How long is the training to become a pharmacy tech?

Question

How long is the training to become a pharmacy tech? How do I find a good school (does anyone recommend any)? What is the cost range for the training?

Answer 1

Training varies in what area you live in. The cost is
is usually minimum, but some offer aid. Its usually a 1 year
class, some are 2 years if you want a associates degree.
Then you take a 3 hr test to become certified, which is
very good to have to start working in the pharmacy.
Some pharmacy's offer training their stores, but I reccomend
going to school. You will likely receive better pay.
Its a very rewarding and fast paced job. I loved it.
Communication skills are necceesay as well as
being energetic. Good luck!

Answer 2

Not a single state requires formal education for pharmacy tech. A few states require you have either formal education or be certified. It's not fiscally worthwhile going to school for pharmacy tech. It's not going to increase your salary. Certified techs start at about $11, and non-certified start at about $10 per hour in retail. In hospital, certification and experience is normally a requirement, and you'll start closer to $14 per hour.

Answer 3

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
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.

Successful pharmacy technicians are alert, observant, organized, dedicated, and responsible. They should be willing and able to take directions. They must be precise; details are sometimes a matter of life and death. Although a pharmacist must check and approve all their work, they should be able to work independently without constant instruction from the pharmacist. Candidates interested in becoming pharmacy technicians cannot have prior records of drug or substance abuse.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills are needed because pharmacy technicians interact daily with patients, coworkers, and health care professionals. Teamwork is very important because technicians often are required to work with pharmacists, aides, and other technicians.

Answer 4

In addition to the other invaluable information provided here, please do consider attending a lesser expensive school such as thru the local county vo-tech school or community college (perhaps non-credit course) as opposed to those private schools. I have read that the job of a pharmacy tech involves a lot of standing and walking as far as physical requirements.

For US colleges (including community college): http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