Are you interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field that involves working closely with patients and medications? Becoming a pharmacy technician may be the perfect fit for you! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps you need to take to become a qualified pharmacy technician.
Step 1: Obtain a High School Diploma or GED
The first step in becoming a pharmacy technician is to ensure that you have a high school diploma or GED. Most pharmacy technician training programs require applicants to have completed high school or obtained an equivalent certification. If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to focus on completing this educational requirement.
Step 2: Enroll in a Pharmacy Technician Training Program
Once you have met the educational requirements, the next step is to enroll in a pharmacy technician training program. These programs are offered by vocational schools, community colleges, and online institutions. Look for a program that is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) to ensure that you receive a quality education.
Step 3: Gain Hands-On Experience Through an Externship
Many pharmacy technician training programs include an externship component that allows students to gain hands-on experience in a pharmacy setting. This is a valuable opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you have learned in the classroom to real-world situations. Take full advantage of your externship to network with industry professionals and learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities of a pharmacy technician.
Step 4: Obtain Certification
After completing your pharmacy technician training program and gaining practical experience, the final step is to obtain certification. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) are two organizations that offer certification exams for pharmacy technicians. Passing one of these exams will demonstrate your competency and dedication to the field.
By following these four steps, you can kickstart your career as a pharmacy technician and start making a positive impact on the lives of patients in need of medication.
Conclusion
Thank you for following along with our step-by-step guide to becoming a pharmacy technician. We hope that you have found this information helpful in your journey towards a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences as a pharmacy technician, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!