Pharmacy Technician Programs

Becoming a Pharmacy Technician Is a Good Step Towards Becoming a Pharmacist

2011-12-06T11:24:00.000-08:00

Due to increasing healthcare demands the pharmaceutical industry is rapidly growing and changing. In the past, it was not necessary for pharmacy technicians to obtain any type of certification. However, because it is becoming significantly more competitive in obtaining industry related jobs, certification has been one way potential pharmacy techs can stand out from the other job applicants. In addition, many certified pharmacy techs are finding that their jobs are excellent stepping-stones towards becoming a pharmacist.

Pharmacy tech education programs usually require an individual to attend six months to two years of educational training. These programs are offered through a variety of organizations, like vocational schools, community colleges, hospitals, and even the military. A good pharmacy tech educational program will have areas of study that include:

- Medical and Pharmaceutical Terminology
- Pharmacy Record Keeping
- Pharmaceutical Calculations
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics

Individuals in these programs are also required to obtain knowledge about the uses, names, actions, and doses of the many types of medications they will be working with. Several of these training programs also include internships with pharmacies, in order for the students to obtain hands on experience. Upon finishing these programs, students that show proficiency will either receive a certificate of completion or an Associate Degree. One benefit to the programs that allow students to earn a degree is that very often those degree credits can be transferred to a school offering pharmacy degrees.

Obtaining a pharmacy tech certificate not only allows individuals to stand out when it comes to finding a place of employment, many schools will give preferential treatment to those they feel have already proven that they have a commitment to pharmaceutical work. The schools do this for several reasons:

- Individuals who have taken the time to obtain a certificate show a commitment to furthering their education.
- Certified pharmacy technicians are familiar with what it takes to keep a pharmacy running smoothly.
- Due to the rigors of the certification process, pharmacy technicians possess a basic knowledge of medications, their uses, and proper dosing amounts.

Many pharmacy students who have worked as pharmacy technicians also find that it is easier for them to get prime pharmacy internship slots, since they are already familiar with the inner workings of a pharmacy. The same can be said for recent pharmacy school graduates who previously held a pharmacy technician certificate. Many companies view pharmacists, who also took the time to earn a technician certificate, as someone they have to invest less time and money in for training.

Pharmacy techs who spend time obtaining a certificate from a recognized training program have many benefits that a technician who has only received on-the-job training does not have. The training certificate makes it easier for the new technician to get a job in the pharmaceutical field, and it also helps him or her stand out from the other pharmacy school applicants. Overall, many people find that a career as a pharmacy technician is an excellent stepping-stone to furthering their education and becoming a pharmacist.=

Pharmacy Technician Salary Advice

2011-12-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

Several factors, such as the level of qualification, the area in the US where the job is based, and the type of industry all determine the rate at which a pharmacy technician salary is set. But the salary rate is not the only thing you should consider when choosing between which jobs to accept; the additional benefits that a particular job can offer are quite crucial too. Take heed, for a pharmacy technician salary can also include additional benefits that the technician can take advantage of. However, these additional benefits are not standard and may vary depending on the employer.

Aside from their regular pay, benefits might include paid leaves, health care, and even a retirement plan. A share in company profits, sales commissions, and performance bonuses are just some more examples of additional benefits. Of course, these benefits still depend on the decision of the employer. If you're hired in an entry level-position, expect to take home an annual compensation of $28,500- that's according to government reports. If you stay on the job for three consecutive years, your salary may increase up to $32,000. Larger institutions, though, can pay their hardworking pharmacy technicians in an entry-level position as high as $38,000 in annual pay.

If you have pharmacy technician certification, you will most likely receive a little better pay than non-certified pharmacy technicians. This is an advantage if you are considering taking one. But in some instances, a certification may not make a huge difference. On the prerogative of the pharmacist, increases in pharmacy tech salary may be given on a yearly basis only.

The pharmacy technician salary may also differ depending on the type and size of the pharmacy. Big time company-associated pharmacies do certainly have higher pay than the small time private pharmacies. Another way of earning a higher salary is by working during the evenings or on weekends. Moreover, pharmacy technicians have to go through a recertification process every two years. This is done in order for them to be acquainted with the latest developments in the pharmaceutical industry, and be updated with new laws and regulations with regards to medicines and drugs. Another advantage of this is that the pharmacy tech can get familiarized again with various pharmaceutical concepts.

You will not have that feeling of being stagnant in your career because pharmacy technicians can be promoted to higher positions. After three years on the job, an entry-level technician will usually be an intermediary pharmacy tech. Your salary scale will go up to about $31,500 to $39,000 once you are promoted to this next position. If you're that good, and your company can afford it, they can pay you as much as $43,000. Their salary scale will range from $41,300 to $53,100 but can top $60,000. Some people choose to be in this career not just because of its pharmacy technician salary, but also the satisfying feeling of being able to help someone in need. A good pay, superb job security, and the satisfaction of being able to help others, what more would you need?=

Pharmacy Technician Salary and Earning

2011-12-06T11:20:00.000-08:00

More serious diseases have been discovered within the most recent years. The medical industry is currently investing its efforts into trying to create new medicines that will help extend the life expectancy of all human beings. This challenging campaign is calling for more health care providers. Some leading health care consultants are predicting that thousands of more pharmacies will be built in order to satisfy this demand.

An increasing demand for health care employees will lead to a sharp creation of more pharmacy tech jobs. This special demand will have a noticeable effect on how much money pharmacy techs will earn each year. The salary in this field is expected to increase dramatically.

The responsibility of a pharmacy tech revolves around assisting pharmacists in maintaining the prescription details of patients that visit the pharmacy. The tech must review all records intensely. This is critical since pharmacists cannot make the error of giving the incorrect medicine to customers. Techs also have the duty of handling sales transactions and talking to customers over the phone. This job is only designed for those that are comfortable with working in a busy environment.

There are several niches in the medical industry that requires the presence of an experienced pharmacy technician. Hospitals, retail stores, and doctor offices employ technicians for their needed services. Large hospitals and popular retail chain stores are known to provide exceptional technicians with an opportunity to have a great salary.

What Are The Distinct Educational Requirements For Pharmacy Technicians?

Candidates for an exceptional salary in this career must attend a series of certified courses. There are tons of institutions and schools that offer diploma or degree classes for anyone who is interested in this fascinating field. Prospective technicians should get a certificate from The Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians. This well recognized certificate can help anyone earn the chance of being rewarded with a competitive salary.

What Are the Details Revolving Around the Pharmacy Technician Salary?

The annual pay of a pharmacy technician largely depends upon the individual's background and the location of the workplace. The salary of a technician is averaged around thirty six thousand dollars per year. Techs with good educational and certifications from accredited institutions can expect a higher salary. Many technicians avoid working in smaller outlets due to less pay.

The pharmacy technician salary for new techs can go from twenty five thousand dollars to thirty five thousand dollars. A remarkable skill set, education, and vast experience will be the deciding factor in how much one will make. Getting more experience and skills can help one elevate their salary to the forty thousand dollar area. Many employers in the medical industry are known for rewarding pharmacy techs that excel on the job.

