If you’ve ever wondered how to become a pharmacy technician, this article is for you. The first thing you should know is that becoming a pharmacy tech requires some education, although some employers don’t require much more than a high school diploma. There are 24 different states in the union that regulate pharmacy tech careers. In addition to a high school diploma, you may also need certification. To get started, you need to find out what kind of training program you need and which school will give you the best training.
Career path
If you’ve decided to pursue a career as a pharmacy technician, you’ll find that there are several different online programs available. An associate degree program can lead to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Associate of Occupational Science (AOS), or a certificate. You can even pursue an associate degree while working in the industry. To make a successful transition to a new career, be sure to review the many advantages of a career in pharmacy technology before making a decision.
As a pharmacy tech, your day-to-day activities will revolve around filling prescription requests for patients. They will gather and verify patient medical histories, prepare prescriptions, and fill insurance claims. They will also help complete prior authorizations with insurance companies. Regardless of the setting, you can expect to spend a considerable amount of time on your feet and on weekends. Fortunately, the rewards are high. With the right education, you’ll soon be able to become a pharmacy technician and start enjoying your career!
If you’re looking for a more hands-on approach to your training, consider a quality program with a nationally recognized certification. It may take as little as nine months to complete. Many of these programs are highly personalized, with flexible start and completion dates, online coaching, and flexible scheduling. They’re also interactive and mobile-friendly, allowing you to communicate with instructors in real time. The tuition for PCTE courses includes textbooks and practice exams, which can be invaluable if you’re planning to work as a pharmacy technician.
Education requirements
Online courses in pharmacy technology can help students gain the skills they need to become pharmacists. Students will learn about the legal, ethical, and professional frameworks that govern their field. Students will study state and federal laws and procedural regulations, as well as common business practices in a community pharmacy. Students will study the inventory control and pricing of medications and the regulations that govern operations at pharmacies. They will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists and the different staff members within a pharmacy.
In order to become a pharmacy technician, students need to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. They also need to complete site-specific training. Many online courses also require an externship. However, these requirements can be waived if students complete the program within five years. Students who complete the program successfully may be eligible for scholarship money, scholarships, or grants. The requirements for pharmacy technician certification vary between states and programs, but many offer financial assistance for students who need it.
Currently, the majority of accredited online programs are offered through vocational or community colleges. These schools specialize in workforce training, and offer a certificate program within a year. However, students may not be required to take general education classes, which makes them less flexible. Moreover, the credits earned from these schools may not transfer to a degree later on. Regardless of the route you choose, it’s important to find a pharmacy tech school that will fit your needs.
Salary
While the average salary for a McDaid’s Pharmacy tech is about $35,100 by 2020, this figure can be much higher. The reason for this is that pharmacy technicians can work at various hours and locations. For example, a technician at a Walgreens store may earn $14 per hour. Another way to get an idea of the average pay for pharmacy technicians is to check out job listing websites. CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid all offer good salaries.
In addition to education, experience, and certification, salary can be affected by location. Pharmacists in metropolitan areas earn more than those in smaller towns and cities. Also, this occupation is expected to grow at a fast pace over the next few years. While the national average for all occupations is 8%, this growth rate will continue to rise. As the demand for these skilled workers grows, so will their wages. So, if you’re interested in joining this fast-growing field, now is the time to begin preparing for your new career.
The Salary for pharmacy technicians in Louisville is around $31,490 per year. The city has many job opportunities for pharmacy techs, including in Walgreens, CVS Health, and Mckesson. This is also a low-cost city, and there are over 3,600 pharmacy technicians in the city. However, salaries will vary depending on where you work. If you live in an area with a low cost of living, you can expect to earn $36,000 a year.