How to Become a Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians help patients meet one of their greatest healthcare needs: the safe, effective use of medications. Working under the direction of a licensed pharmacist, technicians prepare and dispense prescriptions and make sure patients have the information they need to use them safely. They also play a key role in preventing dangerous medication errors and spotting potential cases of prescription drug abuse.

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When a doctor prescribes medication for a patient, the pharmacy tech swings into action. Common responsibilities include:

• Receiving prescription information directly from customers, electronically from doctors’ offices, or in some cases by phone
• Making sure that the prescription information is clear and not problematic
• Preparing the prescribed medication, which may involve calculating dosage, measuring drugs, and possibly mixing/compounding drugs
• Preparing packaging and directions for the prescription
• Helping the patient understand instructions and any safety precautions
• Handling payments, insurance claims and patient records

Pharmacy techs play an important role in preventing medical error by properly dispensing prescriptions. They’re also on the front lines when it comes to spotting potential drug interactions or suspicious usage patterns that might indicate abuse and referring these to the pharmacist. They follow strict security rules that prevent the theft and trafficking of controlled substances. They also go the extra mile to protect patients’ private medical information both online and offline.

The work of the technicians helps to ensure the safety of patients, including those who are elderly, disabled and living with chronic conditions. Techs often establish relationships with their regular customers, who appreciate their patience, knowledge and compassion.

Workplace Details

It’s probably no surprise that the majority of pharmacy technicians (54 percent) work in drug stores. Hospitals also employ a significant number (18 percent). In addition, pharmacy techs work in grocery stores, department stores, mail-order pharmacies, nursing homes, correctional facilities and just about anywhere else medications are dispensed.

Pharmacy technicians’ job duties vary somewhat by setting. Those in retail stores typically work with more common medications and have extensive contact with the public. In the hospital setting, technicians have opportunities to work with more and more advanced types of medications, including injectable and chemotherapy drugs. Hospital techs are typically more involved with repackaging and mixing drugs. They may also conduct rounds to administer medications to patients.

Because pharmacies are open long hours (sometimes 24-7), technicians typically work some evening, weekend and holiday hours. On a positive note, this allows for flexible scheduling to accommodate school and family commitments. Most pharmacy technicians work full-time, but part-time jobs are also available.

Hover over any state to explore local income and job growth data.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for all pharmacy technicians is $30,920. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $21,370, and the highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $45,710. Techs working in hospital setting are generally better paid than those who work in retail personal care stores. Salary generally increases with experience, education level and job responsibility.

In a word, the job outlook for pharmacy technicians is strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow by 9 percent between 2014 and 2024, which is faster than the average for all occupations. So what’s driving this upward trend? For one, the U.S. population is aging rapidly. Older people generally take more medications than younger ones, which will create a surge in medication use in coming decades. In addition, an increase in the use of medication therapy to treat all sorts of conditions is driving a demand for pharmacy services.

Job candidates can gain a competitive edge by furthering their education and obtaining voluntary certifications. Retail experience is also a plus, as this is the fastest growing pharmacy sector.

The NPTA Career Center is filled with resources for job seekers. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists maintains a job board called CareerPharm, as well as personal placement services.

Paths to becoming a pharmacy technician vary by state. In some, a high school diploma or GED plus on-the-job training is sufficient. High school students who are considering a career in pharmacy should prepare by taking classes in biology, chemistry and computers. A solid math background is also helpful, as techs need these skills to calculate dosages and mixture ratios. A class in medical terminology is useful as well. (If it’s not taught at school, you may be able to take it through a local community college.)

However, the majority of states now require certification. Having a certificate opens up more employment opportunities, even in states that don’t mandate one; regardless of location, most employers prefer to hire those with certification. Here’s a useful link for learning about your state’s requirements through the state board of pharmacy.

So let’s say you’ve decided you should get certified – that’s what we recommend. What’s the next step?

An accredited certificate program lasts about one year and will serve you well; it typically allows you to gain valuable training in the field while educating you in a variety of relevant subjects and preparing you to obtain certification (which, depending on where you live, is either mandatory or highly valuable).

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Many vocational schools and community colleges offer one-year pharmacy technician certificates. Two-year Associate of Science programs are also an option. Training covers basic pharmacology (or medication science), math, record keeping and pharmacy law and ethics. To ensure you’re getting the best possible education, choose a program accredited by the American Society for Health-System Pharmacists.

It’s still not uncommon for pharmacy technicians to learn on the job outside of a certificate program, especially in states that don’t require a certificate. Some employers pay for their technicians to pursue certification and take the exam. Certificate and associate degree programs generally require students to complete an internship and/or supervised work experience.

Certification as a pharmacy technician is required by a majority of states. Even where it’s not, it’s still a great way to boost your resume and show your professionalism.

Two national certifying bodies award the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential: the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the National Healthcareer Association. Both require students to hold a high school diploma or GED, pass a background check, achieve a passing score on an exam and pay a fee ($100-$150).

States regulate pharmacy technicians differently. Some require a thorough background check, verification of educational credentials, fees and a licensing exam. In others, registration will suffice. And in a few, there are no regulations at all. Contact your State Board of Pharmacy to find out which rules apply to you.

Once certified, techs must meet continuing education requirements to maintain their status. Certified techs are bound by a strict code of conduct and ethics.

Pharmacy technicians who want to advance their skills can pursue advanced certification. And experienced, well-educated pharmacy techs have a world of opportunity open to them.

Those who are clinically minded can pursue advanced certification in IV drugs, chemotherapy and compounding. Working in the pharmacy of a research or academic hospital can provide opportunities to learn new skills and work with new medications.

There are also opportunities for leadership. Senior techs in large pharmacies often manage the work of others. Techs who hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree are eligible to teach in certificate, associate degree and continuing education programs.

Working as a tech is also a great way to find out if you’re interested in a career in pharmacy or another health profession. Flexible scheduling makes this a great job for people who want to gain real-life experience before applying to graduate or professional school. Education can also open up positions in healthcare administration, the pharmaceutical industry and health information technology.

Most aspiring pharmacy technicians enroll in a one-year program that culminates in a non-degree award and features both in-class instruction and hands-on training. Sometimes the duration is shorter than a year. During this program, students acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to earn their certification as pharmacy technicians and enter the workforce at the entry level.

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Programs cover an interesting array of subjects, typically including the following among others:

Pursuing an associate degree provides a broader and deeper educational experience than the certificate program. Students with an associate degree have acquired a higher education than necessary for entry-level jobs as a pharmacy technician, but they also have a better foundation upon which to advance their careers, should they choose to become pharmacists one day. The degree path requires a longer amount of time – generally two years – and often includes an externship. Common coursework includes the following subjects among others.

You can demonstrate deeper knowledge and advance your career by obtaining one of the following additional certifications from the National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA):

• Chemotherapy certification
• Compounding certification
• Sterile products (IV) certification