What does a Certified Pharmacy Technician do?
Published 4 min read
A certified pharmacy technician is a person who has been trained to help a licensed pharmacist dispense prescription medications and provide customer service. A pharmacy technician typically works in a retail setting, such as a grocery store or drug store.
Certified Pharmacy Technician job duties include:
- Maintaining pharmacy inventory
- Ordering and receiving pharmacy supplies
- Preparing and distributing medications
- Assisting customers with questions and concerns
- Maintaining patient records
- Billing and insurance processing
- Supervising pharmacy interns and technicians
- Compounding medications
- Providing training to new employees
Certified Pharmacy Technician Job Requirements
A certified pharmacy technician generally has a high school diploma or equivalent and completes a formal training program. Many states also require certification, which can be obtained through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Some employers may also require previous experience in a pharmacy or retail setting.
Certified Pharmacy Technician Skills
- Accuracy
- Attention to detail
- Good communication
- Organizational skills
- Customer service
- Patience
- Problem-solving skills
- Dexterity
- Computer literacy
- Basic math skills
- Knowledge of medical terminology
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How to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician
In order to become a certified pharmacy technician, one must first complete a training program that is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Once the training program is completed, the individual must then pass a national certification exam administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). After passing the exam, the pharmacy technician must then maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits every two years.
The first step in becoming a certified pharmacy technician is to complete an accredited training program. There are many different types of programs available, but most will require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may also require that the applicant have some prior experience working in a pharmacy. The length of the program will vary depending on which type is chosen, but most will take between six and twelve weeks to complete.
Once the training program is finished, the next step is to take and pass the national certification exam. The PTCB offers two different exams, but most pharmacy technicians will only need to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). This exam covers topics such as medication safety, pharmacology, and pharmacy calculations. It is important to note that the PTCE is not a pass/fail exam; instead, a score of 70% or higher is necessary to earn certification.
After passing the PTCE, individuals must then maintain their certification through continuing education credits (CECs). CECs can be earned by attending approved conferences or workshops, taking online courses, or writing articles for publication in pharmacy journals. A total of 20 CECs must be earned every two years in order to keep certification active.
Becoming a certified pharmacy technician requires completion of an accredited training program followed by passing a national certification exam and maintaining certification through continuing education credits. With hard work and dedication, anyone can become a certified pharmacy technician and enjoy a rewarding career in healthcare!
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