Becoming a Pharmacy Technician...?

Question

Can you train yourseIf? I mean if you study from very helpful textbooks and buy other necessary training aids. And you decide you are ready for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam, will they let you take the exam?
There aren't any Pharmacy Technician training schools in my state of residence.

Answer 1

I bought a book online and studied because classes were too expensive. I passed what seemed to be a pretty difficult test, but where I live, in California, PTCB certification is enough to acquire a tech license. You might want to check with your state's individual laws.

Answer 2

I know many pharmacy techs who did not take any formalized classes before taking the PTCB exam. Some experience in a pharmacy and a book will get you what you need.
Many people in pharmacy do believe formalized pharmacy tech training is silly because you will never make enough money to justify it.
If you do become certified most pharmacies will give you a salary raise.

Answer 3

I obtained my pharmacy technician diploma at my local community college. It was only a 2 month crammed course. It all depends on where you go. Some schools offer courses which last from a month to a year. To work as a pharmacy technician, well, in my state, you have to be licensed by the state and most (in hospials) have to obtain their PTCB.

Answer 4

According to the US Dept of Labor:

*Many tech's receive informal on-the-job training

*You can take the PTCB when ready; the only requirements are: You must have a high school diploma or GED and no felony convictions

Here's the detailed info from the US Dept of Labor:

**Although most pharmacy technicians receive informal on-the-job training, employers favor those who have completed formal training and certification. However, there are currently few State and no Federal requirements for formal training or certification of pharmacy technicians. Employers who have insufficient resources to give on-the-job training often seek formally educated pharmacy technicians. Formal education programs and certification emphasize the technician’s interest in and dedication to the work. In addition to the military, some hospitals, proprietary schools, vocational or technical colleges, and community colleges offer formal education programs.

Formal pharmacy technician education programs require classroom and laboratory work in a variety of areas, including medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy recordkeeping, pharmaceutical techniques, and pharmacy law and ethics. Technicians also are required to learn medication names, actions, uses, and doses. Many training programs include internships, in which students gain hands-on experience in actual pharmacies. Students receive a diploma, a certificate, or an associate’s degree, depending on the program.

Prospective pharmacy technicians with experience working as an aide in a community pharmacy or volunteering in a hospital may have an advantage. Employers also prefer applicants with strong customer service and communication skills, as well as those with experience managing inventories, counting tablets, measuring dosages, and using computers. Technicians entering the field need strong mathematics, spelling, and reading skills. A background in chemistry, English, and health education also may be beneficial. Some technicians are hired without formal training, but under the condition that they obtain certification within a specified period to retain their employment.

**The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board administers the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination. This exam is voluntary in most States and displays the competency of the individual to act as a pharmacy technician. However, more States and employers are requiring certification as reliance on pharmacy technicians grows. Eligible candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and no felony convictions, and those who pass the exam earn the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). The exam is offered several times per year at various locations nationally. Employers—often pharmacists—know that individuals who pass the exam have a standardized body of knowledge and skills. Many employers also will reimburse the costs of the exam as an incentive for certification.

Certified technicians must be recertified every 2 years. Technicians must complete 20 contact hours of pharmacy-related topics within the 2-year certification period to become eligible for recertification. Contact hours are awarded for on-the-job training, attending lectures, and college coursework. At least 1 contact hour must be in pharmacy law. Contact hours can be earned from several different sources, including pharmacy associations, pharmacy colleges, and pharmacy technician training programs. Up to 10 contact hours can be earned when the technician is employed under the direct supervision and instruction of a pharmacist.

For information on the Certified Pharmacy Technician designation, contact:

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, 2215 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington DC 20037-2985. Internet: http://www.ptcb.org

Good luck!

Answer 5

Some pharmacies will train you but its best to get some actual schooling. I am doing Penn Foster online for mine, and there are other online sites that you can use to get the education. Good luck!

Answer 6

My friend works at Walgreen as one of those people at the pharmacy. I don't think shes certified, but It is probably a good place to start. Try an online school to get certified...