How to Become a Pharmacy Tech Online: All You Need to Know
Are you considering a career in the pharmacy field? Becoming a pharmacy tech is a great choice for individuals looking to enter the health care industry. Pharmacy techs work closely with pharmacists to provide vital support to the team and ensure medications are dispensed correctly and safely. An exciting opportunity of becoming a pharmacy tech is that you can participate in online learning to receive your certification and training.
Online Courses to Become a Pharmacy Tech
The first step to obtaining your pharmacy technician certification is to sign up for a pharmacy tech program. When researching programs, look for courses that have been accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). This accreditation ensures that you will be learning the most up-to-date and accurate information needed to properly and safely operate within the pharmacy setting.
Modern online courses for pharmacy techs allow students to learn on their own schedule. This makes it an excellent option for individuals who need to work around other commitments such as parenting and full-time employment. Many online courses also provide various levels of assistance, from in-person tutorials to online customer support.
Post Training Certification & Licensing
Once you have completed your online course, you will then be ready to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The exam is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and is used to assess a candidates knowledge in order to become a certified pharmacy technician.
In addition to passing the PTCE, you may also be required to obtain state licensing. State regulations are continuously changing, so be sure to check which ones apply to the state you are working in. Licensing requirements may include completing additional coursework and undergoing a criminal background check.
AI & Future of Pharmacy Techs
Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a staple of the health care industry and pharmacy techs are no exception. AI can assist pharmacy techs with tasks such as medication dispensing, order entry, drug interaction checks, and other duties. As AI advances its capabilities, pharmacy techs may need to become more adept with tech tools such as robotic systems, electronic health records (EHRs), and inventory management software.
Pharmacy techs can stay ahead of the game by completing online courses that focus on developing key competencies and competencies that will stand them out in the future AI-driven industry. Those with a base understanding and background in IT, coding, and programming will have an edge when it comes to leveraging the advancements of AI to meet health care challenges.
Conclusion
Becoming a pharmacy tech is a great way to enter the health care field. Your knowledge of medications and pharmacists will help ensure that all prescribed drugs are dispensed effectively and safely. By taking an online course and obtaining certification, you can gain the skills necessary to move ahead in the pharmacy field. And with the advances of AI, pharmacy techs can stay ahead of the game by learning the current use and potential of AI for their role.