The pharmacy technician salary and educational points posted above prove that the pharmacy technician career is sensational for anyone who wants a challenge. Becoming a good tech is not as challenging as some individuals may think. Proven technicians are provided with a competitive pharmacy tech salary.

Online Pharmacy Technician Degree Programs

2011-11-08T21:03:00.000-08:00

Pharmacies are incredibly busy on a regular basis as many Americans need prescriptions filled. Work can pile up quickly and many times it is too much for pharmacists to handle by themselves, hence the need for work relief from a pharmacy technician. Online degree programs are provided by a number of schools to teach students how to perform specific duties inside the workplace.

To fully understand what a pharmacy technician does students need to know what pharmacists do.

    * Pharmacists work with patients and their doctors by providing extensive information on prescriptions.
    * Once a plan is set for a particular patient then a pharmacist mixes specific ingredients in the correct dosage to make a prescription. This process is known as compounding.
    * A pharmacy technician provides assistance by working with patients, blending ingredients, and giving out medications. Other areas of work include working directly with insurance companies and performing basic administrative duties.

    * Online education focuses in on these aspects through courses on how to handle medications and specific duties like billing. Earning an education has become the overall standard in the pharmaceutical industry.

Students will benefit greatly by entering an online program specifically geared towards learning how to accomplish work related duties.

Online education is available through a diploma, certificate, or associate's degree program.

    * Each program focuses on preparing students to handle job required procedures in order to work successfully.
    * General knowledge is acquired through a diploma or certificate. These programs are beneficial for students who can't dedicate two years of study to earn an associate's degree and want to enter the professional workplace quickly.

A career diploma follows subject matter specifically related to the practice. Instruction may consist of 13 to 15 lessons or courses.

    * The main focus of many of these programs is set specifically on pharmaceutical study.
    * Pharmacology practice, medical safety, infection control, community pharmacy, and chemotherapy instruction are some typical topics covered in an online diploma program.
    * Other courses cover how to prepare and dispense medications. A course on dosage forms and measurements teaches students the different methods of medication delivery and mathematical techniques needed to prepare and mix ingredients. Students walk away with the ability to measure, compound, blend, sterilize, and manage medication and tasks working alongside a pharmacist.

Earning an associate's degree is quickly becoming the industry standard to become eligible for work. Many students enroll in associate of arts degree program with a concentration in pharmacy practice or a related area. These types of programs give students on overview of many academic disciplines that include:

    * humanities
    * social sciences
    * and mathematics

Industry subjects like pharmacy calculations and pharmacy practices join these general education subjects. Students learn the basic math skills required to handle medication measuring and mixing. Topics in a pharmacy calculations course cover:

    * prescriptions
    * drug labels
    * dosages
    * and procedures

Earning an associate's degree may increase job prospects and earning wages.

Pharmacy Technician Training at a Glance

2011-11-08T21:01:00.000-08:00

If you want to have a long and prosperous career in pharmacy, you should attend a good school with a great pharmacy technician training program. When looking for a great training program, one place to start your research is at your local community college. Attending a local community college will teach you the core fundamentals of starting a great career in pharmacy.

In the first year of your pharmacy technician training, many students learn the basics that many health care professionals are taught. You are taught fundamentals such as medical terminology, basic and complex word problem solving, basic drug pronunciation, and different drug interactions. Some programs go a little further and get into the chemical makeup of the many drugs that are manufactured on a regular basis. This may seem like a lot to the new incoming student, but these are essential attributes that one must absorb to become successful when choosing this particular career choice.

Although it may seem like a lot of math and science from the outside looking in, most pharmacy technician training programs that are taught in an actual college setting also require prerequisites before a student is even accepted into the program. For example a student must have a certain level of math skills coming into the program. Many require you to have a certain number of years of chemistry and biology. Along with these courses, they may require you to have courses such as keyboarding, sociology, economics, and other courses that may strengthen and enhance your communication skills.

Once a student passes all of the prerequisite courses assigned by the given college, then and only then may the student apply for admission into the actual program itself. Usually the application process can be a bit daunting and require a lot of paper work, which may include medical records, background checks, and transcripts for any prior course work that has been completed. This may seem rather tedious, but the reward from completing the program outweighs all the early red tape one must fight through to get accepted.

Now that the student is accepted, it is now time to schedule their classes. Most programs follow the same format. Many technical schools have the course work broken down into two semesters and a clinical lab immediately following the course work. Many students that do well in their clinical work get hired on as full time employees. How is that for a benefit? Here is a general break down of how many colleges structure their semester course work:

Pharmacy Technician Training:

Here is a breakdown of what a typical pharmacy technician semester course work will typically look like. Course work and class length will vary from school to school. (Results may vary) Please check your local college admissions office for further details. Some courses may be passed over due to prior college coursework. Most programs run for two semesters. Generally semester two ends with a four week clinical.

Communication skills - entry level
Medical Terminology
Computers in healthcare
Keyboarding or typing
Introduction to pharmacy operations
Pharmaceutical math and pharmacy calculations
Introduction to Drug Classification
Pharmacy Clinical experience (phase 1)
Pharmacy Customer Relations
Institutional Pharmacy Practice
Orientation to Sterile Solutions
Pharmacy Operations Lab
Pharmacy Clinical experience (phase 2)
Applied Pharmaceutical Calculations
Psychology of human relations (Introductory Psychology may be used as a substitute)

There are many Pharmacy technician programs that are starting up every year. When you first glance at them, they may seem like the perfect match for your career needs. Before committing to them, it is wise to dig deeper into what they offer, how long they have been around, and if the program they offer is accredited by The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). The program's main goal is to educate future pharmacy technicians with the skills and knowledge to secure employment in a variety of pharmacy settings. A technician that completes the training should have the confidence to walk into a community or institutional setting and perform at the highest level possible.

Looking further down the road, the career outlook for Pharmacy technicians appear to be rather promising. New mandates on medication delivery system, a shortage of pharmacists, and the life expectancy of individuals increasing, Pharmacy technicians will be in great demand for many years to come. If you are looking for a great career change with a promising future or looking to start a new professional career with many benefits, becoming a pharmacy technician could be the career choice you have been dreaming of.

Pharmacy Technician Schools - What's the Best Place For You? - What's the Best Place For You?

2011-11-08T21:00:00.000-08:00

The main responsibility of a pharmacy technician is to help licensed pharmacists fill out prescription requests that come from hospitals, physicians, nurses, and from patients themselves. This task includes retrieving prescription orders, counting, measuring, weighing and pouring medications, mixing medications, selecting proper prescription containers, and creating prescription labels. Afterwards, a licensed pharmacist checks the completed prescription before it is given to the patient.

Aside from filling out prescriptions, the technician assists in the pharmacy's day-to-day operations and performs non-medication-related functions, such as preparing insurance claim forms, maintaining files, attending to cash register transactions, taking inventory of over-the-counter medications and taking calls.

