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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.

What skills help Pharmacy Technicians find jobs?

Benefits Administration
Pharmacy Technician Experience
Compounding Medications
Pharmacy Software
Customer Service
Math
Data Entry
LTC Pharmacy
Infusion Experience
Typing
Hospital Experience
Computer Skills

Career progression for Pharmacy Technician

Education levels for Pharmacy Technicians

Based on the requirements of Pharmacy Technician job openings on Indeed in the United States within the last three years.

Expected salary by experience

Based on resume data from Indeed users who reported working as a Pharmacy Technician in the United States within the last three years.

Common qualifications for Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacy Technician Certification
Pharmacy Technician License
PTCB Certification
IV Certification
LPN
LVN
BLS Certification
Driver's License
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant
CompTIA Server+
Licensed Pharmacist
BC/BE

What are characteristics of a successful pharmacy technician?

Aside from the required education, training, registration and certification, there are some characteristics of a successful pharmacy technician, which include:

Active listening
Communication skills
Attention to detail
Organizational skills
Reading and math comprehension

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Are there advancement opportunities for a pharmacy technician?

Continued education is the best way to advance your career as a pharmacy technician. Certification opportunities are available to become trained in specialty areas, such as nuclear pharmacy. Depending on the company that a pharmacy technician works for, there could also be opportunities to move into a supervisory role.

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