The pharmacy industry has undergone unprecedented growth in the last decade. Jobs for pharmacists are on the rise, along with tremendous growth in the pharmaceutical industry as a whole. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be 43,500 annual opportunities for licensed pharmacy technicians.
If you desire a career that allows for both professional and personal development, being a pharmacy technician could be the finest option. If you’re debating whether or not becoming a certified pharmacy technician is the best move for you, read on.
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What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?
A Pharmacy Technician is a healthcare professional responsible for helping licensed pharmacists with their daily operations.
Pharmacy Technicians work in a variety of retail and healthcare settings such as pharmacies, hospitals, and residential homes, dispensing prescription medications and providing customer service.
They use their technical knowledge and experience to help fill prescriptions, provide customer service, enter data into computer systems, stock shelves with medications and prepare insurance claims.
Pharmacy Technicians often provide information about medications to patients, including instructions for storage and use.
Maximizing your odds of success on the CPhT assessment is essential for certifying as a pharmacy technician. To augment your potential to ace the PTCB exam in one shot, utilize the free PTCB practice test. Qualify for roles as a pharmacy technician and gain the credentials you need.
How To Become a Pharmacy Technician
1. Check Your State’s Requirements
In any state, you must get a license from the pharmacy board before you can work as a pharmacy tech. In most places, applicants have to go through state-approved training programs before they get their licenses.
Generally, applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED, complete an approved program and training, and pass an exam. Other state-specific requirements such as criminal background checks may also be necessary.
2. Get a Pharmacy Technician Degree
You can learn the hands-on skills associated with working in a pharmacy and the theoretical knowledge necessary to understand pharmaceutical treatments by enrolling in a training program authorized and approved by the PTCB. There is no universally accepted standard for how long training should take, although estimates put it anywhere from nine months to two years.
3. Pass the PTCE Exam
To become a certified pharmacy technician, you must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Test (PTCE). You must take this test after finishing high school (CPhT). Everything about the job is looked at here, from basic safety precautions to prescription laws and drug interactions.
To be eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, you must first have completed one of the more than 1,400 training programs deemed acceptable by the board, or you must have worked as a pharmacy technician for at least 500 hours (PTCE).
In some states, you are required to pass a certification exam before you can work as a pharmacy technician. Once you clear the exam, your certification remains valid for a period of two years.
4. Take Additional Courses
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists recommends taking additional math and science courses before applying to a pharmacy. Completing these courses will help prepare you for entry-level positions within the field and improve your chances of acceptance into your career. Besides you can download several free quality learning materials and study on the go. Furthermore, the cost of learning is much lower, since you don’t have to pay for any tuition or transport, allowing anyone to become an expert with very little investment.
5. Volunteer To Gain Experience
Volunteering for a local pharmacy or health clinic is an excellent way to get hands-on experience to become a certified pharmacy technician.
With this opportunity, you can refine and build on the theory and practice that you learn while completing your accredited program. Volunteering in your community can also provide an inside look into best practices when handling medications and pharmacy operations.
Most importantly, as a volunteer, you will gain the satisfaction of knowing that your contribution has made a difference in the lives of others.
6. Improve Your Skillset
Effective communication skills (crucial if your job entails answering phones), precision and thoroughness, the ability to gather and analyze data, the capacity to plan and implement solutions to problems, and a familiarity with computers are all necessities (such as word processing).
7. Apply to Open Positions
Finding work that makes use of your strengths is essential. The hiring process for pharmacy technicians varies by hospital, with some preferring to work with temp agencies while others choose to hire individuals directly. Many retail pharmacies are hiring for back-of-the-store positions for those who are interested. Keep your eyes peeled for job postings, and apply soon.
8. Prepare for Q and A Interview
As a pharmacy technician, practicing answers to common interview questions is all you must do to prepare for a job interview. To reach this goal, you can practice interviewing a friend or family member using typical interview questions and then send them your answers.
When asked why you want to work in the pharmaceutical industry, be ready to talk about your background, goals, and experiences.
The following are some common questions that you may be asked during an interview:
- What excites you about the possibility of working in a pharmacy setting?
- Why did you pick this particular store?
- Tell me about your background in computers.
- Elaborate on an instance when you dealt with a dissatisfied customer.
- How did you handle the situation?
- Are there any questions that I can help clarify?
How Can Practice Tests Help You Prepare for the Exam?
By taking a PTCB practice test, you may learn a lot about what it’s like to take the actual PTCB exam, such as how to manage your time well under pressure and stay focused on answering questions in a noisy, unfamiliar place.
The PTCB exam will cover many topics, such as pharmacology, pharmacy law, ethics, drug dose calculations, recognizing medical abbreviations, etc.
By taking practice tests, you can get a better understanding of the material on the exam and also familiarize yourself with the exam format. Practicing with sample questions also allows you to identify areas where you may need additional study.
Additionally, taking a practice test may help build your confidence and reduce anxiety on the day of your exam. If you put in the time to do practice tests, you will be well prepared for the real exam.
If your goal is to pass an exam without having to retake it, practicing with an actual pharmacy technician practice test can help ensure that happens.
Wrapping Up
Pharmacy technicians are an excellent entry point for anyone interested in a career in the healthcare sector.
Becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician is the best option if you want a job with stability, variety, and growth opportunities. You may take advantage of the industry’s low unemployment rate and lucrative salary potential with the right preparation. In addition to these advantages, working in a pharmacy will allow you to help struggling people who could use some support.
