How to become a Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians are crucial members of the healthcare team who assist pharmacists in dispensing medications and providing excellent customer service to patients. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, becoming a pharmacy technician could be a great option.

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED:
The first step in becoming a pharmacy tech is to obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most pharmacy technician programs require candidates to have completed high school or obtained an equivalent qualification.

Research State Requirements:
Each state has its own requirements for pharmacy technicians. Research the requirements in your state to ensure you are eligible to work as a pharmacy tech.

Complete a Pharmacy Technician Program:
There are several different types of pharmacy technician programs available, including certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs. These programs typically take between 6 months and 2 years to complete and include coursework in pharmacy law, pharmacology, and medication safety.

Get Certified:
Although certification is not always required, it can improve your job prospects and earning potential. There are several certification options available, including the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Certification Board (PTCB) and the Exam for the Certification of (ExCPT) offered by the National Healthcare Association (NHA).

Average Wage and Job Market Growth:
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics the average salary for a Pharmacy Tech is just over $36,000 annually and the projected market growth is around 5%. However, I think you should look in your local area before making a final decision because average salary state to state for this career path seems to vary wildly. For example in the state of Washington the average salary seems to be closer to $60,000 annually.

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