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How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in New York (2024)

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If you're looking to start a career as a pharmacy technician in New York, enrolling in a pharmacy technician school is your first step toward acquiring the essential skills. Earning your pharmacy technician certification will prepare you for various pharmacy technician jobs and give you an edge in the competitive job market. Here's what you need to know to get started:

Key Points

  • Pharmacy Technicians assist pharmacists with medication preparation, inventory management, and customer service in various healthcare settings.
  • To become a pharmacy technician in New York, you must complete a training program and pass a certification exam, such as the PTCE or ExCPT.
  • Becoming a pharmacy technician typically takes 6 to 12 months.
  • In New York, the average pharmacy technician salary is $43,760 per year.

Career Paths and Opportunities after Becoming a Pharmacy Technician

As a pharmacy technician, you have numerous opportunities to advance and diversify your career. You can specialize in different areas within the field or pursue further education to explore new roles in healthcare. Here are some potential career paths and opportunities:

  • Sterile Compounding: Specialize in preparing medications that must be free of contaminants, often working in hospital or specialized pharmacy settings.

  • Medication Therapy Management: Focus on optimizing patient medication use and managing chronic conditions, often collaborating with healthcare providers to enhance patient outcomes.

  • Pharmacy Informatics: Work with pharmacy systems and technology to improve medication management and streamline pharmacy operations through data analysis and system integration.

  • Pharmacist: Pursue additional education and training to become a licensed pharmacist, where you can take on more responsibilities, including patient counseling and medication management.

  • Other Healthcare Roles: Explore related fields such as clinical research, pharmaceutical sales, or health administration, where your pharmacy background can be an asset.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do you need to be a pharmacy technician in New York?

To become a pharmacy technician in New York, you need to complete a formal training program, which can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, or online. After completing your training, you must pass a certification exam, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). Additionally, you need to obtain a Pharmacy Technician license from the New York State Education Department.

How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician in NYC?

Becoming a pharmacy technician in New York City typically takes about 6 to 12 months. This includes completing a pharmacy technician training program, which usually lasts 3 to 6 months, and preparing for and passing the certification exam. The total time can vary depending on the program's length and your personal pace in completing the requirements.

How much does a pharmacy technician make in NY?

As of May 2023, the average salary for a pharmacy technician in New York is approximately $43,760 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and the specific employer.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in New York can be a rewarding career path. By meeting the education and licensing requirements, you can start your journey towards a fulfilling role in the healthcare industry.

If you are looking for specific Phlebotomy classes in New York, you might want to check:

Athena Kan
Written by
Athena Kan

Athena is Co-founder and CEO of Dreambound.

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