Components of A Successful Pharmacy Technician Career
A successful pharmacy technician is a major player on the pharmacy team. Because of their careful work, patients receive the right medication for treating their conditions or relieving discomfort, and can trust the pharmacy technician to let them know of any potential side effects or contraindications. They must meet the highest standards for accuracy when completing their work. Anything less could have terrible, even fatal, consequences. A successful pharmacy technician not only earns the trust of colleagues, but also that of the patients whom they serve. Attention to detail, honesty, and excellent communication skills all contribute to a pharmacy technician’s success.
What Does A Pharmacy Technician Do?
Under a pharmacist’s supervision, a pharmacy technician dispenses medication to patients. They also put together the medicines needed for a prescription, label them, and answer some questions for patients and healthcare providers. Pharmacy technicians may process prescriptions either from written prescriptions or via prescriptions sent electronically or called in from doctors’ offices. In some states, a pharmacy technician may obtain refill authorizations from physicians, as well as compound or mix medications. Inventorying medication is also among their tasks, and they are responsible for letting the pharmacist know when shortages occur. They must keep detailed records of all drugs dispensed.
What is the Difference Between Pharmacy Technician and Pharmacist?
A pharmacist receives a doctor of pharmacy degree, which may consist of four to six years of higher education after receiving a baccalaureate degree. They require registration with their state’s Board of Pharmacy. Pharmacists engage in more in-depth conversations with patients regarding prescriptions and the side effects of certain drugs than almost any other medical specialist; answering all the questions you forgot to ask your doctor. They also advise doctors on drug treatments. It is the pharmacist’s responsibility to oversee every aspect of the pharmacy. Depending on the state, the pharmacist may write prescriptions for certain common medications, such as antibiotics.
Pharmacy technicians perform many of the basic duties in the pharmacy, all at the direction of the pharmacist. They can answer simple questions a patient may have regarding their medication, but involved questions require the pharmacist.
Typical Pharmacy Technician Trade School Requirements
Anyone planning to attend a pharmacy technician trade school should have a high school diploma or a GED. A person convicted of a felony cannot receive full pharmacy technician licensure.
Typical Pharmacy Technician Certifications Needed
A pharmacy technician must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board examination for basic certification, or the National Healthcareer Association certification. More advanced certifications are available after completion of coursework and hands-on training.
Exam/Experience Needed for a Pharmacy Technician Degree/Certification
In many states, pharmacy technicians are regulated, so passing an exam or receiving a pharmacy technician degree is required to work in the field. In some states, on-the-job training is sufficient to become a pharmacy technician. These professionals may receive certifications from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the National Healthcareer Association.
Important Questions to Ask (FAQ)
How long does it take to earn an online Pharmacy Technician Degree or Certification?
Depending on the school or online program, it can take between four months and two years to earn a pharmacy technician degree. The longer program generally involves obtaining an associate’s degree at a community college. This degree or certification is not standardized from state to state.
How much does an Online Pharmacy Technician Trade School Degree cost?
The cost of this degree depends on the school and whether the student receives a certificate or an online associate’s degree. It also depends whether most of the coursework is conducted in class or online, with the latter usually a less expensive means of obtaining certification. Expect coursework resulting in certification to average $3,000, while an associate’s degree from a community college may cost $5,000 to $20,000.
How many students graduate “on time,” in 12 months or 24 months?
On time graduation is an important factor when considering a pharmacy technical trade school degree. If a school has a low on time graduation rate, it is possible there are issues with staffing, curriculum, or something similar. While a low on-time graduation rate is not a reason to dismiss a school out of hand, you should look into the reasons why the on-time graduation rate is especially low and see if this may affect your education or use this metric to help you decide between two similar schools.
What kind of accreditation does the online program hold? How is it regarded in the field?
There are some major hospitals, such as Ohio’s renowned Cleveland Clinic, which offer pharmacy technician training. Accreditation from such in-house programs are the most highly regarded in the field. However, relatively few pharmacy technician students can attend such programs. When choosing a school, look for a program accredited by the Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education (ACPE) or the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists (ASHSP). This accreditation will give you an education that is highly regarded in the field.
Professional Pharmacy Technician Trade School Organizations
NPTA
National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA)
The largest of pharmacy technician associations, NPTA membership offers benefits such as continuing education, discounts to regional and national events, various publications dealing with industry trends, and professional networking assistance. NPTA offers several certificate programs for pharmacy technicians, focusing on specialization education in the pharmacy and healthcare fields.
AAPT
American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT)
This organization prides itself on “providing leadership, networking, and continuing education for pharmacy technicians.” Along with continuing education, AAPT has services to help technicians keep their skills updated in relation to changes in the pharmacy technician field. Members receive discounted, and in some cases free opportunities for continuing education. In addition to the national organization, there are currently state chapters in North Carolina, North Dakota, and Minnesota.
NHA
National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
This organization certifies healthcare workers in eight different professions, including pharmacy technicians. Technicians may take its ExCPT exam and earn pharmacy technician certification. NHA certification exams are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
APA
American Pharmacists Association (APA)
While primarily designed for pharmacists, the APA also invites pharmacy technicians to become members. It offers professional development and continuing education opportunities for pharmacy technicians, along with providing the latest information in pharmacy trends and practices. Pharmacy technicians receive discounted membership rates.