Pharmacy technicians need to have proper training for the job. Aspiring technicians have to enroll in and complete pharmacy technician training courses. There are schools that offer associate-level degrees; others offer certificates and diplomas for degree holders who wish to be employed as technicians. The best training opportunity they can get comes from on-the-job training in pharmacies or within the pharmaceutical industry.

There are training sessions that prepare students for certification as pharmacy technicians. These are available from pharmacy schools, community colleges, hospital and military career colleges and pharmacy associations. The sessions consist of both classroom and laboratory classes and may include an internship period where students learn hands-on the techniques and skills associated with the job. They may also study online through a variety of online course training programs. At the end of the training, the students receive a diploma, a certificate, or an Associate's degree, and they also become entitled to take the National Pharmacy Certification Examination.

Formal pharmacy technician education programs require classroom and laboratory work in the areas of medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy record keeping, pharmaceutical techniques, and pharmacy law and ethics. Aspiring technicians are required to learn the names of medications and their actions, uses, and doses.

Pharmacy tech certificate programs provide the basic skills needed for the job and usually take less than a year to complete. The only requirement is a high school diploma. Primary technician diploma programs are longer and are designed to add to the stock knowledge gained from the initial certification and prepare the graduates for certification exams. A pharmacy technician associate's degree program takes around two years to complete and provides a broader scope of training in the medical fields, as well as focused training in pharmacy practice.

Pharmacy techs are not confined to pharmacies; they can also be found in hospitals, medical stores, health and personal care stores, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This is a profession that is best suited for self-starters, for people who are easily motivated and are science and math-oriented. It's also a job that requires people skills because in retail pharmacy, the people in the business talk to customers all day long. In addition, since this a job in the area of health care, the pharmacy technician has to be willing to work flexible hours, including holidays and rest days.

There is opportunity for growth in this kind of a career. As many as 50 pharmacy training schools have been listed as of 2008; the number is growing as opportunities for employment continue to be very strong. People will always need medical care and attention; therefore, there will always be a strong demand for any role that is played in the hospital setting, e.g. laboratory technician, nurse, surgeon. The wealth of opportunities is there; go after it.

Pharmacy Tech Training Programs

2011-11-08T20:58:00.000-08:00

Overview

Technicians work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists, helping them fulfill prescriptions. The technician is a bit of a "jack of all trades." He or she will perform numerous tasks, including preparing, compounding and dispensing medications, taking medication orders and accepting payments from customers. All drugs are checked before they are sold by the licensed pharmacist on-staff, but the tech has a major role to play in the process. In short, they take care of (to a large degree) a pharmacy's operational management duties. Individuals that want to become a technician may want to consider enrolling in pharmacy tech training programs.

The vast majority of pharmacy techs (75%) work in retail pharmacies. These types of pharmacies can be found independently, inside grocery stores and drug store chains. A smaller percentage (16%), work in hospitals. The U.S. Government, online pharmacies, wholesalers, clinics and mail order facilities, hire the remaining pharmacy techs.

Required Degrees or Certifications

The educational and certification requirements will differ from state to state and from facility to facility. There are no federal guidelines and most pharmacies don't have certification and/or educational requirements, though many do prefer to hire those that are certified.

Those interested in receiving training for a career in this field can do so via pharmacy technician training programs found at technical schools and community colleges. Some hospitals also provide training programs.

Most training programs will generally prepare students to take certain professional examinations. Two of the primary professional exams are the ExCPT and the PTCE. The ExCPT is offered by the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technician and the PTCE is issued by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Once an individual has received their certification, they are referred to as a CPhT which is short for Certified Pharmacy Technician.

As mentioned above, not every state requires certification but some do. Oftentimes, pharmacies are allowed to first hire techs and then require that they receive their certification.

Career Outlook and Pay

The future of employment for professionals in this field looks promising. Health care workers, at all levels, are in high demand. This is because there are more people that need health care than there are people to provide it.

Pay in this field is decent. Individuals can expect to earn anywhere between $20,000 and $35,000. The exact amount of money a tech earns will be dependent on how long they have been working in the field, where they are located and their particular place of employment. Some pharmacies will pay more than others. To earn the most money possible, it may be a good idea to enroll in an accredited training program.

The Top 10 Pharmacy Technician Schools

2011-11-08T20:55:00.000-08:00

To be a certified pharmacy technician, you must begin or continue your education in an accredited school/college. Listed below are some of the best pharmacy technician schools that offer different types of class schedules, course content and degrees. Feel free to read their description as some of them offers online education and some offers traditional classes.

National College:
Offers education on campus, its programs covers medical terms, medical administrations and calculation, law and ethics of healthcare and also human relations. It provides a one year diploma program and two year associate degree program with a course in Microsoft Office.

Everest College:
Have an on campus certificate program covering anatomy, physiology, nutrition pharmacy administration and also pharmaceutical calculations. A different edge to this program is it also offers customer service, organizational and computer skills program to give students the extra advantage.

Kaplan College:
Offers certificate and diploma programs on campus. The certificate programs are offered in Denver while the diploma programs in California, Arizona, Wisconsin and Nevada. Courses also offer hands on experience and class room training.

US Career Institute:
Is an online program offering a 4 month certificate program covering the human body, drugs and its dosages, pharmacy operations as well prepares you for the CPhT exam.

Remington College:

The on campus diploma program provides programs that include anatomy, physiology, dosage calculation, and pharmacology. It also equips students with the NPTA sterile product certification and prepares students for the PTCB's certification exam.

Brown Mackie College:
The programs cover medical terminology, anatomy and physiology and also medical administration and pharmacy procedures. To provide it's on campus associate degree program students with an edge, business courses are given so they might get employed easily.

YTI Career Institute:

Has a one year on campus diploma program covering medical terminology, pharmacology, pharmacologic calculations, pharmacy law & ethics, and computing. To ensure the success of its students, this college also provides guidance in terms of professional development and career success.

Virginia College:
This on campus education offers certificate, diploma and associate courses. It teaches students how to do consultations, counter dispensing, and preparing prescriptions in retail and hospital settings. To provide an extra advantage to its students, this school also offers job placement services.

Sanford-Brown College:
Trains it's on campus diploma and certificate students in medication preparation, pharmacy computing, customer service and also inventory & billing. It also offers externship programs but includes lectures, and lab & clinical portions.

Sanford-Brown Institute:
Offering on campus diploma and certificate program, this college educates students on pharmacy computing, billing, customer service and medication preparation as part of its program. All these programs are then divided into sections such as lectures, clinical and labs, finishing off with an externship program top gain real world experience.

A good education begins at a good college, but a passion for the job will create a lifelong rewarding career. You can be studying at the best college but without the passion in the particular career, the experience would not be as rewarding.

