If you have spent any time on a job search forum you may have noticed people frequently want to know, what is the easiest way to train to become a certified Pharmacy Technician?
Some forum participants have recommended, simply investing in a couple of Pharmacy Technician books and spending a couple of hours per day studying the material. After studying for 2-3 months a person would possess sufficient knowledge to sit for the pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCE) and have a decent chance of passing.
To their credit it seems a few have done just that. That’s pretty incredible, right? They have become certified Pharmacy Technicians without enrolling in a community college program, vocational school or online training classes. Further, they achieved certification without taking on the obligation of an expensive student loan to cover tuition. To be sure that is quite an accomplishment.
Fast Track to Landing a Pharmacy Technician Job
Many people in this economy would certainly appreciate being able to move into a Pharmacy Technician career without having to spend the many months necessary to complete an associate degree in Pharmacy Technology – or having to spend thousands of dollars to complete a certificate program at a vocational school.
There are online schools that claim a person can prepare to take the certification exam in as little as 6 -8 weeks, however these can also cost several hundred dollars to complete, and may not offer any kind of guarantee (like pass on the first take or it’s free).
The question however that needs to be asked is how many of them have been offered employment. While it is commonplace for many employers to hire certified Pharmacy Technicians, they also want to hire techs who are experienced.
An Important First Step
If you are thinking about becoming a Pharmacy Technician an important first step would be to find out what are the requirements for working in your State. While it is still true that many states do not require any type of formal technician training, more states are requiring techs to be registered or certified before they can work in a pharmacy.
In Massachusetts all that is required to become a certified pharmacy technician is to pass the exam given by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). How you prepare for the exam is not detailed in the state regulations. However in Florida, as of January 1, 2011, new applicants will be required to complete a state approved pharmacy technician program. California also requires registration that includes education and certification options. The easiest way to find out what is mandated in your state is to check with your State’s Board of Pharmacy.
Career Goals
It will also help if you can determine what your ultimate career goal is. Do you want to work in a retail or hospital pharmacy? Maybe your goal is to become a Pharmacist?
Your school choice and the training it provides will determine where you’ll eventually work. Schools that offer an internship will provide you with some of the hands-on experience employers are looking for. It’s not guaranteed, but an internship could lead to a full-time job offer.
If you complete a community college program you will have the option to further your education should you decide to change careers or pursue a higher degree at some point in the future.
As with most important decisions in life, there are no quick or easy answers when considering a career choice. There are however many options available for becoming a certified Pharmacy Technician. It’s your career, your choice.
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