The job of a pharmacy technician is very intriguing, especially to those who like the idea of dealing with many different kinds of medicines and drugs. So how does one become a pharmacy tech? The same as other technician jobs in the medical industry, this one does not require you to have a formal training or certification. It is true that there is no such thing as a national training standard for pharmacy technicians. But due to recent improvements in the field, employers prefer to hire pharmacy techs that have completed a formal training and secured a certification. An on-the-job training experience is also an edge for aspiring applicants.
If you want to earn a formal training for this career, you must have a high school diploma or at least its equivalent. Education programs specializing in this position are now offered in several institutes. You can enroll in a community college or a vocational school to complete this course. The training program usually lasts around six to twenty four months. The curriculum already includes both classroom and laboratory work. Some of the subjects that will be tackled in this course are pharmaceutical calculations, pharmaceutical terminology and pharmacy law and ethics. The students will also be taught about the names, uses and doses of the medicines that they will be working with. Most of the schools give their students a chance to have hands-on experience in hospitals or pharmacies. Once you have completed the course, you will be given a certificate or an associate’s degree.
If you opt not to enroll in any formal technician training program, then you will still have a chance to work as a pharmacy technician. But mind you, your chances will be very thin as there are more and more individuals who choose to undergo and complete a training program. Some of the pharmacy technicians that are employed today do not have any certification or education about this field. They immediately went on an on-the-job training that may last for about three to twelve months. This depends on one’s pacing to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills. Proficiency in computers, experience with cash registers and excellent customer service are some of the things that an employer considers in hiring their pharmacy technicians.
A number of places in the United States require their pharmacy techs to get a registration with the State board of pharmacy. The usual requirements for this process are high school diploma and application fee. Certifications can also be acquired from various private organizations. Although it is not a requirement, it will definitely boost up your job application. As mentioned earlier, applicants with formal education and certification have a better chance of getting a job than those who don’t have any. Renewal of certificate is done every two years. This includes twenty hours of continuing education within the two year window. You can accomplish these hours in any college, pharmacy association or training program. Some employers even have this benefit for their pharmacy technicians. The employees can finish up to ten hours of continuing education under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
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