Popular Careers After Graduating From Medical Technician Degree Programs

2011-10-12T21:26:00.000-07:00

As with most other sectors, medical procedures and processes are increasingly becoming automated and digitalized. Technical work has become an integral part of medical care and there is greater growth expected in the future. Medical technicians are responsible for the installation, preparation, operation and maintenance of medical machinery and equipment. They have a number of areas of specialization which dictates their career paths. Similar to other medical professionals, the career options available after graduating from medical technician degree programs will align to specific areas of medical care.

Surgical Technicians

This category of medical technicians is involved in providing assistance in the theater. They are responsible for preparing the theater equipment and facilities so as to ensure everything is sterile and working as required. They are also at hand during operations in order to provide assistance to the surgeons and also respond to any situation that may need their attention. A surgical technician will need to undergo specialized training for durations that are between one to two years. There are a number of institutions that offer medical technician degree programs which can qualify one as a surgical technician. These programs are offered through regular classes as well as through the online, distance learning option.

Dialysis technicians

With a rising number of patients being diagnosed with kidney complications, dialysis has become an important part of medical care in most hospitals. The patients who need to undergo dialysis depend on machines to clean and purify their blood which is a role their kidneys are unable to perform. Dialysis technicians are responsible for the operation of the machinery used in this processes. They are also expected to produce reports for all the patients who undergo the procedure to be included in the medical records. Graduating from technician degree programs can provide the opportunity to head a dialysis center in a big hospital where the other dialysis technicians will be working under you.

Emergency Medical Technicians

Emergency services and emergency response units will in most cases have an emergency medical technician as part of their team. It is the work of this technician to assess the patient's condition and provide initial care as the patient is transported to a medical facility. The emergency medical technician is responsible for making decisions which could save or cost a life and are therefore required to be very focused and stable individuals. Among all the different career options that are open to graduates of medical technician degree programs, this is one of the toughest.

There are several other career options available for those who are graduating from medical technician degree programs. These include careers as medical lab technicians, radiology and ultra sound technicians, dental hygiene technicians and pharmacy support technicians. Specialization and advancing in any of these areas can be done through online studies that are available from a number of the leading medical training institutions in the world. Those already employed at a medical facility can find this mode of learning very convenient as they will already have practical experience in the field they are studying.

Pharmacy Tech Training Programs

2011-10-12T14:47:00.000-07:00

Required Degrees or Certifications

The educational and certification requirements will differ from state to state and from facility to facility. There are no federal guidelines and most pharmacies don't have certification and/or educational requirements, though many do prefer to hire those that are certified.

Those interested in receiving training for a career in this field can do so via pharmacy technician training programs found at technical schools and community colleges. Some hospitals also provide training programs.

Most training programs will generally prepare students to take certain professional examinations. Two of the primary professional exams are the ExCPT and the PTCE. The ExCPT is offered by the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technician and the PTCE is issued by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Once an individual has received their certification, they are referred to as a CPhT which is short for Certified Pharmacy Technician.

As mentioned above, not every state requires certification but some do. Oftentimes, pharmacies are allowed to first hire techs and then require that they receive their certification.

Career Outlook and Pay

The future of employment for professionals in this field looks promising. Health care workers, at all levels, are in high demand. This is because there are more people that need health care than there are people to provide it.

Pay in this field is decent. Individuals can expect to earn anywhere between $20,000 and $35,000. The exact amount of money a tech earns will be dependent on how long they have been working in the field, where they are located and their particular place of employment. Some pharmacies will pay more than others. To earn the most money possible, it may be a good idea to enroll in an accredited training program.

Pharmacy Tech - A Job With A Future

2011-10-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

Many jobs today are being outsourced to other countries or automated as much as possible so that the job prospects are dwindling in certain careers. Not so in the pharmacy tech field!

Americans are living longer nowadays and so they also have conditions and diseases that require medications in order for them to maintain a quality lifestyle. Diabetes is on the rise and so is high blood pressure... and both of which require ongoing medications.

The basic job of a pharmacy tech is to fill prescriptions while assisting the pharmacist. This can be done in a hospital, in a retail pharmacy or in more of an office environment for one of the fast-growing online drug companies that ship medicines by mail.

Basic inventory management is one of the main job duties of the pharmacy technician. Drugs are received from the manufacturer and these shipments need to be verified and then stocked on the shelves for filling prescriptions.

Dispensing drugs into containers for patients is another job duty. Pills have to be counted, liquids need to be measured, and medicine containers need to be labeled. All of this requires a certain amount of data entry in order to properly keep track of supplies as well as great attention to details.

The amount of customer service required of each pharmacy tech will depend on the location or business type. Many techs are the first line of communication with the patients, handling all but the more complicated matters which get passed on to the pharmacist. This can involve a good deal of interaction with patients on a daily basis.

Other techs will find that they spend most of their time handling the medications and payments with little if any interaction with people. A pharmacist may prefer to handle the patient contact as much as possible with techs only filling in when things are very busy.

Communication skills are a very important trait for pharmacy techs to have since most contact will be with people who are sick and do not feel well so may be rather cranky. Patience is a MUST for this job!

Many vocational schools can help their pharmacy tech students get jobs when their training is completed. Pharmacies will often contact the schools for recommendations on job candidates. It pays to get to know your professors and participate in class so that you get known.

The National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam is the next step after training and internship. A certified pharmacy technician can command a higher salary than one who has not taken the exam.

The coursework has a good bit of variety including pharmacy terminology and common abbreviations, learning about diseases and how medicines interact with the body, as well as legal and ethical issues. While some of the classes may be challenging, the variety will keep the schoolwork from being too boring. Many colleges will also give an Associate's Degree for this course which is great for those who never went to or finished college.

A job as a pharmacy tech can be very rewarding since you will be providing a much-needed service to your community. And with salaries starting in the mid- to upper-twenties and up to forty or fifty thousand for more experienced techs, this is a career that could provide an income equal to or greater than many four-year college graduates can earn.

With the economy in the tank and job prospects slim in many fields, the pharmacy tech career shows much promise according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor. It is certainly a career option worth checking out.

Pharmacy Schools Entrance Strategies

2011-10-08T21:26:00.000-07:00

As with most potential students, knowing where to start can be hard to determine.

One thing you'll want to consider is why you actually wish to become a pharmacist. This is something that will more than likely come up during your school's admission interview. Also, carrying a pharmacy degree opens up a wide variety of option for you later on down the road when it comes to the what you do and what type of environment you wish to work in. Knowing where and how you want to work as a pharmacist is important while pursuing your education to be one, for both yourself and also during the interview.

An overall 3.0 GPA, along with the same in cumulative science, are things you will need to obtain in order to gain admission into most schools. This means not only focusing on your general studies, but specifically ones aimed at your career path.

The earlier you apply, the better the chances that you'll get interviewed. Try to be prepared in advance and know ahead of time as to when the school you are trying to get into will be accepting applications, and when they no longer will be. Know what you'll need to have with you and make sure to have your transcripts, PCAT scores (if needed), personal statements, the required number of recommendation letters, and anything else the school requires for admission.

