Do you have an interest in the healthcare industry but don't want to spend years in medical school? Becoming a pharmacy technician may be the perfect career path for you. Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists to help dispense medication, provide customer service, and perform administrative tasks. However, before you can start your career as a pharmacy technician, you need to know what certification you need to obtain.
Aspiring pharmacy technicians often wonder what certification they need to obtain before they can legally work in a pharmacy. It can be confusing to navigate the different certification options and requirements, but it is crucial to ensure you meet the necessary qualifications. Without the proper certification, you will not be able to work as a pharmacy technician.
The certification you need to become a pharmacy technician varies by state. Some states require pharmacy technicians to be certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), and others require certification by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). In some cases, you may need a combination of both certifications.
In general, the PTCB certification is more widely recognized and accepted by employers across the United States. To become PTCB certified, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), and meet any additional state-specific requirements.
The NHA certification is an alternative option for those looking to become a pharmacy technician. The NHA offers the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). To be eligible to take the exam, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and must have completed a pharmacy technician training program or have equivalent work experience.
My Personal Experience
When I decided to pursue a career as a pharmacy technician, I was overwhelmed by the different certification options. However, after researching the requirements for each certification, I decided to become PTCB certified. I found that the PTCB certification was more widely recognized by employers and would provide me with better job opportunities.
State-Specific Requirements
It is essential to note that some states may have additional requirements for pharmacy technician certification beyond the national certification exams. For example, some states may require pharmacy technicians to register with the state board of pharmacy or complete additional training programs. It is crucial to research the requirements for your state before pursuing certification.
PTCB Certification
The PTCB certification exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and is administered at Pearson VUE test centers across the United States. The exam covers four main areas: medications, federal requirements, patient safety, and order entry and processing.
How to Prepare for the PTCE Exam
Preparing for the PTCE exam is essential to ensure you pass on your first attempt. There are many resources available to help you study, including online courses, study guides, and practice exams. It is also recommended to gain hands-on experience working in a pharmacy, as this will help you understand the material better.
Conclusion
Obtaining the proper certification is essential to becoming a successful pharmacy technician. While the certification requirements may vary by state, the PTCB certification is widely recognized by employers across the United States. Be sure to research the requirements for your state and prepare adequately for the certification exam. With the proper certification and training, you can begin your rewarding career as a pharmacy technician.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the difference between the PTCB and NHA certification?
A: The PTCB certification is more widely recognized by employers, while the NHA certification is an alternative option for those looking to become a pharmacy technician.
Q: What are the requirements for the PTCB certification?
A: To become PTCB certified, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), and meet any additional state-specific requirements.
Q: What is the ExCPT exam?
A: The ExCPT exam is the certification exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) for pharmacy technicians.
Q: Are there additional requirements for pharmacy technician certification beyond the national certification exams?
A: Yes, some states may have additional requirements, such as registration with the state board of pharmacy or completion of additional training programs.
