How Do You Become a Pharmacy Tech?

Becoming a pharmacy technician is a great choice for anyone who wants to help in healthcare. It’s a career that plays an essential role in healthcare, but many people don’t know much about it. If you’re interested in working in healthcare and helping others while working behind the scenes, becoming a pharmacy technician might be the right path for you.

In this blog, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about how to become a pharmacy tech, from education requirements to job duties and career prospects.

What Does a Pharmacy Tech Do?

Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in preparing and distributing medications. They also perform administrative duties such as maintaining patient records, ordering supplies, and ensuring the pharmacy complies with regulations. Moreover, pharmacy techs make sure that medications are distributed accurately and safely, which is critical for patient health.

As a result, pharmacy techs need to have strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure. In addition, they must be familiar with pharmaceutical terminology, medical abbreviations, and drug interactions.

How Do You Become a Pharmacy Tech?

There are several steps involved in becoming a pharmacy technician. The process is straightforward, but it requires dedication and a willingness to learn. So, let’s break it down:

Meet Basic Educational Requirements

To become a pharmacy tech, you need a high school diploma or equivalent. This is the starting point for anyone who wants to enter the field. During high school, students should focus on subjects like biology, chemistry, and mathematics, as these will be beneficial later on in training.

Moreover, having strong communication skills is necessary, as you will be interacting with patients and healthcare professionals regularly. Therefore, any courses related to communication and customer service will also be helpful.

Complete a Post-Secondary Education Programs in Pharmacy Technology

Once you have a high school diploma, the next step is to complete a pharmacy technician training program. These programs are offered at many community colleges, vocational schools, and online institutions, and they provide a structured education in areas like pharmacology, drug classification, medical terminology, and patient safety.

Students gain practical experience through internships, helping them apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings. Additionally, a diploma or associate degree can open the door to higher-paying positions and career advancement.

Get Certified

Although certification is not always required to work as a pharmacy tech, it can significantly improve your job prospects. Certification shows that you are qualified and capable of performing your duties to the highest standard. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) offers the most widely recognised certification, the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) designation.

Experience

Experience is just as important as certification. Many employers prefer to hire pharmacy techs who have some hands-on experience. Therefore, it’s a good idea to look for internships, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level jobs in pharmacies while you’re completing your training.

Most pharmacy techs start in entry-level positions, such as pharmacy technician trainees or assistants, where they can learn on the job under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Gaining experience in these roles will help you build the skills needed to succeed in your career.

Consider a Specialisation

Specialising can open up new career opportunities and potentially higher earning potential.  Specialisations often require additional training and certification, but they can make your role more specialised and fulfilling. Therefore, if a particular area of pharmacy interests you, pursuing a specialisation can help advance your career.

Here are some common specialisation options:

• Central pharmacy operations technician
• Community pharmacy technician
• General pharmacy technician
• Laboratory pharmacy technician

Create a Resume

Highlight your education, certification, relevant work experience, and key skills like attention to detail and customer service. Be sure to include any specialised training or certifications. A well-organised resume will help you stand out to employers and show you have the qualifications for the job, making it a necessary step in securing this job.

Look for Job Opportunities

After getting your certification, the next step is to start looking for a job. Many employers want pharmacy technicians who are trained and certified. Therefore, it’s important to search for positions that match your skills and career goals. Moreover, make sure your application clearly shows your training and any experience you have. Additionally, using job websites and talking to people in the field can help you find the right job. 

Average salary for a pharmacy technician

The average salary for a pharmacy technician can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and certification. In the UK, the average salary is £31,000 per year. On the other hand, in the US, the average salary is around $37,000 annually, but this can vary widely depending on the state, with some areas offering higher wages due to demand or cost of living.

Conclusion

So, how do you become a pharmacy tech? It involves completing a training program, earning certification, gaining experience, and seeking job opportunities. If you are detail-oriented, organised, and eager to work in healthcare, becoming a pharmacy technician could be the right career path for you. Once you have completed all the necessary steps, you’ll be well on your way to a fulfilling career as a pharmacy tech.

As a result, pharmacy techs need to have strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure. On top of this, they must be familiar with pharmaceutical terminology, medical abbreviations, and drug interactions. If you’re considering a career in this field, these are some of the skills you will develop.

If you’re interested in becoming a pharmacy technician, the Pharmacy Technician Course at Open Learning Academy offers the perfect foundation to get started.