Pharmacy technicians are important members of the healthcare team, and they are in high demand. If you are interested in a career in healthcare, consider becoming a pharmacy technician. In this article, we will go over the ins and outs of becoming a pharmacy technician.

Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of pharmacists. They ensure that their patients receive the right medication. They play an important role in dispensing medication, which requires precision and attention to detail.

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## What does a pharmacy technician do? 

Here are some of the duties performed by a pharmacy technician:

- Helping patients fill or order prescriptions. 

- Preparing new prescription and refill requests for patients.

- Packing and labeling a prescribed medication

- Dispensing medication to patients per the prescription or provider’s orders. 

Pharmacy technician jobs can vary depending on their work setting. Your duties and responsibilities may differ depending on the type of healthcare facility you serve.

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## Education and training requirements

The requirements for a pharmacy technician program depend on the training provider. It usually includes:

- High school diploma/ GED

- Social Security Card 

- Driver’s license/ State ID 

## How long is the pharmacy technician program?

The certification program for pharmacy technicians takes between 7 weeks to a year. So, if you are looking for a fast-paced program, enrolling in a vocational program will be the best option for you.

You also have the option to take an associate’s degree program to become a pharmacy technician. This type of program will take longer and is approximately about 2 years to complete.

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## What will you learn in the program?

There are lots of topics and concepts that you will learn during the program. You will learn how to be keen in dealing with patients' medicines and prescriptions.  Some of the topics you will discuss during the training are as follows:

- Pharmacy Law

- Drug Classifications

- Community Pharmacy Practice

- Institutional Pharmacy Practice

- Introduction to Health Professions

- Pharmaceutical Math

- Compounding Sterile Preparations

- Pharmacology

- Pharmacy ethics

- Anatomy

- Healthcare systems

- Physiology

- Medical terminology

The things you learn in the course are important for helping to save lives and keep people safe when they take medication. By gaining knowledge and guidance, you'll be able to ensure that medications are correctly and effectively used.

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## Pharmacy technician license vs. pharmacy technician certification

After completing the training, you can either get a certification or a license to work. Here’s a quick overview of the difference between a pharmacy technician license and a certification:

1. ‍Pharmacy technician license ‍This is a legal authorization from your state provided by the  Board of Pharmacy, qualifying you to work as a  pharmacy technician. It verifies that you have met the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out the tasks of a pharm technician. This also ensures that you have undergone training to ensure the proper dispensing of medications. 

2. ‍Pharmacy technician certification‍This is a special recognition that shows someone has completed training and passed tests to become a qualified pharmacy technician. It means they have learned important skills to help pharmacists in places like pharmacies or hospitals. 

There are two most preferred certifications available for pharmacy technicians that you can get.

3. Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE): You can get this certification at the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The cost of the exam is $129; it is a computer-based exam with 90 multiple-choice questions. You must complete a state-approved training program or have at least 500 hours of work experience to be eligible to take the training. ‍

4. Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT):‍You can get this certification at the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).  You can take the exam online or in person, and it consists of a total of 100 questions.  You must complete a state-approved training program or have at least 1,200 hours of supervised pharmacy-related work.

Every two years, you need to renew your certification. You must complete at least 20 hours of continuing education to be eligible for renewal. This renewal process ensures that you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.

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Here’s a quick guide on whether your state requires a certificate or license as a pharmacy technician:

- **License Required**:

    - Alabama

    - Alaska

    - Arkansas

    - California

    - Florida

    - Georgia

    - Idaho

    - Indiana

    - Kentucky

    - Maine

    - Maryland

    - Massachusetts

    - Michigan

    - Minnesota

    - Mississippi

    - Missouri

    - Nebraska

    - Nevada

    - New Hampshire

    - New Jersey

    - North Carolina

    - Ohio

    - Oklahoma

    - Rhode Island

    - South Dakota

    - Tennessee

    - Washington

    - West Virginia

- **Certification Required**:

    - Arizona

    - Colorado

    - Connecticut

    - Illinois

    - Iowa

    - Kansas

    - Louisiana

    - Montana

    - New Mexico

    - North Dakota

    - Oregon

    - South Carolina

    - Texas

    - Utah

    - Vermont

    - Virginia

    - Wyoming

- **Not Required**:

    - Delaware

    - Hawaii

    - New York

    - Pennsylvania

    - Wisconsin

## Where can I find Pharmacy technician classes?

There are two options for you to become a certified pharm technician. You can take an online or in-person session.  Then, take the class at a vocational school or earn an associate degree. This depends on your budget and your plans for your career in the future.

Dreambound makes it easier to find a [pharmacy technician class](https://dreambound.com/search/certified-pharmacy-technician-cpht) near your location. You can even filter the class by zip code!

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## Job Prospects and Salaries

The demand for pharmacy technicians is growing due to the increasing number of older adults and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases. BLS expects an average of 43,500 job openings per year to be available for pharmacy technicians, indicating a strong job outlook in this field.

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## What is the salary range for a Pharmacy Technician?

According to the [Bureau of Labor Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm#tab-5), the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians was $36,740 as of May 2021. On average, pharmacy technicians in the United States earn a base salary of $18.30 per hour.

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## Where does a  Pharmacy Technician work?

They work in various settings, such as pharmacies within drugstores, general merchandise stores, grocery stores, and hospitals. While many work full-time, a significant portion also work part-time, providing flexibility in scheduling and enabling individuals to balance work with other responsibilities.

