How to Become a Pharmacy Tech/Technician

Our Nation's elderly population is growing faster than any other age group at this time due in large part to advances in medical technology and medications that help people live longer. Job opportunities for pharmacy technicians in retail, hospital and online pharmacies are growing at astonishing rates, in fact the National Pharmacy Technician Association website reports that job growth in this field will grow by 28.8%. This is great time to become a pharmacy technician.

Education & Training for Pharmacy Technicians

Requirements for pharmacy technician employment will vary based on facility type and location. Formal training coupled with experience is desirable but not required. A high school diploma or equivalent education is often the minimum requirement for pharmacy technicians. National pharmacy technician certification is preferred in most facilities but not always required. In states where pharmacy technicians are required to be licensed or certified by the state board of pharmacy, applicants will be most competitive if they possess the license or certification prior to applying. Pharmacy techs must have knowledge of generic and brand names for medications. Those applicants who have completed a formal pharmacy technician training program, have pharmacy technician work experience, hold a national certification and have the required state licensure or certification will have the greatest opportunities. Read about our Online Pharmacy Technician School to learn more about available education for pharmacy technicians.

Pharmacy Technician Job Description

Pharmacy technicians work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist in retail, hospital, nursing home, government agency and online pharmacies. Pharmacy techs in a retail pharmacy answer phones, call physician offices for refills and authorizations, count pills, mix and medications, compound medications, complete prior aurhorizations for patients, take prescriptions and fill prescriptions, enter data into computer to keep track of patients' medications, keep patients' prescription insurance current in computer systems, order supplies, take inventory, communicate with insurance companies as to which medications are available for patients, labeling prescription bottles and verifying countents, and related tasks.

Pharmacy Technician Salary and Employment Outlook

The National Pharmacy Technician Association salary survey found that the median annual salry for pharmacy technicians is $23,650. Our 2008 research of salary websites and job postings found that the hourly rate for pharmacy techs ranged from $8.76 an hour to over $15.00 an hour. Salaries will vary significantly depending on location, education, experience, size of facility and other factors.

Schools Offering Online Pharmacy Technician Training

star= Staff Recommended

Click Here to request information from our associate's in health care programs.

starKaplan University: This online certificate program is designed to prepare students for a career as a pharmacy technician in retail, hospital, mail-order pharmacies or in home health care setting.

 

Pharmacy Technician Certificate

Featured Campus Based Pharmacy Technician Schools

starEverest College: Everest College Pharmacy Technician program provides students with a strong academic and clinical background to work as a pharmacy technician. Review the Everest College campus locations and request information from a campus near you. If you do not see a campus near you check out the Everest Institute campus locations below.

Arizona: Phoenix
California: Alhambra, Anaheim, City of Industry, Los Angeles (Wilshire), Ontario, Reseda, San Francisco, Torrance, West Los Angeles
Colorado: Denver/Aurora
Illinois: Chicago, Merrionette Park, North Aurora, Skokie
Oregon: Portland
Texas: Fort Worth, Mid Cities (Arlington)
Utah: Salt Lake City
Washington: Bremerton, Everett, Renton, Tacoma

starEverest Institute: You will learn the necessary skills and clinical information needed to begin a career as a Pharmacy Technician from one of the top career schools in the country. Request information today.

Georgia: Atlanta, Jonesboro
Massachusetts: Chelsea
Michigan: Dearborn, Detroit, Kalamazoo
Minnesota: Eagan
New Jersey: South Plainfield
Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh
Texas: Austin, Houston/Hobby, Houston/Bissonnet, San Antonio
Virginia: Chesapeake, Newport News
West Virginia: Cross Lanes

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