Are you considering a career as a pharmacy technician and want to join the healthcare industry? If so, you’ll be glad to know that to become a pharmacy technician does not require a lengthy degree or years of schooling. In fact, you can become a certified pharmacy technician in as little as three to four months. It might sound too good to be true, but here’s a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to make it happen. So let’s discuss the necessary education, certification requirements, and how to stand out in a competitive field. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to be job-ready in just a few months.
Why Become a Pharmacy Technician?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 43,000 job openings for pharmacy technicians are created annually. This number is expected to rise as more pharmacies open across the country. With this increasing demand, the pharmacy technician role is a great entry point into the healthcare field. But how exactly do you start your career?
Steps to Become a Pharmacy Technician
1. Education: Get the Right Training
The first step to becoming a pharmacy technician is acquiring the appropriate pharmacy tech training. However, choosing the right educational path can be tricky, as not all programs offer the same quality of education or career prospects.
2. Certification: Achieving the CPhT Credential
The second step is to get certified as a pharmacy technician. Employers place high value on the CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician) title, with over 90% of employers considering it essential for hiring. This certification is recognized nationally, signifying that you have the skills to fulfill the responsibilities of a pharmacy technician.
3. Experience: Gaining Practical Knowledge
Having experience working in a pharmacy is invaluable. Some programs include externships, giving you real-life experience to boost your resume and make you more attractive to employers.
Now, let’s dive deeper into each of these steps, with a focus on avoiding common pitfalls that can delay your career or lead to unnecessary expenses.
Why Certification Matters
While some pharmacy technicians attempt to bypass formal certification, this often leads to lower salaries and limited job opportunities. Many pharmacies that do hire uncertified technicians will require them to become certified within 60 to 90 days of starting work. To maximize your career prospects and salary potential, it’s best to get certified before you begin your job search.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) administers the certification exam. Once you pass, you earn the CPhT title, a gold standard that indicates to employers that you are qualified and trustworthy.
Choosing the Right Training Program
Selecting the right pharmacy tech training program is crucial for becoming a certified pharmacy technician. There are several educational paths available, but they vary significantly in cost, duration, and quality.
1. Full-Time University Programs
University programs for pharmacy technicians are often sought after because they provide a recognizable certificate, which can be advantageous in the healthcare industry. A certificate from a reputable university builds trust and boosts your resume. However, there are significant downsides to this option:
- High Tuition Costs: An associate degree can cost between $15,000 and $30,000, while a certificate program might still cost up to $10,000. These costs can lead to student debt, which can take years to pay off.
- Long Duration: These programs can take anywhere from 12 months to two years to complete. This is a substantial time investment, especially if you’re looking to start your career quickly.
2. Pharmacy Tech Classes (Online or In-Person)
Another option is pharmacy tech classes offered either online or at local training centers. While these programs are generally cheaper than university courses, they have their own set of problems:
- Lack of Accreditation: Many local classes are not accredited, which can be a red flag for employers. Without accreditation, your training may not meet industry standards.
- Hidden Costs: While the base tuition may seem affordable, these programs often have hidden costs for materials, commuting, parking permits, and other expenses.
- Lack of Prestige: Small, lesser-known training centers do not have the same recognition as universities. Employers may prefer candidates with training from prestigious institutions, especially when choosing between two similar candidates.
- Fixed Schedules: Many in-person programs require strict attendance on a weekly schedule. This can be challenging for busy adults with other responsibilities. If you miss a class, you might have to wait months to retake it, prolonging your training.
The Ideal Pharmacy Technician Training Program
If traditional university programs are too expensive and local classes do not offer a competitive edge, what kind of program should you pursue? Fortunately, there are training programs designed to be affordable, convenient, and comprehensive, allowing you to become a pharmacy technician within a few months.
Preppy’s Pharmacy Technician Certification Program
Preppy has developed an online pharmacy technician certification program that addresses all the challenges mentioned above. Here’s why it stands out:
- 100% Online and Self-Paced: Preppy’s program is entirely online, giving you the flexibility to study anytime and anywhere. It’s self-paced, allowing you to complete the training according to your schedule. You can finish the program in as little as two months, enabling you to start your career sooner.
- Instant Access to Training Material: Upon enrollment, you get immediate access to a comprehensive set of training materials, including interactive lessons, presentations, and exercises. This means no commuting, no fixed schedules, and no classroom constraints.
- Accredited University Certificate: The program is in partnership with Auburn, a top-ranked, accredited university. Upon completion, you receive a certificate from this well-known institution, significantly enhancing your resume. A university certificate builds trust with potential employers and supports career growth in the healthcare industry.
- Preparation for National Certification: Preppy’s program covers all the essential skills needed to pass the PTCB certification exam. Upon completing the training, you’ll be ready to sit for the exam and earn your CPhT title, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
- Externship Included: The program includes an externship, providing you with hands-on experience in a real pharmacy setting. This experience is crucial, as it shows potential employers that you are not only trained but have also applied your skills in a practical environment.
- Affordable Pricing: The program is priced at $1,599, making it much more affordable than traditional university programs. You get the benefits of a university education, hands-on experience, and certification exam preparation without the high costs.
Why Choose Preppy’s Program?
With Preppy’s pharmacy technician certification program, you get:
- An online, self-paced curriculum
- A certificate of completion from Auburn, an accredited university
- Comprehensive preparation for the PTCB certification exam
- An externship for hands-on experience
- An affordable price with payment plan options
- Additional perks like a free laptop (available as part of a current promotion)
Conclusion
Becoming a pharmacy technician is an achievable goal that doesn’t require years of schooling or a significant financial investment. By choosing the right pharmacy technician training program, you can become job-ready in as little as three to four months. Certification, training from an accredited institution, and hands-on experience are key factors in launching a successful career as a pharmacy technician. Programs like Preppy’s provide a practical and affordable path to achieving these goals, giving you the knowledge, credentials, and confidence to excel in your new career.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward becoming a pharmacy technician, consider enrolling in a comprehensive program that offers all the tools and support you need to succeed. The healthcare industry is waiting for dedicated professionals like you!
Also read: Medical Assistant Program – Essential Tips Before Enrolling!
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, who’s work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
Time is money. Instead of programs that could take 2 years, Preppy provides you education in a few months through immersive online training.
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