community colleges or technical schools.
A pharmacy technician training program can last anywhere between several months to two years, depending on the school you enroll in.
A High School Diploma or a GED
In most cases, to become a pharmacy technician, you will be required to have either your high school diploma or a GED.
Certification and Licensure
Pharmacy technician certification and licensure requirements vary by state, so be sure to check with your school or program about what your exact certification process will be.
Many pharmacy technicians end up taking the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam, or the PTCB certification. Another pharmacy technician certification option is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Depending on your state, you may need to be licensed in addition to having the PTCB or NHA certification. Often, getting your license involves passing a state exam, a background check, and completing continuing education courses.
Continuing Education Credits
Certified pharmacy technicians are usually required to complete continuing education courses. Most often, 20 hours of board-approved continuing education courses will need to be taken every two years.
Soft Skills of Successful Pharmacy Technicians
Some soft skills making excellent pharmacy technicians include but are not limited to:
- Attention to detail
- Customer service skills
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Being decisive
- Being ethical
- Organization skills
Technicians play an important role in any pharmacy. Of course, a keen pharmaceutical knowledge is sure to make a strong technician, but your soft skills are also an important part of the job.
Pharmacy Technician Salary and Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that pharmacy technicians earned an average of $43,330 in 2023, with the top 10 percent making $57,130. Pharmacy technicians are also expected to see a slight increase in demand over the next decade. By 2032, the BLS predicts that demand for pharmacy technicians will increase 6 percent, which is slightly faster growth than that of the national average of all occupations.
Become a Pharmacy Technician!
If you’re interested in pharmaceuticals, and have strong interpersonal skills, a career as a pharmacy technician may be a great fit for you. Again, this article provides a general overview of what you’ll need to become a pharmacy technician in the U.S. It all starts with the proper training.
Looking for a school offering excellent pharmacy technician programs in your area? We’re partnered with some of these great schools. Explore schools offering pharmacy technician training in your area today!
