Guide to Becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician
Want a healthcare job without lots of school? Think about being a certified pharmacy technician. They’re essential in healthcare, helping pharmacists give out meds and supporting patients. This guide to becoming a certified pharmacy technician explains how to become one, what the job is like, potential opportunities, salary, and more. By the end, you’ll know how to start a successful career as a certified pharmacy technician.
What is Pharmacy Tech?
A pharmacy tech is a healthcare professional who works with a licensed pharmacist. They help with different pharmacy jobs, like:
- Filling prescriptions
- Measuring meds
- Compounding meds
- Managing inventory
- Providing customer service
What Does a Pharmacy Tech Do?
Pharmacy techs do many things in a pharmacy, like:
- Helping pharmacists give out meds properly
- Counting, measuring, and packing meds
- Labeling meds containers
- Keeping track of pharmacy supplies
- Handling insurance claims and other tasks
- Providing excellent service to patients
How to Become a Pharmacy Tech
To become a certified pharmacy technician, you must complete specific educational and training requirements. Here are the general steps to follow:
Finish High School or Equivalent: Get a diploma or GED, the basic need for most programs.
Check Programs: Look for schools or online courses that teach what you need to know.
Finish a Program: Join a pharmacy tech program covering things like math, safety, rules, and being ethical.
Get Experience: Many programs let you learn in an actual pharmacy.
Get Certified: After training, take the Pharmacy Tech Certification Exam by the Pharmacy Tech Certification Board.
Keep Learning: To stay certified, keep learning, and stay updated with new things in the field.
Certified Pharmacy Technician Salary and Job Outlook
The salary varies based on experience, location, and where you work. It’s around $33,950 annually, ranging from $24,000 to over $48,000.
The outlook is good. The demand for pharmacy techs will grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029 as the population ages and needs more meds.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a certified pharmacy tech is a rewarding career choice for those interested in healthcare. It’s a way into the field without lots of school. If you’re considering this career, find a good program, learn what your state needs for certification, and get the proper education and training.
If interested in this career, explore CCI Training Center‘s pharmacy technician program. With hands-on training and good teaching, they can help you start your journey to a great career as a pharmacy tech.
Don’t wait – start your journey today!
