How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
The pharmacy profession is evolving, and the demand for skilled pharmacy technicians is growing. Whether you’re looking to break into the pharmacy field or you’re an experienced technician looking to become more marketable, understanding the path to becoming a pharmacy technician is essential.
Education Requirements for Pharmacy Technician
There are no specific educational requirements to become a pharmacy technician; however, it is highly recommended to pursue education or receive on-the-job training. In fact, many employers prefer to hire technicians with a college degree or college credits in a related field. Certificates in areas such as anatomy, physiology, psychology, medical terminology, and pharmacy calculations can also offer an advantage.
Certification Options
Becoming certified, although not mandatory, is a valuable way to demonstrate pharmacy technician proficiency. There are several nationally accredited pharmacy technician certification programs. Several states require technicians to earn certification from an accredited program and keep it valid by renewing it periodically. The most recognized certification program is offered through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. It requires completion of an accredited program followed by a rigorous examination process.
On-the-job Training
Most employers prefer to hire pharmacy technicians with at least two years of experience in a retail or hospital pharmacy. Entry-level technicians usually receive on-the-job training, which may include instruction in safety and quality control procedures, stocking, inventory control, measure and compound medications, and computer databases. Working hand-in-hand with a pharmacist also offers real-world experience as well as opportunities to learn first-hand about the pharmacy profession.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Pharmacy Technician Careers
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning has greatly impacted many industries, pharmacy included. Technicians will need to become familiar with the use of automated equipment, which is becoming increasingly prevalent in both retail and hospital settings. Technicians will also need to be comfortable with processing information quickly, as AI systems process data much faster than humans.
In the future, AI is likely to take on an even larger role in pharmacy practice, with AI-based robots introducing increased accuracy and improved patient safety. As these automated systems become the norm, pharmacy technicians will be the ones uniquely situated to understand the finer nuances of the pharmacy experience and assist in teaching and training robots to complete tasks.
Conclusion
Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in effectively managing medication and works closely with pharmacists. Becoming a pharmacy technician requires a commitment to learning and gaining experience, and it’s important to continue to be educated on the latest advancements in the pharmacy industry. AI and automated systems are becoming increasingly prevalent in pharmacy settings, and as such, pharmacy technicians must stay up to date with new technologies and processes in order to stay competitive and continue to be successful in their careers.