Pharmacy Technician Training - A Closer Look

Although most pharmacy technicians receive informal on-the-job training employers favor those who have completed formal training and certification at pharmacy technician schools. However, there are currently few State and no Federal requirements for formal training or certification of pharmacy technicians. Employers who have insufficient resources to give on-the-job training often seek formally educated pharmacy technicians. Formal education programs and certification emphasize the technician's interest in and dedication to the work. In addition to the military, some hospitals, proprietary schools, vocational or technical colleges and community colleges offer formal education programs.

Formal pharmacy school education programs require classroom and laboratory work in a variety of areas, including medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy recordkeeping, pharmaceutical techniques and pharmacy law and ethics. Technicians also are required to learn medication names, actions, uses and doses. Many training programs include internships, in which students gain hands-on experience in actual pharmacies. Students receive a diploma, a certificate or an associate's degree, depending on the program.

Prospective pharmacy technicians with experience working as an aide in a community pharmacy or volunteering in a hospital may have an advantage. Employers also prefer applicants with strong customer service and communication skills, as well as those with experience managing inventories, counting tablets, measuring dosages, and using computers. Technicians entering the field need strong mathematics, spelling and reading skills. A background in chemistry, English and health education also may be beneficial. Some technicians are hired without formal training but under the condition that they obtain certification within a specified period to retain their employment.

If you've been thinking of changing careers or you're looking at starting your first career and you would like to become pharmacist I hope this little snippet on pharmacy technician training helps jump start you into action.