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Before becoming a pharmacy technician, you must earn a high school diploma or GED. Most students who did not complete high school can get their GED in just a few weeks. In addition, students who need an alternative to traditional high school can enroll in online high school programs.
Pharmacy technician training programs are offered as online courses, through trade schools or community college programs, or as part of a pharmacy technician associate degree program.
Online options like Stepful’s 4-month pharmacy technician training program are almost always the least expensive. In addition, online programs can be completed more quickly than other types of training programs.
Trade school and community college programs take between 6 months to a year to complete and are usually more expensive. Because they require so many general studies courses, associate degree programs take about two years to complete and can cost more than $10,000. Degree programs result in the same type of certificate as online and technical college programs.
When choosing a program, keep in mind that most organizations do not require pharmacy technicians to have a degree. In addition, make sure that your chosen program has been accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
Externships are an essential part of your pharmacy technician education. Externship programs allow students to practice their hands-on skills under the supervision of an experienced pharmacy technician. Externships typically last between 40 and 100 hours.
Good online training programs will help their students find clinical opportunities in their area and ensure that students are well-prepared to enter the workforce.
Pharmacy technicians can choose between two different certification exams. Both exams result in a nationally recognized certification, and they have a similar number of questions and passing rates.
Students can choose to take 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.
Stepful’s online program covers information that will help students pass either exam. If you have a specific job or healthcare organization you’d like to work for, reach out to them to see if they prefer one certificate over the other.
After passing your exam, you will be ready to start searching for a job. Because we know that looking for a new job can be a challenge, our instructors help students apply for jobs, build a resume, and practice their interview skills.
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.
According to the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, pharmacy technicians in Minnesota are required to complete a training program. Acceptable training includes:
Earning a certificate from an online program is the fastest way to meet the requirements for Minnesota. On-the-job training does not meet the requirements.
The Minnesota State Board of Pharmacy also requires pharmacy technicians to register with the state. Registration must be renewed each year.
To renew a pharmacy technician registration in Minnesota, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years. The following websites are approved for continuing education in Minnesota:
Pharmacy technicians must always work under the supervision and direction of a licensed pharmacist. Even while under the direction of a pharmacist, there are specific rules about the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians. 151.102 MN Statuteschnicians in Minnesota.
The Office of the Resivor of Statutes states that one pharmacist can supervise up to three pharmacy technicians at a time.
Responsibilities that may be handled by the pharmacy technician 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 Minnesota have a good job outlook. In 2023, there were 8,050 job openings for pharmacy technicians in the state, and there is an expected 3.6% growth through 2033. This is about average compared to the outlook of other jobs in the United States.
Pharmacy technicians are paid well in Minnesota. The average salary of $46,430, or $22.26 per hour, is higher than the pay for pharmacy technicians in many other states. In addition, working night shifts, weekends, and holidays offer opportunities to earn even more.
The Minnesota Pharmacists Association offers support to pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and student pharmacists. They advocate for pharmaceutical sustainability, safe practice laws, and fair regulations for all stakeholders working within pharmacies. Members can volunteer, join committees, and attend annual conferences.
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 Minnesota.
4-Month Online Pharmacy Technician Course
Receive your National NHA-CPhT Certificate
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