If you've always been interested in the world of pharmaceuticals but aren't sure you want to commit years to the rigorous college courses required to become a licensed pharmacist, you may be wondering whether there are any alternatives that will still allow you to work in this fast-paced and interesting environment. For some, a career as a pharmacy technician can provide the perfect sweet spot, allowing you to work in a pharmacy without requiring you to spend years in college or take out hefty student loans in the process. Read on to learn more about the education and training requirements for pharmacy technicians, as well as some of the factors you'll want to consider when deciding whether this is the right career path for you.
What education and training will you need to become a pharmacy technician?
Each state is responsible for regulating its own pharmacy industry, which means the training requirements for pharmacy technicians can vary widely from coast to coast. However, in many states, pharmacy technicians aren't required to have a college degree; instead, you'll be able to embark on a short training program with just a high school diploma or GED.
A pharmacy tech training or certificate program, like the one from Western Career Training, will provide you with the building blocks of knowledge you'll need to assist a licensed pharmacist. Much of your training may focus on issues like documentation, verification, and HIPAA privacy requirements. Often, pharmacy technicians are responsible for many of the processes that keep a pharmacy running, like inventory, billing, and supply ordering, freeing up the clinical pharmacist's time to have more in-depth discussions with patients about their prescriptions and managing other higher-level tasks.
How can you know whether this is the right career path for you?
Although being a pharmacy tech can be a financially and personally fulfilling career path, it's not always right for everyone. Those with drug-related criminal charges in their past may find it tough (if not impossible) to be hired to work in a pharmacy, and most pharmacies will perform a criminal background check before extending an offer of employment.
On a similar note, those who have struggled with substance abuse issues may find handling and dispensing narcotic medications on a daily basis to present too much temptation, increasing the chances of a relapse.
However, if you like dealing with the public, are efficient and a self-starter, and are interested in a rising field, being trained as a pharmacy tech may be the perfect career path for you.
Share25 July 2017
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