Pharmacy Technician
Assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications, managing inventory, and ensuring patient safety in various healthcare settings.
| Median Salary | $43,460 per year |
| Job Growth (10yr) | +6%Good |
| Education | Postsecondary Certificate |
| Time to Start | 4-12 months |
Work Settings
- •Retail/Community Pharmacies
- •Hospitals
- •Long-term care facilities
- •Mail-order pharmacies
- •Specialty pharmacies
- •Compounding pharmacies
- •Ambulatory healthcare services
Primary Duties
- •Receive and process prescription requests, entering information accurately into pharmacy computer systems
- •Count, measure, and package medications according to prescription specifications
- •Create and apply prescription labels with correct dosage and patient information
- •Manage pharmacy inventory by ordering supplies, receiving deliveries, and restocking shelves
- •Process insurance claims and resolve billing issues or prior authorization requests
- •Prepare sterile intravenous (IV) medications and compound customized medications following USP standards
- •Restock automated dispensing cabinets in hospital settings and coordinate medication delivery to patient care units
- •Assist customers with non-clinical questions, process payments, and maintain patient confidentiality
How to Become Pharmacy Technician
Complete high school diploma or GED
Prerequisite for all pharmacy technician programs
Duration: 48 months
Enroll in and complete formal training program
Certificate or diploma program covering pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy law, medical terminology, and dispensing techniques. Includes 130-200+ hours of externship experience
Duration: 12 months
Prepare for and pass national certification exam
Study for and pass either the PTCB CPhT exam ($129) or NHA ExCPT exam to earn national certification
Duration: 2 months
Apply for state licensure or registration
Submit application to state Board of Pharmacy, complete background check, and pay licensing fees ($10-$200)
Duration: 24 months
Begin job search and employment
Apply for positions in retail, hospital, or specialty pharmacy settings with completed credentials
Duration: 3 months
Pursue advanced certifications for career growth
Optional specialty certifications like CSPT, CPhT-Adv, or billing certificates for advancement opportunities
Duration: 24 months
Continuing Education
To maintain your CPhT certification, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years through the PTCB. Most states that require licensure also mandate separate CE hours for license renewal, often including specific topics like pharmacy law, patient safety, or sterile compounding. These ongoing education requirements ensure you stay current with evolving pharmacy practices, new medications, and regulatory changes throughout your career.
Certifications & Licenses
- •Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) from PTCB (required in most states)
- •ExCPT from National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- •State licensure or registration (required in most states)
- •Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-Adv)
- •Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT)
- •PTCB Billing and Reimbursement Certificate
- •PTCB Medication History Certificate
- •PTCB Immunization Administration Certificate
Citations
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