How to Become a Pharmacy Technician While Holding Down A 9 to 5 Job

With a largely aging population of baby-boomers and as part of a medication-reliant culture, pharmacy technicians are ensured a lengthy and lucrative career.  The job-description of a pharmacy technician is chiefly interaction with patients, bottling prescriptions and record keeping.  Although the primary responsibility of advising patients on the proper use of medications does not fall under the responsibilities of a pharmacy technician, the same stimulating environment can be experienced with lesser training.

Most pharmacy technician training programs require only a GED or high school diploma.  Although some pharmacies have been known to take on pharmacy techs and provide them on-the-job-training without any formal degree or diploma, most reputable pharmacies are insistent on pharmacy technician training.  

Would you want a pimply-faced high school graduate counting out your beta-blockers? I don’t think so.  A drug-free background is a major prerequisite to get into any pharmacy tech program, as is understandable.

Pharmacy technician training is offered by both online and campus programs.  Community colleges and vocational schools provide coursework for between 30 and 60-hour programs aimed at basic drug interactions, pharmacy calculations, drug administration and regulation.  Besides the coursework, an intensive on site practicum is offered that tests one’s skills in a clinical setting. 

Once the training is complete, a certification process that involves a 90 question Examination for Certified Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) is offered.  This online test stresses on the administrative responsibilities of a pharmacy technician.  Passing this test certifies a pharmacy technician working in conjunction with a licensed pharmacist under state laws and regulations.

If your plans don’t end with pharmacy tech school, pharmacy school is a distinct possibility; be rest assured that the admission committee of accredited colleges prefer pharmacy tech candidates looking to further their careers over others.     

In order to keep pharmacy technicians abreast of changing medically relevant laws, they are required to complete a 10-hour continuing education program every 2 years.  While it is not mandatory that one obtains certification, it is recommended as a large percentage of employers prefer to hire out of the pool of certified techs.  
Furthermore, as a way to entice top certified pharmacy techs, employers are known to reimburse certification costs.  With 333,500 pharmacy technicians employed in this country, with a median salary of $28,400, the prospects for future growth are tremendous.