Pharmacy Technologist
Pharmacy technologists work with pharmacists to help prepare and distribute medicines to patients. They may screen prescription orders for accuracy and completeness; prepare prescriptions; perform calculations; perform medication reconciliation; assist in the management of investigational drug studies, and use technology to help maintain accurate patient records, prepare and package medications, and place orders.
Education
Required
Program
Length
Places of
Employment
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You must attain a high school diploma or a GED and graduate from an accredited pharmacy technician training program
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3 months - One year
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Although not all states require pharmacy technicians to be certified, many employers prefer it. There are two main national certification bodies for this profession: the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Health Career Association (NHA). Both types of certifications require the candidate to have a high school diploma and successfully pass an exam. In addition to becoming a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT), some candidates choose to further enhance their credentials with other certifications in areas such as sterile products (IV); chemotherapy; or nuclear pharmacy tech (NPT).
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Hospitals
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Nursing facilities
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Community pharmacies