The last time you picked up a prescription, you may have notice the individual that
retrieved your prescription or processed your insurance – that was the pharmacy technician. While the pharmacist is busy filling prescriptions, the pharmacy technician provides necessary assistance throughout the pharmacy – from verifying prescription information to preparing prescription containers.
It is a rewarding and exciting career that is needed nationwide. As a growing and aging population requires more medical care, there will be an increased need for prescriptions and pharmacy personnel – meaning opportunity for you! If you’ve wanted to start a pharmacy technician career, now’s the time to get the training you need. Here’s the steps you need to take:
1) Enroll in an accredited career-training school - You need to get a proper educational foundation. Take the first step and enroll in a pharmacy technician course. No time to travel to a classroom? Need to keep your current job? Taking a pharmacy technician online course is the perfect way to prepare for your new career, with the flexibility to focus on your life. Study any time, anywhere with a course that is convenient and self paced.
2) Become certified – Make sure that the pharmacy technician course you choose provides the knowledge you need to prepare for the certification exam. By taking the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification exam, you will provide you pharmacy technician career with increased opportunities.
3) Start your pharmacy technician career – Once you finish your pharmacy technician online course and become certified, you will be prepared to join a pharmacy team anywhere in the nation. Choose to work alongside a licensed pharmacist in a hospital, community pharmacy, outpatient clinic, nursing home or pharmaceutical organization.
How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician? The pharmacy technician course includes 120 hours of study – the amount of time you can spend each week will determine how soon you can start your pharmacy technician career. If you study 10 hours each week, you will finish your course within three months. You will then need to prepare for and sit for the certification exam.
In a short period of time, you will be prepared to start your pharmacy technician career. You will be prepared to help licensed pharmacists provide medication and other health care products to patients. Your day will include counting and measuring medication, managing inventories, and completing pharmaceutical dosage forms – all on a part or full-time basis. Does a pharmacy technician career sound good to you? Get started today with a pharmacy technician online course – study at home with a course that fits your life.
Heather Brunson
http://www.articlesbase.com/career-management-articles/how-to-become-a-pharmacy-technician-841927.html
How do I become a pharmacy technician?
Many, if not all, pharmacy schools require previous work experience as a pharmacy technician in order to be considered for a spot in the entering class. However, finding a job as a pharmacy technician is extremely difficult. Only people with connections to other pharmacy technicians or pharmacists can find these jobs. So, if you do not know anyone in the field, then you can’t become a technician. If you can’t become a technician, then you are not allowed the education to be a pharmacist. So, what is one to do to enter the profession?
Hello, I don’t know if you have been to school or want to go but most people I know just went to school for it. And wind up working at a pharmacy, maybe the schools where you live are different.But in Tenn you can attend most accredited colleges and earn your certificate or degree. You must first pass a pharmacy certification exam with an accredited pharmacy school. here are a few cites to visit even if you have your certificate or not you may find useful info.
http://www.trade-schools.net
http://www.allalliedhealthschools.com
References :
http://www.yahoo.com
The more marketable you are the more desirable you are to potential employers.
There is a national pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCB) that you could take. You can buy study manuals at books stores like Barnes and Nobel or Borders (those who are certified also tend to make more).
You may also consider looking out of state for pharmacy schools. I’m sure some states are more competitive than others.
Another option is first taking a job as a store clerk in a chain pharmacy (Walgreens, CVS, Riteaid, etc). Then letting them know at the interview that you’re interested in moving back to the pharmacy when a position opens up.
Hope this helped.
Good luck!
References :
https://www.ptcb.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home1
Current pharmacy tech.