How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Pennsylvania
Pharmacy technicians are monitored and supervised by registered pharmacists to prepare prescription medications, provide customer service and perform administrative duties. Under the duties of preparing prescriptions, pharmacy technicians receive prescription requests, count tablets and label bottles. Customer service functions and administrative duties include answering phones, speaking with customers, stocking and cashiering. Pharmacy technicians can work in retail, mail order, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted-living facilities. Pennsylvania’s State Board of Pharmacy does not have licensing requirements for pharmacy technicians.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Diploma from accredited program (optional)
- Examination for Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT), optional or
- On-the-job training at a licensed pharmacy
Instructions
-
-
1
Enroll in an accredited program for pharmacy technicians (although formal training in Pennsylvania is completely voluntary). Certification (diploma, certificate or degree) can take anywhere from six months to several years, depending on the program chosen. Pharmacy technician training is offered at trade schools, colleges, and online. Certification is not necessary but is a solid foundation before considering training as a pharmacist.
-
2
Take the ExCPT examination by paying a fee of $105 (as of June 2010). The examination must be completed within two hours and test results are immediate. The ExCPT examination is nationally recognized and grants the recipient the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
-
-
3
Search for a pharmacy technician position at a reputable pharmacy and begin on-the-job training. Schedules are flexible with hours during nights and weekends. Training will vary depending on the type and location of the pharmacy.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Enroll in an accredited course and take the national examination for pharmacy technicians. It will give you the technical knowledge to properly perform the necessary duties.
Any infractions on the part of the pharmacy technician are the legal responsibility of the pharmacist and the pharmacy.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit préparatrices en pharmacie image by cédric chabal from Fotolia.com
