Earlier this week we explored job roles of a pharmacy technician. Here is a closer look at the job requirements and job outlook of a pharmacy technician. These are important to be aware of if you are considering this career or are interested in additional information.
Prerequisites For Becoming A Pharmacy Technician
Following the guidelines established through We Care Online, the basic requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician is having a high school diploma or GED. The next step is finding the right program for you. We Care Online offers a pharmacy technician course, which includes 180 hours of online coursework and 18 hours of an externship. Requirements vary by each state and it is recommended to first review these in your state before proceeding.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam
After completion of the prerequisites, the next step is studying for and completing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). This certification tests one’s knowledge to practice as a pharmacy technician. This exam is nationwide and is computer-based, consisting of 90 questions, which have multiple-choice answers. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) offers additional information about the exam along with a tutorial and practice tools that can assist you in preparing for this exam. Click here to check out resources from the PTCB https://www.ptcb.org/get-certified/prepare-for-the-ptce#.Wp9RuihjTR4.
Pharmacy Technician Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook of a pharmacy technician is expected to increase 12 percent by 2026 due to increasing demands in the healthcare field. This is faster than the average for occupations in the United States. The median pay of a pharmacy technician in 2016 was $30,920.
Check Out Some Additional Resources
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics on Pharmacy Technicians: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm.
- State requirements for Pharmacy Technicians: https://www.v-tecs.org/category/pharmacy-technician-requirements-by-state.
- Quick link to the pharmacy technician course through We Care Online: https://wecareonlineclasses.com/courses2/all-states/pharmacy-technician/.
