How to become a Pharmacy Technician
You can become a pharmacy technician in the U.S. with little or no formal training. However, these steps are commonly preferred:
- Graduate high school , preferably completing courses in mathematics, biology, chemistry and physiology.
- Complete a pharmacy technician training program. This can be a one year certificate or a two year associate's degree.
- Get on-the-job training. You might be able to do this while completing your training program.
- Become certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the National Healthcareer Association. Not all states require this, but you may need it to be hired as a pharmacy technician.
How to become: Certified Pharmacy Technician · Pharmacy Clerk · Pharmacy Specialist · Pharmacy Assistant · Pharmacy Manager
These qualifications are required: Registered Pharmacist · Licensed Pharmacist · Pharmacy Technician Certification
Is this useful?
What skills help Pharmacy Technicians find jobs?
- Basic math
- Bilingual
- Clinical pharmacy experience
- Communication skills
- Compounding medications
- Computer literacy
- Computer skills
- Customer service
- Data entry
- Documentation review
- English
- Hospital experience
Is this useful?
Career progression for Pharmacy Technician
Education levels for Pharmacy Technicians
required level of education | percent of job openings |
---|---|
High school diploma or GED | 57.6% |
Associate's degree | 20.2% |
Bachelor's degree | 19.5% |
Master's degree | 2.1% |
Doctoral degree | 0.7% |
Is this useful?
Expected salary by experience
Years of experience | Annual salary in USD |
---|---|
0 - 4 | $26,800 |
4 - 8 | $28,800 |
8 - 12 | $30,600 |
12 - 16 | $31,800 |
16 - 20 | $31,600 |
20 - 24 | $32,200 |
Is this useful?
Common qualifications for Pharmacy Technicians
Explore popular schools to earn these qualificationsIs this useful?
Common questions about career advices for a Pharmacy Technician
Can pharmacy technicians study online?
Yes, there are online training programs available where the curriculum covers the necessary skills required to work as a pharmacy technician. Students should ensure that the school or program is accredited.
Was this answer helpful?
What kinds of skills should a pharmacy technician have?
Pharmacy technicians should be skilled in technical aspects of the job like basic pharmacology as well as possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail and communication skills.
Was this answer helpful?
What kind of education is required to be a pharmacy technician?
Requirements vary by state but generally applicants will need a high school diploma or GED and to complete formal training programs to obtain certification to be a pharmacy technician.
Was this answer helpful?