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Although most pharmacy technicians receive
informal on-the-job training, employers favor those
who have completed formal training and
certification.
However, there are currently few
State and no Federal requirements for formal
training or certification of pharmacy technicians.
Employers who have insufficient resources to give
on-the-job training often seek formally educated
pharmacy technicians.
Formal education programs and
certification emphasize the technician’s interest in
and dedication to the work. In addition to the
military, some hospitals, proprietary schools,
vocational or technical colleges, and community
colleges offer formal education programs.
Formal pharmacy technician education programs
require classroom and laboratory work in a variety
of areas, including medical and pharmaceutical
terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy
recordkeeping, pharmaceutical techniques, and
pharmacy law and ethics. Technicians also are
required to learn medication names, actions, uses,
and doses. Many training programs include
internships, in which students gain hands-on
experience in actual pharmacies. Students receive a
diploma, a certificate, or an associate’s degree,
depending on the program.
Prospective pharmacy technicians with experience
working as an aide in a community pharmacy or
volunteering in a hospital may have an advantage.
Employers also prefer applicants with strong
customer service and communication skills, as well
as those with experience managing inventories,
counting tablets, measuring dosages, and using
computers. Technicians entering the field need
strong mathematics, spelling, and reading skills. A
background in chemistry, English, and health
education also may be beneficial. Some technicians
are hired without formal training, but under the
condition that they obtain certification within a
specified period to retain their employment.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
administers the National Pharmacy Technician
Certification Examination. This exam is voluntary in
most States and displays the competency of the
individual to act as a pharmacy technician. However,
more States and employers are requiring
certification as reliance on pharmacy technicians
grows. Eligible candidates must have a high school
diploma or GED and no felony convictions, and those
who pass the exam earn the title of Certified
Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). The exam is offered
several times per year at various locations
nationally. Employers—often pharmacists—know that
individuals who pass the exam have a standardized
body of knowledge and skills. Many employers also
will reimburse the costs of the exam as an incentive
for certification.
Certified technicians must be recertified every 2
years. Technicians must complete 20 contact hours of
pharmacy-related topics within the 2-year
certification period to become eligible for
recertification. Contact hours are awarded for
on-the-job training, attending lectures, and college
coursework. At least 1 contact hour must be in
pharmacy law. Contact hours can be earned from
several different sources, including pharmacy
associations, pharmacy colleges, and pharmacy
technician training programs. Up to 10 contact hours
can be earned when the technician is employed under
the direct supervision and instruction of a
pharmacist.
Successful pharmacy technicians are alert,
observant, organized, dedicated, and responsible.
They should be willing and able to take directions.
They must be precise; details are sometimes a matter
of life and death. Although a pharmacist must check
and approve all their work, they should be able to
work independently without constant instruction from
the pharmacist. Candidates interested in becoming
pharmacy technicians cannot have prior records of
drug or substance abuse.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills are
needed because pharmacy technicians interact daily
with patients, coworkers, and health care
professionals. Teamwork is very important because
technicians often are required to work with
pharmacists, aides, and other technicians.
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