How to Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician in California
As a young girl growing up in a small town, I always had a fascination with the medical field. I would spend hours watching medical dramas on TV, and I was captivated by the way that the doctors and nurses were able to help people. When I was 16 years old, I got my first job as a pharmacy technician at a local drugstore. I loved the job and I quickly learned that I had a knack for it. I was good at counting pills, filling prescriptions, and interacting with customers.
After a few years of working as a pharmacy technician, I decided to go back to school to get my certification. I enrolled in a two-year program at a local community college, and I passed the national certification exam on my first try. Getting certified was an important step in my career, and it opened up new opportunities for me. I was able to get a job at a hospital pharmacy, where I work today. I love my job and I am grateful for the opportunities that I have been given.
What is a Pharmacy Technician?
A pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians perform a variety of tasks, including:
- Counting and filling prescriptions
- Preparing medications for patients
- Providing information to patients about their medications
- Maintaining inventory of medications
- Processing insurance claims
Pharmacy technicians play an important role in the healthcare team. They help to ensure that patients receive the correct medications at the correct time. They also help to educate patients about their medications and provide them with support.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in California
To become a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) in California, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program
- Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
There are a number of accredited pharmacy technician training programs available in California. You can find a list of accredited programs on the California Board of Pharmacy website.
The PTCE is a national certification exam that is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The exam covers a variety of topics, including:
- Pharmacy law and ethics
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy calculations
- Medication safety
- Customer service
You can prepare for the PTCE by studying the PTCB website and using a variety of resources, like books, online courses, and practice exams.
Tips for Becoming a Successful Pharmacy Technician
Here are a few tips for becoming a successful pharmacy technician:
- Be accurate and detail-oriented
- Be able to work under pressure
- Be a team player
- Be compassionate and helpful
- Be willing to learn new things
Pharmacy technicians who possess these qualities are more likely to be successful in their careers. They are also more likely to be respected by their colleagues and patients.
FAQ
Q: What are the benefits of becoming a certified pharmacy technician?
A: There are a number of benefits to becoming a certified pharmacy technician, including:
- Increased job opportunities
- Higher pay
- More respect from colleagues and patients
- Greater job satisfaction
Q: How long does it take to become a certified pharmacy technician?
A: It typically takes about two years to complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program and pass the PTCE.
Q: What is the job outlook for pharmacy technicians?
A: The job outlook for pharmacy technicians is excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of pharmacy technician jobs will grow by 12% from 2020 to 2030.
Conclusion
If you are interested in a career in the healthcare field, becoming a certified pharmacy technician is a great option. Pharmacy technicians play an important role in the healthcare team and they are in high demand. With a little hard work and dedication, you can become a certified pharmacy technician and start a rewarding career.
Are you interested in learning more about becoming a certified pharmacy technician in California?
