Certified Pharmacy Technician

Certified Pharmacy Technicians are an integral part of the healthcare system. They play a vital role in ensuring that patients receive the right medications at the right time. Certified Pharmacy Technicians work under the supervision of a pharmacist and perform a variety of tasks, including:

What Certified Pharmacy Technicians Do

Filling prescriptions

Preparing medications

Counseling patients on their medications

Maintaining inventory

Processing insurance claims

Certified Pharmacy Technicians must be accurate, reliable, and have a strong understanding of pharmacology. They must also be able to work well with patients and other healthcare professionals.

Education and Training

To become a Certified Pharmacy Technician, you must complete an accredited training program. These programs typically take one to two years to complete and cover topics such as pharmacology, pharmacy law, and patient care. Once you have completed a training program, you must pass a national certification exam.

Career Outlook

The job outlook for Certified Pharmacy Technicians is good. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of Pharmacy Technicians will grow 4% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for prescription medications and the aging population.

Salary

The median annual salary for Certified Pharmacy Technicians was $35,120 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,160, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $48,520.

Work Environment

Certified Pharmacy Technicians typically work in pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. They may work full-time or part-time, and may work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Challenges

Certified Pharmacy Technicians may face a number of challenges, including:

• Working in a fast-paced environment
• Dealing with difficult patients
• Making mistakes that could have serious consequences

Personal Growth Opportunities

Certified Pharmacy Technicians who are motivated and dedicated can advance their careers in a number of ways. They may become lead technicians, supervisors, or managers. They may also specialize in a particular area of pharmacy, such as oncology or nuclear pharmacy.

Personality Traits and Personal Interests

Certified Pharmacy Technicians who are successful typically have the following personality traits and personal interests:

• Accuracy
• Reliability
• Strong understanding of pharmacology
• Ability to work well with patients and other healthcare professionals
• Interest in healthcare

Self-Guided Projects

There are a number of self-guided projects that students can complete to better prepare themselves for a career as a Certified Pharmacy Technician. These projects include:

• Volunteering at a local pharmacy
• Shadowing a Certified Pharmacy Technician
• Taking online courses in pharmacology and pharmacy law

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful way to prepare for a career as a Certified Pharmacy Technician. These courses can provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the field. Online courses typically cover topics such as:

• Pharmacology
• Pharmacy law
• Patient care
• Pharmacy calculations

Online courses can be a flexible and affordable way to learn about pharmacy. They can also be a good option for students who are already working or who have other commitments.

Are Online Courses Enough?

Online courses can be a helpful way to prepare for a career as a Certified Pharmacy Technician, but they are not enough on their own. Students who want to become Certified Pharmacy Technicians must also complete an accredited training program and pass a national certification exam.

However, online courses can give students a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the field. They can also help students prepare for the training program and certification exam.