With the very important PCAT exam, which most schools will require, you will want to study up on biochemsitry, general chemistry, organic chemistry, as well as physics and quantitative reasoning. You can find numerous study aids in workbooks or software with test examples to help you.

Another way to stand out is by trying to get some pharmacy experience in and learning straight from the pros. This will not only let you watch with more hands-on experience, but it will also give you something to shine a bit during admission interview into pharmacy schools, showing that you are serious and dedicated enough to join.

How to Become a Successful Pharmacy Technician

2011-09-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

If you want to opt for a vocation where you can serve patients, tend to their ailments and, at the same time, get involved in the drug industry, what can be more fitting than being a pharmacy technician? Around the country, pharmacies provide medication to people in need. The major role is played by the pharmacists or health professionals who take care of the patient's diseases and their medications. The technicians are generally appointed to lend a helping hand and assist the pharmacists. They provide pharmaceutical care in some cases.

To know how to become a pharmacy tech you should be well aware of the prospects and kind of training required.

Career Prospects
The pharmaceutical industry is a fast growing profession and is expected to grow 32% from the year 2006 to 2016. Pharmacy technicians passing out from genuine institutions are employed in dispensaries or pharmacies. According to surveys, two third of the trainees work in retail pharmacies and drug stores. They work independently or under a retail chain and, sometimes, also in biomedical laboratories. A section of the remaining technicians are appointed in hospitals where they carry out clinical roles and provide medication. Technicians also get involved with the internet pharmacies where they offer counsel and work by mail order. They also serve the Federal Government and tend to warfare patients.

Basic Training Programs
At many healthcare units, pharmacy technicians are employed without any formal training. However certain facilities prefer their employees to undergo training and certificate courses before they join work. There are some institutions where such trainings are provided, but those certificates are voluntary. Certificate renewal has to be done in every 2 years through 20 hours additional education program. The Institute for The Certification of Pharmacy Technician offers national certificates for the aspiring. Many pharmacies run internship curriculum where the students are given hands on experience. Other than that, diploma or degree programs are offered by many hospitals, technical colleges, armed forces and proprietary schools.

Educational Requirements
For suitable employment, you should be well acquainted with the various jobs performed by a pharmacy tech. The Pharmacy Technician degree and diploma programs provide students with appropriate knowledge and experience. As basics, they teach you preparing and dispensing medications, proper maintenance of medical records, stocking of drugs and labeling of prescribed medications. You are also taught customer service skills and demonstration abilities.

Remuneration
Your earnings can vary with your work place. Your know-how also counts and as you grow to be an experienced professional, your pharmacy technician salary also sees the high. For a beginner, the offered pharmacy tech salary is around $27,384 to $33,933. However for those at a higher rank, the salary goes up to $37,097. For others, the salary falls in between. With increasing job prospects and demand, pharmacy technicians are gradually making more money.

Advantages Of Pharmacy Technician Certification

2011-09-23T21:22:00.000-07:00

Are you searching job opportunities in Pharmacy field as a technician? If you are aiming to start your career in Pharmacy sector and appearing for the Pharmacy Technician Certification test to avail better salary and career prospect then, following details will help you in your certification exam preparation:

Certification in the Pharmacy field is also known as PTCB certification, which is offered by PTCB, for assessing the qualities and skills of a technician. The assessment is based on dexterity required in carrying out different pharmacy related functions, for serving and providing effective and safe service to the customers and patients in actual pharmacy settings.

The basic feature of Certification includes, 125 multi choice scoring and 15 non scoring questions. The time allowed for answering all scoring and non scoring questions is 3 hours. Non scoring questions are helpful during future quality test and exams.

The training programs for the Certification test can be availed from different community colleges, schools and trade schools. Even online programs are available for the Certification. The duration of the course is less than a year.

If a Technician is facing financial difficulties and is not able to attend these training programs, he/she can approach numerous state and federal's free financial aid programs, private and corporate grants, and institutional scholarships. Even tuition fee reimbursement offers are also offered to technicians appearing for training programs or continuing education.

The Certification offers numerous advantages to a technician and that include:

   1. Better job opportunities
   2. Lucrative Salaries
   3. Further Career advancement
   4. Wider knowledge of medications

There are different community colleges, schools and online programs, which offers courses for Certification. The training programs have very short duration and can be completed in less than a year. To maintain Certification and for re-certification, 20 credit hours continue education and training is required. The continuing education includes, 10 hours of college education and 10 hours of externship, which a Pharmacy Technician must complete under the direct supervision of a Pharmacist before his/her certification expires.

The Certification allows better job prospects, career growth and higher salaries to a technician. Therefore, opting for a Certification can avail you numerous further opportunities for career enhancements. PTCB Certification is also valid in all states of America and offers you a job better opportunity, if you move to another state from one state.

If you lack confidence in sitting for Certification Test, you can also avail practice tests offered by PTCB or other online Pharmacy course providers. Practice test can offer you opportunities to understand the types of questions that are asked during actual test. You can also get the knowledge about exam processes and procedures through Certification test.

How to Locate a Pharmacy Technician Training Program

2011-09-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

Being able to start off in a new job can be a great thing to do. However, your going to want to know how to locate the proper training courses for that job. One job that you will need to search for this information is going to be a pharmacy technician training program. Once you have that training you will be able to start off in this fun and exciting career.

One way that you can locate these is by searching on the web. By looking here you are going to pull up multiple schools to look into. Some of them are going to be web based programs, while others are going to be based on a campus near your home. However, if you want to attend a classroom setting make sure that you are specific to what you are searching for.

Another way to locate them will be by getting information from the local job training schools. These schools can help you get the training that you need and they are generally close to your home so you will not have to travel to far to get that education that you need.

Some place else that you need to check with is the pharmacies in your area. These are going to be a great place to search at because you could find that some of them are going to be hiring for this position, but you might find that some of them offer an in house training program.

The television commercials that are showing certain schools can be helpful as well since they might be offering the program that you need. You are going to find that these programs can be very beneficial and allow you to learn all the information that you need to start off in this field.

When you are going to start off in a new job you know that it can be fun and exciting. However, if you are entering into certain careers you will need some form of an education. One of those jobs that you will need that for and have to get he proper pharmacy technician training to allow you to advance your career to newer and greater heights.

Pharmacy Technician - Higher Education Opportunities

2011-09-08T21:18:00.000-07:00

When looking to pursue a career in the field of pharmacy there are more options than just becoming a pharmacist. Students can enroll in an accredited school or college to higher education opportunities for becoming a pharmacy technician. Students can pursue the certificate or associates degree needed to enter the workforce by enrolling with an accredited educational training program.

Pharmacy technicians are trained to work in a number of places like hospitals, health insurance companies, drug stores, grocery stores, and much more. With an accredited degree or certificate program students will train to assist pharmacists in preparing prescriptions, count pills, stock shelves, label bottles, perform administrative duties, and many other related tasks. In order to work in this field students' will need to decide on their desired career path prior to enrolling in a school or college. This will help to decide whether they should earn a certificate or degree.