## ‍

## What can I do after becoming a Pharmacy Technician?

After becoming a certified pharmacy technician, there are several career paths available to you. You can choose to specialize in a particular area or take other courses and certifications to advance your career.

Here are a few options you can choose from:

- **Pharmacist**: A healthcare professional who is responsible for dispensing medications, providing drug information to patients.

- **Lead Pharmacy Technician**: They continue to do the same duties as pharmacy technicians while taking on leadership roles, mentoring their coworkers, and ensuring patients receive high-quality care.

- **Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT)**: Performs advanced knowledge and skill as a specialized pharmacy technician and ensures medication safety.

- **Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-Adv)**: You will perform more complex tasks compounding medications, preparing sterile products, managing inventory, and ordering medications. You are also expected to take on managerial roles such as training and educating other pharmacy technicians and students.

- **Technician Product Verification Certificate**: You will have a deeper knowledge of patient safety and be keen on avoiding dispensing medication errors.

- **Hazardous Drug Management Certificate**: You will gain expertise in handling, storing, administering, and disposing of hazardous drugs.

- **Billing and Reimbursement Certificate**: This certification will provide you with expertise in healthcare billing and reimbursement.

- **Controlled Substances Diversion Prevention Certificate**: This certification will equip you to detect and prevent the illegal distribution or misuse of prescription medication.

- **Immunization Certificate**: This certification qualifies you to administer immunizations and vaccines.

## Conclusion

As one of the frontline people in the healthcare industry. Being a pharmacy technician is one of the best options right now. The job doesn't need too much physical work or lifting, but it helps patients a lot when it comes to getting the right medication for them.

So if you are the type of person who is very detail-oriented and loves interacting with people, this career might be for you. With the right education and training, you can embark on a fulfilling and rewarding career path that makes a real difference in people's lives. Don't hesitate to take the first step and connect with [Dreambound](https://dreambound.com/search/certified-pharmacy-technician-cpht), your one-stop shop for vocational training!

Should you be considering changes in your career journey or exploring different professional paths within the same field, Dreambound offers in-depth guides to support you. Immerse yourself in these resources for a thorough understanding of your chosen industry across various metros:
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How to Become a Pharmacy Technician?

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Pharmacy Technician certification

Online Pharmacy Technician certification Classes

Cincinnati State Technical & Community College Online offers a comprehensive Pharmacy Technician certification program that prepares individuals for a successful healthcare career. Divided into two courses, this program provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the field. The online learning experience allows for flexibility, with lectures, assignments, and resources accessible at the students' convenience. The curriculum covers all essential aspects of pharmacy operations, ensuring graduates are well-prepared. Experienced instructors provide individual attention and guidance, creating a supportive learning environment. Hands-on practical experience through externships allows students to gain valuable industry experience. Successful completion of the program makes students eligible for the nationally recognized Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam, enhancing employment prospects. Cincinnati State Technical & Community College Online offers a high-quality education that meets industry standards, equipping graduates to succeed in the fast-paced healthcare field.


According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job demand for certified pharmacy technicians is expected to grow 12% from 2016 - 2026, faster than average for all occupations. The demand stems from caring for the aging population in addition to numerous new drug therapies. 

The purpose of the Pharmacy Technology Programs at Chattanooga State is to prepare students to become well trained, nationally PTCB certified pharmacy technicians in order to assist the pharmacists of the greater Chattanooga community in providing optimal pharmaceutical care to patients.

Pharmacy Technicians must have broad knowledge of pharmacy practice and be skilled in the techniques required to fill prescriptions, constitute IV solutions, and prepare medication without constant instruction by the pharmacist. Because of its critical nature, Pharmacy Technicians must perform precise work, as well as employ good communication and interpersonal skills.


The Pharmacy Technician Program orients students to the work of various pharmacy settings and the context in which their work is performed. An overview of the pharmacokinetics & pharmacodynamics associated with prescription and OTC medications is provided.

Students are introduced to the profound influence that federal and state laws and regulation have on practice. Commonly encountered ethical dilemmas are explored in this program. Students will perform drug dosage conversions and calculations. The program contains opportunities for hands on labs to allow students to simulate preparing various forms of medications. Upon successful completion of the program, students should have attained the skills to prepare them to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, if they choose to. Additionally, the Pharmacy Technician program will provide a basic foundation and understanding of pharmaceuticals that any student pursuing higher level education in the Healthcare field may benefit from.


Anderson University in Indiana offers a comprehensive Pharmacy Technician certification program that prepares students for a successful career in the healthcare industry. The program covers a wide range of topics, including pharmaceutical calculations and medication dispensing, and provides extensive training in pharmacology and dosage forms. One notable aspect of the program is the hands-on training, which allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. The program also offers opportunities for personal and professional growth, with dedicated faculty members who mentor students and state-of-the-art facilities and resources. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in various healthcare settings, including pharmacies and hospitals. Overall, Anderson University's Pharmacy Technician certification program is reputable and prepares students for success in the healthcare industry.


This comprehensive course will prepare learners to enter the pharmacy field and take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s PTCB exam. Content includes pharmacy terminology, reading and interpreting prescriptions, defining generic and brand names drugs, and much, much more.  This program will prepare students to enter the pharmacy field and to pursue certification including the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s PTCB exam.


How to Become a Pharmacy Technician?

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