Pharmacy technicians are healthcare professionals who support pharmacists and provide patients with information about the medication they need. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for qualified and skilled pharmacy technicians is on the rise.
Pharmacy technician classes provide aspiring pharmacy technicians with the foundational knowledge they need to begin a career in this field. Through hands-on skill development and theoretical coursework, these training programs equip students with the core skills required to work as a pharmacy technician.
Overview of Pharmacy Technician Training Programs
Pharmacy technicians often work closely with customers in pharmacies, hospitals, retail locations, and long-term care facilities, ensuring that patients have the prescriptions they need and that operations run as efficiently as possible. A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum educational requirement for a pharmacy technician. Still, hands-on pharmacy technician training can provide students with the specialized skills required for this position. Pharmacy technician hopefuls who finish a training program can significantly boost their job prospects and stand out from other applicants. Completing such a program offers a definite edge in today’s competitive market.
Importance of Hands-On Training in Pharmacy Technician Education
Under the supervision of a Pharmacist, pharmacy technicians may be responsible for collecting patient information, measuring medication, compounding medication, labeling prescriptions, and dispensing medication to patients. Pharmacy technicians need hands-on training to safely and responsibly perform their job duties.
Through hands-on training, pharmacy technician students will learn how to:
- Safely and effectively measure, dispense, and distribute prescription medication.
- Complete medical calculations and begin compounding medication.
- Discuss private health information with patients and provide accurate information about medication.
Types of Training Programs Available
Several types of training programs are available for students interested in pursuing pharmacy technician positions. The most common types of pharmacy technician training programs include:
- Pharmacy Technician Classes — These classes provide insight into specific topics in the pharmacy technician field, allowing students to gain theoretical and practical knowledge.
- Pharmacy Technician Diploma Program — As a comprehensive, hands-on pharmacy technician training program, the Pharmacy Technician Diploma program features a well-rounded curriculum that equips students with the skills required to work in retail, hospital, and community pharmacies.
- Capstone Course — In this course, students will analyze pharmacy regulations, ethical standards, and legal requirements, as well as their role in professional practice. They will apply pharmacy knowledge, including medication management, safety procedures, documentation, and patient communication. Additionally, students will implement prescription-processing techniques, including non-sterile and sterile compounding, in both public and private pharmacy settings. This Capstone will challenge you to apply your knowledge in a check-off setting, ensuring you are prepared to meet industry standards with confidence and accuracy. As you progress, you will refine the essential skills needed for a successful career as a pharmacy technician.
Curriculum and Course Details
As a skills-based program, the Pharmacy Technician Diploma focuses exclusively on topics related to this growing field. The best way to develop the skills required for this position is to choose a diploma program that offers a relevant curriculum and emphasizes the emerging trends that will impact the pharmacy technician field in the years to come.
Most pharmacy technician classes take less than a year to complete, allowing students to fast-track their entry into the workforce. The curriculum for this program supports the development of a strong foundation in pharmaceuticals, allowing graduates to feel comfortable and confident when applying for available pharmacy technician positions.
Key Courses in a Comprehensive Pharmacy Technician Program
When selecting a hands-on pharmacy technician training program, you will want to search for a program that offers relevant coursework. The key courses that should be included within a comprehensive pharmacy technician training program include:
- Anatomy, Physiology, and Terminology for the Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical Calculations
- History, Law, and Ethics of Pharmacy
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy Operations in the Retail and Hospital Setting
- Medical Calculations and Non-Sterile Compounding
- Medical Calculations and Sterile Compounding
Advanced Skills Developed Through Hands-On Training
In addition to choosing a program that offers a skills-based curriculum, you will want to enroll in a pharmacy technician training program that allows you to engage in hands-on training. Whether through a capstone course or an externship program, it’s crucial to select a diploma program that will allow you to gain practical experience in real-world pharmaceutical settings. Through these professional experiences, you will gain insight into daily operations at a pharmacy while developing the practical and technical skills required to succeed in the field.
Certification and Accreditation
Most states have regulatory requirements for pharmacy technicians. Certification requirements vary by state, so it is essential to look into the requirements for the state in which you intend to practice. States may sometimes require students to complete pharmacy technician classes through an accredited educational institution. Understanding the certification requirements and the role of accreditation can help you 11decide which pharmacy technician course is right for you.
Understanding the Certification Process
While most states regulate pharmacy technicians, the certification requirements and process may vary from one state to the next. The Florida Board of Pharmacy maintains that the requirements to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician in Florida include applicants being at least 17 years old and completing a board-approved training program.
Even if not required by the state, pharmacy technicians can pursue certification to prove their competency and develop advanced skills. Certification may help pharmacy technicians pursue niche positions or advance their careers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that two certification programs are available for pharmacy technicians, offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the National Healthcareer Association.
Importance of Choosing an Accredited Program
Accredited pharmacy technician training programs have been vetted by a third party to ensure that the curriculum aligns with national standards and industry expectations. To ensure that you are making a worthwhile investment in your education, choosing an accredited program is essential. In addition, some states and certification programs require pharmacy technicians to complete an accredited pharmacy technician course before seeking employment at retail, hospital, or community pharmacies. Certification and regulatory requirements may vary by state, so it is vital to research the requirements in the state where you intend to work.
Career Opportunities Post-Training
While hands-on pharmacy technician training programs primarily equip students with the skills required to work as a pharmacy technician, graduates can pursue other career opportunities. The practical and technical skills acquired throughout pharmacy technician classes are transferable to many different areas and work settings in the pharmaceutical industry.
Job Roles Available to Certified Pharmacy Technicians
Some of the possible employment opportunities that you may be able to consider after earning your diploma include:
- Pharmacy Technician — Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a pharmacist to prepare and dispense medication. They may work in retail, hospital, or community pharmacies.
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative — Pharmaceutical sales representatives work for pharmaceutical companies and promote pharmaceutical products to physicians and pharmacists.
- Pharmaceutical Lab Assistant — Pharmaceutical lab assistants work in laboratory settings alongside pharmaceutical researchers. They assist in research and development of pharmaceutical products.
Earning a pharmacy technician diploma does not guarantee job or career outcomes. It is important to consider career opportunities in your area before deciding if a training program is right for you.
Growth Prospects in the Pharmacy Technician Field
Demand for skilled and qualified pharmacy technicians is growing. Employment levels for pharmacy technicians are expected to grow by about 7 percent between 2023 and 2033, which is faster than the average for all other occupations. There are anticipated to be more than 47,000 openings for pharmacy technicians each year.
Begin Your Hands-On Pharmacy Technician Training at Florida Technical College
Pharmacy technician program focus on theoretical and practical knowledge, ultimately equipping students with the skills required for this growing field. The Pharmacy Technician Diploma at Florida Technical College covers a wide range of topics, including preparing, compounding, and dispensing medication. In addition, students become familiar with the administrative duties required to improve pharmacy operational efficiency. Request more information about our pharmacy technician course today.
This article presents a general overview of the pharmacy technician field, including job opportunities within that field; it does not describe the educational objectives or expected employment outcomes of a particular Florida Technical College program. Florida Technical College does not guarantee that students will obtain employment or any particular job. Some positions may require licensure or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular career you desire.
Sources
https://ftccollege.edu/program/diploma/pharmacy-technician/
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-a-pharmacy-technician
https://floridaspharmacy.gov/licensing/registered-pharmacy-technician/
https://jobs.nsh.org/career/pharmaceutical-laboratory-technician/job-descriptions