*Certificate

Students who choose to earn a certificate in pharmacy assisting can do so through various educational training programs. Certificates in this area of the field can be obtained with as little as twelve months of study. Coursework and length of study will vary based o n the chosen educational program of attendance and specific type of employment desired. Students will be required to study a variety of subjects including medical terminology, pharmacy recordkeeping, pharmacy law, pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmaceutical techniques, pharmacy ethics, and many other related areas. With an accredited certificate program students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to enter into the workforce prepared for their exciting new career.

*Associate Degree

Students can pursue an associate level degree in the field of pharmacy to become a pharmacy technician. With a degree program at this level students should expect to spend around two years of study obtaining their degree. Subjects of study will vary depending on each individual student's career goals and school or college of enrollment. Coursework may include courses in technical communications, pharmacy inventory management, computer literacy, community practice, chemistry, psychology, human relations, medications, prescription processing, and more. By earning an accredited associates degree students will have the training needed to begin working after graduation.

With a degree or certificate in this field students may be required by their state to hold certification in order to work. Students may need to register with The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or other agencies to take the national certification exam. Not all states require pharmacy technicians to be certified so it is best to check beforehand.

By gaining an accredited education students can be sure that they will receive the quality training they need. Agencies like the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education ( http://www.acpe-accredit.org/ ) is one of numerous agencies approved to provide full accreditation to educational programs. Students can request more information about the certificate or degree of their choice by contacting the pharmacy technician schools and colleges that interest them most. By enrolling today students can start the path to becoming the pharmacy technician they desire.

Top 10 Pharmacy Schools For Pharmacy Certification Training

2011-08-23T21:16:00.000-07:00

Have you got that interest in pharmacy? Do you want a pharmacy certification but don't know where to go? Are you lost and at crossroads without directions? Well, it's about time to put your worries to rest and turn that frown upside down because by reading on you would get an idea of the top 10 pharmacy schools.

    * Purdue University. Here you are taught everything from the basics of healthcare right up to hands on task that help you build up your leadership skills.
    * Ohio State University. With regards to the scientific publications and funding, this school was ranked fourth and was in seventh place as the top pharmacy school in the country.
    * University of Cincinnati is one of the first college around as it was established in 1819 . This university stands strong and offers pharmacy related programs such as Master of Science, Doctor of Pharmacy and Doctor of Philosophy.
    * University of California has a wide range of programs available from Doctor of Pharmacy to Doctor of Philosophy

    * Ferris State University offers Doctor of Pharmacy and Pre-pharmacy programs.
    * University of Kentucky came in 5th World Report survey of Pharmacy programs held throughout the country.
    * University of Minnesota-Twin Cities happens to be one of the top three schools in the United States. It offers a high quality program and has effective hands on task as well.
    * University of Oklahoma has dual degree programs which consist of M.S and PharmD as well as a program in PharmD.
    * University of North Carolina is one of the universities with interactive classes and offers a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences.
    * University of Tennessee made it into the top ten schools as it offers degree programs like dual degree (PharmD and PhD), Graduate (M.S and PhD) as well as a Doctor in Pharmacy.

With the guide of a counselor or someone knowledgeable, find your interest and pick a school to enroll in as these are the best ones around the country.

A Few Tips on How to Start a Career As a Pharmacy Technician

2011-08-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

Pharmacy Technician is a solid career choice. Health-care jobs are predicted to steadily grow over the next decade. In fact, labor and industry forecasters all seem to agree that most health-care job numbers will keep increasing over the next decade. The aging baby-boom population reaching their golden years is a major indicator of health-care's upcoming growth. And, pharmacy is tied into health-care at nearly every level, which means that being a pharmacy technician should prove the be a stable career path over both the short and long term. This article talks about some tips and ideas about how to become a pharmacy tech. First, lets talk about what pharmacy technicians do day-to-day?

What Do Pharmacy Techs do?

Pharmacy Technicians have a wide range of duties since they work in a variety of venues. The majority of techs work in retail stores. Other environments include Hospitals, Long-Term Care facilities, Mail-Order pharmacies and Military bases. Insurance companies also hire experienced pharmacy techs to audit paperwork and adjust claims. Most pharmacy technicians work directly with customers / patients under the direction of a pharmacist. They may perform many of the same duties as a Pharmacist and must have a good working knowledge of the pharmacy operations. Besides counting out tablets and ringing up orders, pharmacy technicians also decode prescriptions, enter data into computers, create labels, make and receive phone calls, rotate stock as well as countless other duties.

Pharmacy Technicians do much of the work in a pharmacy, but they can't do everything. They may not answer questions about medications or give any advice whatsoever. They can tell a customer where to find "over-the-counter" products and even read the words from the packaging. However, they can never personally advise anyone to use any type of drug product. Overall, a pharmacy technician's main goal is to assist the pharmacist in helping patients and customers. They are expected to be attentive and accurate, but also friendly and knowledgeable.

Do I have to get certified to become a pharmacy tech?

Most employers and states require National Certification. Someday, the regulations may be the same everywhere, but for now it's different in every state. The first step is to find out what is required in your state and/or any prospective employers. At the minimum, Pharmacy Technicians are required to register and keep an updated license with the Board of Pharmacy in their respective state. Most U.S. states require national certification from either the PTCB or ICPT (ExCPT). However, even if the state doesn't require national certification, most companies who employ pharmacy technicians do. In addition, even if neither the state or your employer require certification, it's recommended that anyone planning on a career as a pharmacy tech should become nationally certified in order to be more qualified when applying for a tech position or promotion.

What is the pharmacy tech test like?

Taking the PTCB Exam:

Most states recognize the PTCB since it's been around longer and has a solid reputation. The pharmacy technician test given by the PTCB is a 90 question multiple choice test. There are four answers to choose from, with one being the correct answer. You get 120 minutes to complete the exam. The exam is in random format, which means that the subject matter switches around nearly every question. The exam is constructed as:

66% - Assisting the pharmacist / serving22% - Maintaining Medication and Inventory Control Systems12% - Administration and management of pharmacy business practices

To pass the PTCB Exam:

You'll need to score at least 650 out of 900. Whatever you do, don't read online message boards (Yahoo groups, etc.) where people who have passed try to tell you what's on the exam. There are several test batteries that change frequently. In fact, they've currently updated all of the exams in mid 2010. The best way to ensure you pass the PTCB exam is to study until you confidently know all of the subjects on the exam.

What do Pharmacy Technicians earn?

The Salary paid to pharmacy technicians really varies by geographical location. So, in an attempt to collect the best available data, an ongoing wage survey has been running on my website for several months and the results are listed individually by city and state. To see those results, go to the wage survey page.

Pharmacy Tech School vs. Online vs. Self Study

The best route to get trained and certified really depends on each person and their own situation. Each type of program offers different types of structure and flexibility. The biggest factors to consider are job placement assistance, program accreditation and your budget.

