How to train for pharmacy technician?
From my perspective as a hospital pharmacy director, I see major differences between well-trained and poorly-trained techs. Here's what I recommend for the best preparation:Essential knowledge areas:- Medical terminology - especially related to medications and conditions- Basic anatomy and physiology - understand how drugs work in the body- Pharmacy law and ethics - this is huge on certification exams- Dosage calculations - be comfortable with math!Beyond the basics:- Consider specializing later in areas like IV compounding or oncology- Develop soft skills - communication, attention to detail, empathy- Learn about different pharmacy settings - hospital, retail, mail-order, etc.The best techs in our hospital usually come from ASHP-accredited programs and do externships in multiple settings. Don't just aim to pass the exam - aim to truly understand the why behind what you're doing. Patient safety depends on it!
I'm currently training as a pharmacy tech through CVS's paid training program, so I can share the retail perspective!Retail Training Path:- Many chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, etc.) offer paid training programs- They typically last 3-6 months while you work- They cover everything from pharmacy law to medication names- The company usually pays for your certification examWhat you'll learn:- Pharmacy terminology and drug classifications- Insurance billing and prescription processing- Inventory management- Customer service skillsThe retail route is great because you earn while you learn, but be prepared - it's fast-paced and you're dealing with customers from day one. The training is solid though, and having a major company on your resume opens doors later.If you go this route, make sure the program is recognized in your state and will qualify you to sit for the national certification exams.
As a pharmacy tech with 8 years experience, I can walk you through the main pathways:Formal Education Route:- Certificate programs (6-12 months) at community colleges or vocational schools- Associate's degree (2 years) - gives you more advancement opportunities- Look for programs accredited by ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists)On-the-Job Training:- Some states still allow training while working, but this is becoming less common- You'll still need to pass certification exams eventuallyKey steps regardless of path:1. Complete your state's required training hours2. Study for and pass the PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam) or ExCPT3. Apply for state licensure4. Complete continuing education to maintain certificationThe field is moving toward requiring formal education, so I'd recommend at least a certificate program. The PTCB website has fantastic resources about state-specific requirements and exam preparation materials.It's a rewarding career with good job security - healthcare always needs med experts!
I just went through pharmacy tech training last year, so here's the fresh perspective!What nobody tells you:- The math is harder than you think - dosage calculations, concentrations, etc.- You need to memorize hundreds of drug names (brand vs generic)- The certification exam has trick questions designed to test your attention to detailMy study tips:- Use flashcards religiously for drug names- Practice math problems daily until they're second nature- Take lots of practice tests - the question style is very specific- Consider joining study groups (online or in-person)Resources that saved me:- Mosby's Pharmacy Technician Exam Review book- PTCB practice apps on my phone- YouTube channels dedicated to pharmacy tech trainingThe training is intense but totally worth it. I went from knowing nothing about pharmacy to having a stable career in about 9 months. Just be prepared to study hard - this isn't something you can wing!