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
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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
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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% |
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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 |
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Common qualifications for Pharmacy Technicians
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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.
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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.
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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.
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