How are pharmacy technicians affected during COVID-19?
In light of COVID-19, most pharmacies across the States have become testing sites where they are able to administer COVID-19 tests to customers. With these adjustments to pharmacy operations, pharmacy technicians will have increased responsibilities for delivering patient care by assisting the pharmacist with COVID-19 pre-screening and paperwork.
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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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How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a pharmacy technician?
If you’re unsure about what salary is appropriate for a pharmacy technician, visit Indeed's Salary Calculator to get a free, personalized pay range based on your location, industry, and experience.
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What is the job outlook for a pharmacy technician?
The job outlook for pharmacy technicians is positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment of pharmacy technicians to increase by 7% between 2018 and 2028.
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What does a pharmacy technician do?
Pharmacy technicians work with pharmacists to provide quality patient care by filling prescriptions and measuring and dispensing the required medication dosage to patients. They also assist with billing and record-keeping of patient records as well as medication inventory.
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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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Who can employ pharmacy technicians?
Pharmacies, hospitals and nursing homes are among the most common places of employment for pharmacy technicians.
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What are the benefits of being a pharmacy technician?
Some of the benefits that come with working as a pharmacy technician include job stability, flexible work schedule and the opportunity to advance into other healthcare-related fields.
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Is being a pharmacy technician stressful?
A pharmacy technician's work can be stressful as they often work in a fast-paced environment and have to deal with the demands of customers while ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of their work. Other factors that contribute to the stress of the job include work setting, the volume of work to handle and staffing levels.
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What is the minimum age requirement for a pharmacy technician?
In the United States, the age requirement to work as a pharmacy technician varies by state. The standard minimum age is 18 years old although some states allow applicants at 16 years old.
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How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician?
Pharmacy technician training typically takes around 15 weeks to 2 years. The duration of training varies depending on state requirements, career goals and other factors.
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Do pharmacy technicians need a degree?
No, a degree is not needed to become a pharmacy technician. Individuals will need at least a high school diploma or GED and on-the-job training to work as a pharmacy technician.
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What are the advancement opportunities for pharmacy technicians?
Pharmacy technicians can advance into supervisory positions or other related healthcare positions, such as:
Pharmacist
Nuclear medicine technologist
Medical laboratory technician
Regulatory affairs specialist
Each position requires additional training and education.
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What on-the-job training does a pharmacy technician receive?
Generally, newly hired pharmacy technicians will be trained by the pharmacist on pharmacy operations such as insurance billing, medications and operational processes. The type of training received varies by employer.
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Where can aspiring pharmacy technicians take classes?
Pharmacy technician classes can be found at vocational and community colleges as well as hospitals and university hospitals.
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How much does pharmacy technician training cost?
The training costs for pharmacy technicians range from approximately $460 to $11,000 depending on the institution. Costs vary based on the time it takes to complete the program and can be substantially higher for out-of-state students.
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What is the passing score for the pharmacy technician exam?
The passing score for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is 1400.
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Is it possible to take the pharmacy technician exam without going to school?
Yes, it is possible to take the pharmacy technician exam without formal schooling. As of January 2020, candidates must either complete a Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) recognized training program, or have a minimum of 500 work hours as a pharmacy technician to be eligible to take the exam.
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Is it possible to re-take the pharmacy technician exam?
Candidates are allowed up to four attempts to retake the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) 60 days after the most recent attempt.
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Are pharmacy technician jobs easy to get?
There is a relatively high demand for pharmacy technicians in most parts of the United States. While some states do not have strict application requirements and can hire individuals without prior experience, a person's chances of landing a job as a pharmacy technician will be better if they have had formal training and are certified.
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Can pharmacy technicians work from home?
Yes, there are pharmacy technician roles that make work from home feasible such as supporting patients in a call center capacity.
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What hours do pharmacy technicians work?
Most pharmacy technicians work full time and work hours can exceed 40 hours per week. As some pharmacies are open 24 hours, it is not uncommon for pharmacy technicians to work overnight and on weekends.
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Do pharmacy technicians get paid overtime?
Most pharmacy technicians are non-exempt employees and are therefore eligible to receive overtime pay for the hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Overtime must be paid for all hours worked over 40 in one work week.
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How can pharmacy technicians make more money?
Some ways in which pharmacy technicians can make more money include continued education to gain certification, working extra hours for overtime pay and working for a new employer.
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Why does a pharmacy technician use software programs?
Pharmacy technicians utilize a variety of software programs that aid in the management of patient records, processing prescriptions and manage patient billing.
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What is the difference between a pharmacy technician and a pharmacist?
Pharmacy technicians work under the direction of a pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians take orders from patients, fill prescriptions and have these verified by the pharmacist before issuing them to the patient. Other differences include certification requirements and pay rates.
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How much do similar professions to pharmacy technicians get paid?
Check the below Indeed career pages for the detailed pay ranges for the similar professions to pharmacy technician:
