A Look Into How Long It Takes to Become a Pharmacy Technician

Are you interested in a career as a pharmacy technician? You might face some questions about where to start your journey and how long it takes to become a pharmacy technician. As a pharma tech, you are an integral part of the healthcare industry, assisting pharmacists in dispensing prescriptions, interacting with patients, and managing essential administrative aspects within a pharmacy. 

The path to becoming a pharmacy technician involves a thoughtful blend of education, hands-on training, and, in some cases, certification. In this guide, we will break down the various stages of the journey and provide insights into the timeframes involved at each step

Understanding the Process of Becoming a Pharmacy Technician: 

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED

Becoming a certified pharmacy technician begins with earning a high school diploma or an equivalent such as a GED. These foundational educational requirements will lay the groundwork for helping you enter into accredited pharmacy technician training programs. 

With this educational background, you will be well-prepared to delve into the comprehensive and specialized training required to join the healthcare industry. 

2. Complete an Accredited Pharmacy Technician Training Program

After obtaining a high school diploma or GED, aspiring pharmacy technicians can move to the next pivotal phase- enrolling in an accredited pharmacy technician training program. 

These programs usually span 10-16 weeks, during which you can explore a detailed curriculum covering pharmacology, dosage calculations, medication dispensary procedures, and administrative pharmacy operations. 

The training in these programs typically extends beyond theoretical knowledge, incorporating practical hands-on experience to simulate real-world pharmacy environments. An accredited program will help you obtain a pharmacy technician license or certificate. 

3. Obtain Practical Experience

Practical experience is a crucial aspect of becoming a pharmacy technician. Many accredited programs include practical experience, providing aspiring pharmacy technicians with hands-on exposure. This helps understand the daily operations of a pharmacy. 

This practical training allows pharmacy technicians to apply theoretical knowledge to a real-world context, honing skills such as medication preparation, customer service, and various administrative tasks. 

Practical experience can enhance your understanding of pharmacy operations and improve critical problem-solving and communication skills. 

4. Take the PTCT or ExCPT Exam

After completing the educational and practical aspects of your journey to becoming a pharmacy technician, the next step is taking a certification exam. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCT) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) are relevant certifications that pharmacy technicians can pursue. 

The certification process usually spans 4 months and 2 years, depending on state-specific requirements. Setting aside a minimum of 1-2 months for dedicated exam preparation is advisable, depending on individual study habits and prior educational experience. 

While some states may permit on-the-job training, others may require formal certification. These certifications will evaluate your understanding of medication safety, pharmacology, and pharmacy law. These certifications can verify that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to undergo various administrative tasks in a pharmacy. 

5. Apply For Jobs

After fulfilling educational requirements, obtaining practical experience, and pursuing various certifications, you are ready to begin your career as a pharmacy technician. Applying for pharmacy technician positions involves tailoring your resume to showcase your experience and knowledge. You should focus on demonstrating your ability to perform tasks such as medication dispensary, inventory management, and customer service tasks. 

In total, the process to become a pharmacy technician typically spans 10 months to 2 years, considering the time needed for educational programs, practical experience, and certifications. However, it's essential to note that the journey doesn't end here; the field of pharmacy is ever-evolving, and ongoing learning is crucial to excel in this profession.

Quad Recruitment USA- Explore Job Opportunities Now: 

Each phase of your pharma tech journey is pivotal in shaping a successful and fulfilling career path. While navigating this journey, it is important to recognize that the time required to become a certified pharmacy technician may vary, depending on personal goals, experience, and state regulations. 

Quad Recruitment USA can be your guide to learning more about how to become a certified pharmacy technician and exploring potential job opportunities. Contact us at +1 (929) 695 9147 or via email at info@quadrecruitment.com to begin exploring new job opportunities.