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All pharmacy technicians must have at least a high school diploma or GED. Students who did not complete high school can enroll in online programs to prepare to take their GED exam. Most students can study for and pass their GED exam within a few weeks or months.
There are a few different types of pharmacy technician programs that lead to certification. These include:
Online programs like Stepful have the lowest cost and can be completed in four months. These programs cover the same content as in-person programs but allow for more flexibility in scheduling. Good online programs also help their students find an externship once classroom learning is complete.
Trade schools and community colleges are usually more expensive than online programs and take a little longer to complete. These certificate programs usually last 6-12 months. While many schools do offer evening and weekend classes for nontraditional students, they do require in-person attendance.
In addition to pharmacy technician-specific learning, associate degree programs require general education courses like humanities and writing. They take 18 months to two years to complete and can cost more than $10,000. Associate degree programs result in the same types of certificates as shorter programs, and it is rare for any organization to require pharmacy technicians to have a degree.
When choosing a pharmacy technician training program, make sure that you choose one that has been accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. In addition, ask about your chosen training program's exam passing rate and whether or not they will help you find a job after you graduate.
During a pharmacy technician externship, students follow an experienced pharmacy technician and practice their hands-on skills. This allows students to get experience working with patients, mixing and labeling medications, and handling high-risk prescriptions. Externships are especially important for students who choose to attend online programs.
An externship can last a few weeks, and students often spend between 40 and 100 hours with their assigned pharmacy technician. Students who perform well during an externship may be offered a permanent position at the end of their hours.
Stepful provides an opportunity to interview with our pharmacy partners for hands-on externship opportunities where students can practice skills such as communicating with patients, dispensing medications, and experiencing the daily workings of a pharmacy.
When students complete their training program and externship hours, they should be ready to pass their pharmacy technician certification exam.
There are two nationally recognized certifying agencies for pharmacy technicians. Students can choose between the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) exam offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), or the Certified Pharmacy Technician Exam (ExCPT) offered by the National Healthcareer Association.
Both exams cover topics such as patient safety, inventory management, receiving prescription requests, measuring and dispensing medication, accepting payment or billing insurance for prescription medications, and maintaining patient privacy. The NHA exam costs $125 to take, and the PTCB exam costs $129.
Our faculty at Stepful helps students get a job by helping students prepare resumes and practice their interview skills.
With a strong resume and good interview skills, students can use job search sites such as Indeed, Monster, and ZipRecruiter to secure the job of their dreams.
Stepful’s Pharmacy Technician program has received accreditation by ASHP! American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) is the only nationally-recognized pharmacy association that accredits pharmacy technician training programs in the United States. ASHP accreditation represents formal recognition of the high quality of services and care provided by Stepful’s Pharmacy Technician program.
The Maryland Board of Pharmacy requires all pharmacy technicians to complete an accredited training program and earn their certification.
Maryland requires pharmacy technicians to be trained, certified, and licensed to work. Before you can work as a pharmacy technician in Maryland, you'll have to be 17 or older, have a high school diploma or GED, provide proof of successful completion of a Board approved pharmacy technician program, pass an approved exam, and pass a criminal background check.
There are strict rules about what responsibilities can be handled by a pharmacy technician. Pharmacy technicians must always work under the direction and supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
The 2018 Maryland Pharmacy Technician Consensus Conference discussed the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians and what training should be required. Overall, the discussion emphasized the importance of keeping patients safe while expanding the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians.
Responsibilities that can be taken care of by a pharmacy technician in Maryland include:
There are a few responsibilities within a pharmacy that can only be handled by the lead pharmacist or pharmacist in charge. These include:
Pharmacy technicians in Maryland have a decent job outlook. In 202, there were 8,050 job openings for pharmacy technicians in the state with an expected 5% growth through 2033.
The average salary of a pharmacy technician in Maryland is $42,170 per year or $20.27 per hour. Working weekends or night shifts, becoming a leader or educator, and earning special certifications can all provide opportunities for a pay increase.
The Maryland Society of Health-System Pharmacy is an organization of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy students, and other stakeholders. Their mission is to create and maintain high standards for all pharmacies in Maryland. They also offer scholarships and continuing education opportunities for pharmacy technicians and pharmacy students.
The National Healthcareer Association and Pharmacy Technician Certification Board are other great resources for pharmacy technicians. They both offer continuing education opportunities, annual conferences, advanced certifications, and career support for pharmacy technicians in Maryland.
4-Month Online Pharmacy Technician Course
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