Pharmacy Technician Careers – Opportunities in the Drug Industry
A career as a pharmacy technician provides individuals with the opportunity to work in the drug industry without spending excessive amounts of money and time on training. Pharmacy technicians find employment at pharmacies and health-care facilities across the globe. They assist pharmacists and patients. They provide customer service and keep the pharmacy running smooth and efficient.
Individuals interested in pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician should complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program, receive certification and obtain a state license. Employers look to hire those who have successfully completed a pharmacy technician-training program because they know these candidates have the knowledge, background and skills needed to perform the job. Training
Pharmacy training programs are available in both a traditional classroom setting and on-line. Technical schools, colleges and universities offer pharmacy technician training programs. Hospitals, clinics and retail pharmacies may provide their own training programs for those hired to work as pharmacy technicians Training programs last from several months up to two years. Program length is dependent upon the state and school requirements.
Training programs provide individuals with the knowledge needed for a successful pharmacy technician career. Students learn about different kinds of medications, their effects on the body, drug interactions and contraindications. Contraindications refer to reasons a medication should not be taken. Students in a pharmacy technician training program are taught skills and techniques on how to perform their job duties Educators offer tips and advice along with the course material to help better prepare students for work in pharmacies.
Certification & Licensing
To be issued a license to work as a pharmacy technician, one must become certified and challenge the state licensing exam. Certification occurs when an individual successfully completes an accredited pharmacy technician-training program. The school will award a certificate, or diploma, that acts as proof the student has fulfilled all of the state requirements necessary to become a pharmacy technician.
Once certification has been received, one can take the state licensing exam. A person must complete the application process by sending in an application and proof of certification. After the application is approved, the individual will receive information pertaining to testing dates and times along with location and any items the applicant must bring to the testing site, such as a photo ID. Each state determines the minimum passing score. Individuals who pass the exam will receive a license to work as a pharmacy technician.
License Renewal
A pharmacy technician license is issued with an expiration date. Individuals must renew their license prior to this date in order to continue working as a licensed pharmacy technician. The length of time each license is good for is determined by the issuing state. To renew their license, a pharmacy technicians must complete the recommended amount of continuing education required by the state. The expiration date is printed on the license card or certificate.
Continuing education classes can betaken on-line or through schools that offer a pharmacy training program. Certain employers, such as hospitals or clinics, may provide employees with the opportunity to complete their continuing education requirements while at work. Others may be responsible for accruing the necessary classes on their own. Continuing education classes can betaken separately or collectively in what is known as a refresher course. A pharmacy technician must send in their certificate, issued upon the completion of the continuing education training, along with a completed application to be eligible for renewal.
Employment Opportunities
Pharmacy technicians find employment anywhere medicines are used to treat patients. They have the opportunity to work in a variety of environments. Employers that hire pharmacy technicians include retail pharmacy chains, drugstores, supermarket and department store pharmacies. They are also hired to work at health-care facilities like hospitals, clinics and outpatient centers.
These employment opportunities offer various scheduling options. For example, traditional drugstore pharmacies offer a schedule that includes day-shift hours while hospitals offer multiple shift choices including day, afternoon or night shifts. This allows pharmacy technicians to find jobs that best suit their family’s needs, which makes them less likely to be late or miss work.
Related Posts
- Online Degrees – How Valuable Are They?
- Online Degree
- The Pricing of Online Degree Programs – Useful Guide
- Calculating the Start Up Costs for a Financial Planning Business
- Career Opportunities in Criminal Justice
- Dump Truck Driver Career
- Fire Fighting Careers – Fire Investigator
- Four Best Careers in Foreign Languages
- Get Trained to Become a Licensed Solar Installer
- Getting Your Next Job by Confidence
- How to Find Good Job Opportunities
- Important Steps to Take if You Have Been Laid Off
- Odd Employment Practices
Filed Under: Career