Community College - pharmacy technology programs

Many Community Colleges offer a 1-2 year pharmacy technician program designed to prepare students to jump right into a pharmacy technician position. These programs usually qualify for financial aid and other assistance / re-training programs. One of the big questions you'll want to ask when considering this type of program is about placement assistance after program completion.

Trade School / Pharmacy Tech Colleges

The trade schools are all a little different from each other, so you'll want to research all of them to find one that's best for you. If they are accredited, you may also qualify for financial aid grants and loans. If you are serious about attending one of the pharmacy technician schools, make an appointment and take a tour of the school. Ask specific questions about the program and the career placement. When you go for a tour at a pharmacy tech school, be prepared for the big sales pitch and some pressure. Remember, these schools are businesses and the folks who give the tours are salespeople and often work for commissions.

Online pharmacy Technician Programs / Online Colleges

An increasing number of schools are offering online programs which can be completed at home. An online pharmacy technician program can be a great choice for a highly disciplined person. If you're prone to getting side-tracked by other projects (or TV shows) while you are at home, Online study programs may not work for you. On the other hand, if you can focus and stay on a schedule online programs are flexible enough to work around any schedule. When considering an online pharmacy technician program, shop around and look at the benefits of each. Some of the online programs may have affiliations with community colleges or chain drug stores, which may provide assistance in finding an internship or externship.

Self Study / Pharmacy Tech Review Books

Similar to online programs, self study can be challenging for the focus deficient types. However, one really good strategy for succeeding with a self-study pharmacy tech program is to form a small group and meet on a schedule. Even just having one partner to study with on a consistent basis helps immensely. Self study is also a very good option for experienced technicians who are in need of getting certified because of a new law or employers policy.

What subjects do pharmacy technician students study?

The breakdown of the test doesn't really give a clear picture of what subjects pharmacy tech students need to study. In pharmacy technician programs, some of the subjects are: Pharmacy Math, The Top 200 Drugs, DEA Controlled Substance Schedules, Pharmacy Laws and ethics, Prescription decoding and abbreviations, parenteral Nutrition, Pharmacology and several more.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician

2011-08-13T21:13:00.000-07:00

All of us, at some or the other point in our lives, have visited a pharmacy. It could be for buying over the counter medicine for something as innocuous as a headache or getting doctor prescribed drugs for a slightly more serious illness.

Have you ever wondered about the people working at these pharmacies, running around on the orders of the usually bespectacled and somber-looking pharmacists?

These professionals are called pharmacy technicians and their core job is to assist the pharmacists in a bunch of pharmacy-related tasks including helping them prepare prescription medication upon receiving patient or physician requests; interacting with customers; and performing routine administrative tasks. Sounds like something you would like to do? Then read on further to know how to become a pharmacy technician.

Pharmacy techs vs. aides

Although pharmacy tech and pharmacy aides are two separate roles within a pharmaceutical environment, some technicians may be required to perform the duties of an aide as well especially in smaller settings.

Technically, while pharmacy techs provide customer support and fulfill pharmacy-related duties, pharmacy aides are responsible for clerical tasks like answering phones, handling cash registers, stocking shelves, preparing and processing insurance forms, and maintaining patient records.

In addition to the tasks already discussed, pharmacy technicians may be required to instruct and educate patients on the use of prescription drugs and medical devices. They also verify the information on prescription for accuracy and completeness.

How to become a pharmacy tech?

Although there are no specific educational requirements for this job, increasingly, there has been a shift towards hiring trained and certified pharmacy techs. If you are keen on breaking into this field, it's best to be armed with some kind of post-secondary vocational training.

Pharmacy technician training courses are available at career schools, hospitals and community colleges and offer a shorter, more affordable alternative to a college degree. While a college degree would take a minimum of two years, a pharmacy technician training program can be completed within a few months.

Vocational training in this field is also available online. However, if you would rather go to college for your pharmacy tech training, then some degree programs you can consider are:

• Associate of Science in Pharmacy Tech
• Associate of Science in Allied Health
• Associate of Science in Medical Specialties

As part of your training, you will be required to take courses related to pharmacology, medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy law and regulations, institutional and retail pharmacy, etc.

Aspirants of this job may find it worthwhile to prepare the ground for their post-secondary training in the field by taking courses in math, health and life sciences in high school.

Certification and experience

Certification requirements may vary from state to state, but most of them do not require pharmacy techs to be certified. However, considering the competitive landscape of the current job market, certification may help your cause of finding work.

Certification may also mean higher paychecks and greater choice in terms of roles and responsibilities for pharmacy techs.

Certification examinations are conducted by organizations like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians.

Hands-on experience is an important part of pharmacy technician training. Many training programs may include internships or practicums to provide students a taste of real world situations. If these are not formally incorporated in your training program, then all you need to do is approach your friendly neighborhood pharmacists and ask for their permission to let you assist them.

Once you have all the formalities out of the way, you can take home a cool $13.32 per hour in wages and salary.1

Pharmacy Technician Schooling and Training Options

2011-08-08T21:12:00.000-07:00

The work completed by a pharmacist is coupled with the needed assistance of a technician. Several schooling options exist for students interested in working inside the pharmacy industry. Students will gain a valuable skill set through one of the available educational programs. Pharmacy technician schooling and training options are available at the certificate and associate's degree levels.

Pharmacy technician's assist pharmacists by administering medication, providing customer service, and conducting clerical work. This general breakdown of job tasks is learned through specific medical study that prepares students to fulfill their roles inside a pharmacy, hospital, nursing home, and more. Students can expect to learn how to assist in the workplace by completing duties that may include:

    * Preparing a prescription by counting, weighing, and sometimes mixing the needed medication.
    * Maintaining patient files and preparing different medical insurance paperwork
    * Clerical work: includes answering phones, operating industry technologies, and receiving prescription requests.

Depending on the level of education and experience students may find themselves performing more or less duties. Schools provide students with the required knowledge to accurately assist in the workplace making education at the certificate program or associate's degree level very beneficial. The main difference between programs is the length. Certificate programs last approximately two to six months and an associate's degree is usually a two-year program. Each educational path prepares students to become technicians. Associate degree programs incorporate general education courses, which make program lengths longer than a certificate program.

In certificate programs students learn the skills to fill medications, process insurance claims, and understand pharmacy procedures. Education covers all industry related areas and teaches students how to perform job related activities under the federal and state regulation laws for pharmacies. Curriculum covers subjects that include:

    * Microbiology
    * Pharmacy Laws
    * Metric measurements

Upon completion of a program students are ready to take a certification exam. Students can complete the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam or the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians exam. Becoming certified is optional, however, many employers choose to hire individuals that are certified. Certification shows employers that the people they hire understand every area of the field.

An associate's degree is lab and hands-on intensive, which is extremely useful when transitioning into a career. Students should expect to earn strong fundamental knowledge of medical coding, terminology, pharmacology, and medical procedure. Coursework could include:

    * Drug Interactions
    * Chemistry
    * Pharmaceutical Products

Curriculum centers on providing students with the skills to mix and fill prescriptions. Students will understand how to assist a pharmacist with medications and provide medical information to patients in regards to their prescription. Students enter the profession knowing how to work with pharmacy technology and medication interactions. Further study is obtainable inside a bachelor's degree program. Students that continue education though graduate schools and colleges study to become pharmacists.

