With a growing population of baby boomers in the United States there is a growing need for pharmacy technicians. If you want to benefit from the demand and you are looking for a new career, becoming a pharmacy technician may be the answer. Pharmacy technicians do not have to go to school for 6 years or more like pharmacists do and they still receive very nice salaries and benefits. One major question that some will ask when they are deciding to change careers is whether or not pharmacy technician training is required. If you are asking this same question yourself, discover the answer by reading on.
Do You Have to Complete Specialized Training to Become a Pharmacy Technician?
There are currently no federal or state level requirements that stipulate that a pharmacy technician must complete formal training to work in the field. With this being said, formal training is the best way to secure a position in the highly competitive sector.
Imagine changing careers because you have always been interested in marketing and submitting your resume to marketing firms throughout your city. You have experience in retail but no experience in marketing or an educational background. Being hired as a new marketing trainee is not realistic when you consider the fact that there are 20 candidates with either experience or a degree in Sales and Marketing.
While you do not need a degree to become a pharmacy technician you should seriously consider getting some training. This is a good way to stand out against all of the other candidates who want the same position as you do. When you enroll in a formal training program, you will learn the skills you will need to use on-the-job so that you can present yourself as a valuable asset instead of just a trainee who can learn to do tasks quickly.
The Benefits of Completing a Program Offered Through a Pharmacy Technician School
One of the primary benefits of completing a training program is the fact that you’ll gain knowledge in the field that other applicants in a competitive job market may not. While ccording to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow by as much as 20 percent within the next 10 years, the number of people seeking these positions is also expected to grow. With rising demand comes a bigger supply. This is a common rule in economics and also applies to the job market.
Another benefit of completing a formal certificate program is that you will be able to complete classroom and laboratory work. This gives you the knowledge you need and the experience you do not usually get until you find a position. Some of the many areas of study include:
- medical and pharmaceutical terminology
- pharmaceutical calculations
- recordkeeping
- pharmaceutical techniques
- calculations
- medication names, uses, and doses
After you complete training, most programs will offer an internship program where you will train on-the-job. This will teach you how to multi-task and how to work in the environment before you even complete school. When you have experience as a working aide in a community pharmacy hospitals and other health care facilities are more likely to hire you. You are also showing your interest and commitment in the field which will always help during the application process.
How to Find the Best Pharmacy Technician Program
You should look for a training program that will help you prepare for professional exams so you can easily become a certified pharmacy technician. Both the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the National Healthcareer Association‘s National Commision for Certifying Agencies offer exams throughout the nation. You can find out which classes are recognized by these boards by reviewing approved classes directly. Keep in mind that there are legitimate in-class programs and programs offered through pharmacy technician online schools. You need to consider your schedule and your learning style to choose the best program for you.
Many employers are doubtful about applicants who have not completed training or who do not possess a certification. Though in most cases, the employers who will hire applicants without either of these will require the applicants to complete their certification exam within a specified period of time. Once you pass your certification exam you will need to recertify every 2 years by completing continuing education in pharmacy law and other areas of study. Now that you know what is required to become a pharmacy technician, it is time to enroll in training. Choose a legitimate program offered by an accredited school and start on the path to your new life!
