Before deciding to enter into a pharmacy technician career, understanding the different Pharmacy Technician Qualifications will assist you in making the right career decisions and because pharmacy tech qualifications vary, choosing the right one(s) will be important in your career advancement and salary prospects.
In some states, qualifications aren’t at all necessary to perform pharmacy technician duties at basic level, although many states do require degrees, certificates and registration with a state pharmacy board. Depending on which state you choose to practice as a pharmacy tech, it may be a mandatory requirement for you to take an exam with one of the two main governing boards that oversees the pharmacy technician certification process;
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
- Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT)
To prepare to become a certified as a pharmacy tech, and pass the certification board exams, enrolling on to school or college qualifications in pharmacy technician will provide you with the necessary training and work experience to kick-start your career. There are several different qualifications available to pharmacy tech students through online pharmacy technician schools or traditional colleges.
Types of Pharmacy Technician Qualifications Available
Pharmacy Technician Certificate
Pharmacy technician certificate qualifications provide the basic level of study. Certificate programs can be studied online and at a variety of vocational schools, and provide the fundamental training and work experience necessary to pass the certification board exams and enter into entry-level pharmacy technician jobs. Pharmacy technician certificate course consist of between 12 to 36 weeks of study and on the job training and qualification prices vary between schools although certification course are almost identical in course content.
Pharmacy Technician Diploma
Pharmacy technician diploma qualifications cover the same areas that a certificate program do. However, the qualifications provide a more in-depth learning experience and look at additional areas advanced pharmacy technicians need a working knowledge of, such as IV and sterile preparation. Pharmacy technician diploma qualifications usually take at least a year to complete with a traditional technical or vocational school.
Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree
Pharmacy technician associate degree qualifications are for those who which to find advanced and senior position jobs. Associate degrees usually take two years to complete and cover advanced areas of pharmacy technician training not covered by the diploma or certificate course. Associate degrees are very advanced preparation qualifications for pharmacy technicians and prepare students to enter the job market with good standing.
All these pharmacy technician qualifications prepare students for their PTCB or ICPT certification exams. However, in terms of value for money, it is highly recommended that future students thoroughly research the different pharmacy technician training schools before committing to a course of study because different schools charge different prices for the same types of qualifications, although the course content are usually the same for each level of study. So shopping around for the best qualifications and prices to suit each individual future pharmacy technician’s needs and requirements is important.