Study to Become a Pharmacy Technician Online

2011-07-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

In this day and age, distance learning is possible through the internet. Just like other courses, pharmacy tech programs can now be taken online as they are offered by some educational institutions in online modules. A career in the field of pharmacy is now achievable through online pharmacy technician courses.

The primary task of a pharmacy tech is to prepare medicines for patients as per the instructions of the physicians. Other tasks of pharmacy technicians include assisting pharmacists, administrative and clerical work, as well as interacting with patients and physicians. To be able to acquire all the knowledge and skills needed for this type of career, online pharmacy technician courses can be a great choice.

Even if the pharmacy technician training and education is done online, it is still geared towards objectives that are very similar to the standard classroom or university program. The online course discusses the same topics that are being tackled in the classroom setting.

Online courses for pharmacy tech will be like regular programs that will discuss basic topics such as preparation and distribution of various medicines, interpretation of doctors' orders and prescriptions, core knowledge in pharmaceutical terms as well as how they all connect to the anatomy and physiology of humans and the respective diseases and illnesses that they target.

Pharmacy techs cannot escape mathematics and chemistry as these are the foundations of pharmacy. Online pharmacy technician programs will touch these subjects so that they can perform pharmaceutical calculations that will be needed for the preparation of medications.

Online pharmacy programs helps the students be familiar with the laws that govern the field of pharmacy on the federal and state level. There are rules and regulations that surround the field of pharmacy that are very important to be knowledgeable about. The administration of drugs is a very restricted field and it is important to understand it. There are modules that will have case studies and case analysis so that pharmacy technicians will be familiar with the usual drug related mistakes and crimes that are committed in their field and be aware of the repercussions of those.

Online programs will also touch HIPAA compliance requirements that are applicable to the field of pharmacy. Since it is under the health related field, there are standards that must be upheld and pharmacy technicians are part of this movement. They are meant to be stewards who will push for high quality service each and every time.

There will also be short modules that will discuss effective communication of pharmacy technicians to patients as well as other health professionals. This is important so that professionalism is prioritized in the work place.

Whether you take the pharmacy tech course online or not, you are still required to take the national certification exam as mandated by law. This is also beneficial for your career as many employers now are requiring their pharmacy technician applicants to be qualified and certified.

A career for technicians is just waiting to be tapped. Online pharmacy technician courses are just as good as classroom based courses. It is just a matter of preference for the student. Online courses zoom in on individual learning and focused students will have great success in it. There is not a lot of interaction other than with the professor assigned to your online module so those who are seeking group learning may not be fit for online courses in pharmacy technology. However, if you are very good with channeling your concentration on one thing and are very good with keeping communication lines open with your professor, there is a great chance that online pharmacy technician programs will be perfect for you.

Pharmacy Technician Requirements

2011-07-18T21:06:00.000-07:00

Many pharmacy technicians are trained on the job, however, most employers prefer to hire pharmacy technicians that have had formal training or previous work experience. Pharmacy technician requirements include attention to detail, no prior history of drug related offenses, strong math and reading skills, no felony convictions within the past 5 years, and a high school diploma or GED.

Pharmacy technician training programs are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). You can find a program directory of all of the accredited programs on their website. There are certified programs in 37 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

These training programs are located mainly in technical colleges, community colleges, and vocational schools, though there are also a few located in universities and other locations. The programs teach all of the required skills for pharmacy technician, such as the names and dosages of different medications, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmaceutical law and ethics, pharmaceutical techniques, pharmaceutical terminology, and pharmacy record keeping. Once a student has completed all of the pharmacy technician requirements of the program, they will be awarded with a certificate, associate's degree, or diploma depending on the program.

Most states do not have pharmacy technician requirements in regard to certification, but employers usually prefer those who have taken the certification exams offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians since they know if someone has earned this certification they have the necessary skills to be a pharmacy technician.

Becoming a certified pharmacy technician requires passing one of the certification exams mentioned above, and completing 20 hours of continuing education every two years in order to keep your certification current. You can meet the certified pharmacy technician requirements without attending a formal program, however, it might be easier to learn the information necessary to pass the exams through formal study.

In order to qualify for the certification you need a high school diploma, no past drug convictions, and no felony convictions in the past five years, all of which are also requirements for those who are not certified. The main thing that sets apart Certified Pharmacy Technicians is the fact that they have passed the certification exam and completed the continuing education requirements to keep their certification current.

Top Ranked Pharmacy Schools to Make A Promising Career

2011-07-08T21:03:00.000-07:00

If you want to bring some changes in your current career, working as a pharmacy technician would be a better option. With the ever increasing demand of pharmacy technician in the field of healthcare, you won't need to wait to have a job with a handsome salary. But before you can do so, you need to have a degree as a pharmacy technician. A degree from a top ranked school can make your path easier and give you some advantages. If you are not sure about which school to choose, here is a list of some top rated schools from where you can avail your degree.

US Career Institute: This institution is best known for its advanced training system within a very short time. Another advantage that you'll get here is you can complete your course online. This distance learning program is accredited by DETC and is one of the oldest programs in the country. It helps you in both regular program and preparing for the technician certification exam. The duration of the course is four months and you can avail quality education at an affordable price both in classroom and distance learning system.

National College: In National College you'll get the opportunity to attend a diploma program and an associate program. Both of these programs last for 1 year and give you fundamental and core training to make you a well-prepared and knowledgeable pharmacy technician. The course material has been designed in such a way that you get to learn all the basic things regarding pharmacy techniques. There are several campuses of National College throughout the country from which you can choose the suitable one for you.

Kaplan College: This is regarded as one of the top ranked and elite schools. You can avail both technical diploma and certificate. Faculty members of Kaplan College are highly experienced and professional. You'll get hands-on experience which will make you well prepared. The classrooms contain limited number of students which enables the teachers to take better care of the students. Besides, if you're a starter you'll be offered a flexible schedule to choose from. The externship system is another advantage that you'll get here. In addition to that, they'll help you in finding a good job after you graduate from here.

Brown Mackie College: Brown Mackie College offers an associate degree with the opportunity of taking one course a month. It allows you to keep a balance between education and family. If you want to maintain both your work and education, it would be the best option for you.

Everest College: This top ranked institution offers you to attain a degree as a pharmacy assistant in the shortest possible time so that you can join the workforce earlier. Flexible schedules are offered to everyone allowing adults and parents to pursue their degree. Ongoing career service is another benefit that you can get here.

Remington College: They offer diploma degree on pharmacy assistant. This program offers with certification on NPTA Sterile products and prepares you for PTCB examination. The classroom size is kept smaller to ensure that every student gets proper attention. Top notch faculty and administration help you in learning in the most effective way.