How Long Does It Take To Become a Pharmacy Technician
Are you considering a career as a pharmacy technician? Wondering how long it takes to become one? Look no further! In this article, we'll explore the common duties of a pharmacy technician, how long pharmacy technician classes usually are, the time you need to prepare for your pharmacy technician exams, and more! Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to switch careers, we've got you covered.
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What is a Pharmacy Technician?
A pharmacy technician (PhT) plays a vital role in the healthcare system. They assist licensed pharmacists in various tasks supporting the operations of a pharmacy. They handle medications and provide essential services to patients. There are plenty of pharmacy technician jobs available, and they usually work in settings such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
What does a Pharmacy Technician do?
As outlined in most pharmacy technician job description, here are the following job duties and responsibilities that you may encounter in your daily life as a pharmacy technician:
- Assisting in filling and dispensing prescriptions: Help prepare prescription medications, ensuring accurate dosage, labeling, and packaging.
- Managing medication inventory: Receive, stock, and organize medications. Ensure proper storage and check expiration dates.
- Processing insurance claims: Help patients with insurance processes. Verify coverage and billing information, and submit claims.
- Providing customer service: Assist patients in person or over the phone by answering their questions. You may need to call the pharmacist when a customer asks for advice or information regarding over-the-counter products.
- Compounding medications: Prepare specialized medications in some settings following specific guidelines and protocols.
- Maintaining pharmacy equipment: Ensure that pharmacy equipment is functioning. Perform routine maintenance tasks.
- Maintaining patient records: Update and maintain patient profiles, including medication histories and allergies, while adhering to privacy regulations.
- Assisting with administrative tasks: Help with administrative duties, including managing paperwork, maintaining records, and organizing pharmacy documentation.
- Collaborating with healthcare professionals: Communicate with healthcare providers and other members of the healthcare team to ensure accurate medication information and resolve any medication-related concerns.
As a pharmacy technician, your job duties and responsibilities may also vary depending on the specific requirements of your employer and the state’s policy. By seamlessly blending technical skills with a compassionate approach, pharmacy technicians contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities alike.
How long is a Pharmacy Technician program?
The length of your pharmacy technician training has several factors that come into play. The first factor is the type of program you will attend. You should keep in mind that certificate programs are much shorter than the traditional associate or bachelor's degree. The delivery method of the program, whether it is offered in-person or online, can also impact the duration of the classes. In addition, the availability of clinical rotations and internships can extend the length of the program; getting hands-on experience is crucial in this field! Lastly, your commitment and ability to dedicate time to your studies can greatly influence the duration of your pharmacy technician training.
On that note, here are two common types of pharmacy technician training programs:
Certificate or Diploma Programs:
Duration:
- Typically, it ranges from 6 months to 1 year.
Description:
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Provide comprehensive training in pharmacy technology.
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Cover essential topics such as pharmacology, pharmacy law, medication preparation, and pharmacy operations.
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Include classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and hands-on training in a simulated or real pharmacy setting.
Associate Degree Programs:
Duration:
- It usually takes two years to complete.
Description:
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Offer a more in-depth curriculum.
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Combine general education courses with specialized pharmacy technician training.
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Often include clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.
Where can I find Pharmacy Technician classes?
If you're ready to start your pharmacy technician journey, Dreambound is here to help you find pharmacy technician classes near you! We have already connected thousands of students with the best schools offering classes in healthcare, technology, trades, and more!
When looking for a pharmacy technician training program, here are some things you need to consider before enrolling:
- Cost: The cost of classes greatly varies, and on the Dreambound platform, you can find affordable online pharmacy technician programs starting for as low as $59 a month! The typical cost of pharmacy technician training programs ranges between $400 and $4,000 plus.
- Class setup: PhT classes can be diverse. Schools found on the Dreambound platform offer different options to accommodate the different schedules of students and their learning preferences. You can attend online pharmacy technician programs or choose a hybrid class—combining online and in-person instruction. Make sure to choose the class setup that aligns best with your schedule and learning style.
- Enrollment requirements: Specific requirements may vary depending on your chosen school. Check the school's requirements to ensure you have all the documents and qualifications for enrollment. Common requirements often include proof of education, a government-issued ID, a social security card, and proof of vaccination.
Timeframe for Pharmacy Technician exams
After completing your pharmacy technician training, you may now take the following exam to make it official! There are two recognized pharmacy technician certification exams available for you to take:
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Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE):
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Offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
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It is a computer-based test consisting of 90 multiple-choice questions. The exam fee is $129.
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You must complete a state-approved training program or have at least 500 hours of work experience to be eligible.
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The unofficial score report is available immediately after the exam. This score report shows whether you passed or failed the exam. Official score reports will be available three weeks after the exam date. Your official score report, certificate, and wallet card are accessible through your PTCB account.
Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT):
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Offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
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You can take the exam online or in person, and it consists of 100 questions in total.
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You must complete a state-approved training program or at least 1,200 hours of supervised pharmacy-related work.
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The NHA will send an email notification once the test results are available, and you need to log in to your NHA account. If you pass, your certificate will be available after the exam. You must download the NHA handbook for more details about the exam process and requirements.
Both certifications confirm your knowledge and competence as a pharmacy technician. Your choice may depend on factors such as your preferences and the requirements of potential employers or state regulations. Feel free to read our blog post on becoming a pharmacy technician to learn which states require certification or licensing.
How much does a Pharmacy Technician make?
As of May 2022, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the annual salary for pharmacy technicians can range from $29,640 to $50,640. The hourly wage, on the other hand, can range from $14.25 to $24.35. About job opportunities, the BLS projects a 6 percent growth for employment of pharmacy technicians from 2022 to 2032. On average, there are about 44,900 job openings for pharmacy technicians each year!
What is the job outlook for Pharmacy Technicians?
The job outlook for pharmacy technicians is exceptionally promising, making it an ideal career choice for aspiring medical professionals. With the demand for prescription medications on the rise, the need for skilled pharmacy technicians continues to grow! To help you further increase your awareness about the job outlook of this field, we have written a blog discussing the job outlook of a pharmacy technician.
Final Thoughts
You can enjoy a stable and fulfilling job helping others manage their medication as a pharmacy technician without having to go through years of studying. With the help of Dreambound, finding suitable healthcare classes becomes more accessible. Take the time to explore the options and ensure you meet the requirements to embark on your journey toward becoming a CPhT. Remember to research and compare programs to find the best fit for your goals and needs!
If you're exploring options in this field in various locations, Dreambound's extensive guides are a great resource. We've got detailed insights for numerous cities. Check out some additional guides below:
Fel is a student support representative who guides enrollees to the right program and answers their queries. She's committed to helping students and takes pride in her work. In her free time, she enjoys sightseeing and hanging out with loved ones.