Training Resources for Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacy technicians use a variety of skills, including computer skills, interpersonal communication skills, mathematical skills and technical skills. These skills will come in handy for common pharmaceutical routines, prescription data entry, money handling and patient assistance. These tasks are essential to support pharmacists who fill hundreds of prescriptions a day in a busy pharmacy.

• Skills

Standards

• Value

  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are few federal and state regulations that require pharmacy technicians to get a formal credential. Because of the lack of standards, many pharmacy technicians acquire on-the-job training under senior pharmacy technicians and pharmacists. They typically begin by selling patients their medications and answering general questions about pharmacy procedures. With advanced experience, pharmacy technicians become highly valuable to pharmacists.

Content of Formal Programs

• Education

  BLS notes that a typical pharmacy tech education program will include a combination of laboratory and classroom experiences. Techs learn the terminology of pharmacy and medicine, how to perform calculations for dosages, how to keep records, and how to perform pharmacy job tasks while protecting patient privacy. Technicians also learn to demonstrate specific knowledge of drugs, what they are used for, and in what doses they are prescribed. Following an internship in a real pharmacy, techs become prepared for a certificate, diploma, or two-year degree from the institution.

National Pharmacy Technician Assocation

• Local Pharmacy

  The National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) provides a valuable resource for prospective pharmacy technicians. They offer an online certification course (launched in 2009) and special certificates in sterile products, compounding and diabetes. In 6 to 12 months in the new online course, the pharmacy tech student gets up to 750 hours of contact time, including completing nine courses and working in a local pharmacy.

American Association of Pharmacy Technicians

• Tech

  Another great career and training information resource is found at the website of the American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT). Potential pharmacy technicians can search for jobs and read employer profiles. Through membership in the national association, techs can also meet and further their professional training in workshops and conferences both regionally and nationally.

Work Environments

• Professional

  The pharmacy technician with or without a professional credential will still get valuable training on the job. According to BLS, about 71 percent of tech jobs are found in retail pharmacies, grocery and department stores and mass retailers Techs may also find employment in hospitals, locally owned pharmacies and other pharmacies (such as facilities inside large retirement communities).