About Pharmacy Technician School & Training

Pharmacy technicians are responsible for assisting pharmacists with a variety of duties within the pharmacy. For example, pharmacy technicians may help to fill and dispense prescriptions to patients. They may help prepare medications, ensure that the correct number of pills is dispensed and place labels on medication bottles. Although some pharmacies may train technicians on the job, other pharmacies prefer to hire candidates who received pharmacy tech training within a career school or community college.

Choosing a Pharmacy Tech School

Aspiring pharmacy technicians should choose accredited schools in order to ensure that they receive a quality education. According to the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) is one agency that evaluates pharmacy technician training programs. Schools accredited by similar agencies may be smart choices for students seeking a career in pharmacy technology.

Typical Courses in a Pharmacy Tech Program

Students enrolled in a pharmacy technician program take a variety of courses in order to prepare for a career in the field. Typical classes include courses in medical and pharmaceutical technology, pharmaceutical techniques, pharmaceutical ethics and pharmacy law. Future pharmacy techs learn how to calculate proper medication dosages.

Pharmacy Technician Internships

Before graduating from a pharmacy technician program, students must also complete an internship in order to gain real-world experience in the field. Interns may work in pharmacies located in hospitals or retail establishments. They work under the supervision of experienced pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to gain practical skills they will use in the workplace.

Degree Earned

Graduates of a pharmacy technician program typically earn an associate's degree, certificate or diploma. The type of credential earned depends on the school and length of the program. Prospective pharmacy techs who earn associate's degrees may be more desirable to employers seeking to hire entry-level employees.

Pharmacy Technician Certification

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of states within the United States require pharmacy technicians to register with the state pharmacy board. Despite this fact, certification as a pharmacy tech is often not required. Pharmacy techs who choose to earn certification can take a national exam developed by the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT) or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

References

• Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics