Steps to How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
It may be difficult for a pharmacist run an entire pharmacy alone. That's why pharmacists enlist the aid of pharmacy technicians: to help fill prescriptions, count pills and label bottles. A pharmacy technician is also trained to answer patients' questions about medication. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians earned a median salary of $28,070 in May 2009. Employment for pharmacy technicians is projected to increase by a rate of 25 percent from 2008 through 2018. If you are interested in having good job opportunities for years to come, then consider learning what it takes to become a pharmacy technician.
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Instructions
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Research pathways that lead to becoming a pharmacy technician. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is no official training standard for pharmacy technicians. Keep in mind that employers prefer job applicants who have formal training or previous experience. Some states do require a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
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Apply and enroll into a pharmacy technology program. If you choose the pathway of a formal education, you can study pharmacy technology at a community college, according to College Board, a non-profit that connects students with educational possibilities. This can lead to an associate degree which usually takes two years, or a certificate which takes less time. Pharmacy technicians study topics such as pharmaceutical techniques; pharmaceutical terminology; pharmaceutical calculations; record keeping; and pharmacy law and ethics. Formal training programs can include internships which offer hands-on experience at a real pharmacy.
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Apply for a job online or at the pharmacy of your preferred position. Whether or not you receive a formal education, pharmacy technicians undergo on-the-job training to work at a specific pharmacy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that on-the-job training typically ranges between three to 12 months.
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Tips & Warnings
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board offers an examination that leads to certification. This can provide more job opportunities.
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