How Do You Become a Pharmacy Technician?
The most important factor in determining your suitability for any careers training and employment is to gauge your interest and motivation.
If you’ve ever found yourself asking “Would I suit a career as a pharmacy tech?” or “How do you become a pharmacy tech?” then you are well on your way to achieving lasting and rewarding employment in one of the fastest growing professional fields in the United States.
Read on to find out exactly how you can become a pharmacy tech and discover if this career path is the right choice for you.
Pharmacy Technician Training in Texas
There is some good news and bad news when it comes to working as a pharmacy tech. The good news is that you do not need any further education to be able to register as a pharmacy tech in Texas.
All you need is a high school diploma or a GED (but more on registration later). The bad news however, is that the majority of pharmacies simply refuse to accept applications from people who have not graduated from a registered pharmacy tech program.
Some employers will offer employment to students who are currently enrolled in a pharmacy tech program but this is a rare occurrence. Fortunately, there are a number of schools and colleges in Texas offering certified pharmacy tech training.
You can enroll in a variety of pharmacy tech programs that will allow you to earn your certification at a time and pace that suits you. You should look for schools and programs accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) to guarantee that you earn the best education you can.
From day to evening classes, and even online courses, you can become a certified pharmacy technician in as little as three months. However, and like before, employers will favor those job applicants who have completed on-campus training, as this is often accompanied by hands-on externship experience.
This kind of training is invaluable to both the employer and the employee as it replicates real-world working environments and educational scenarios. It will also give you a taste of what it will be like to work as a pharmacy tech.
The next step is to register as a pharmacy technician.
Register With TSBP
Before you can gain employment in a pharmacy in Texas you’ll have to register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy before any work can begin.
You have the opportunity to register as a pharmacy tech or as a pharmacy tech trainee, depending on your training, position, and level of skill. In order to qualify for registration with the TSBP you must:
- have (or are currently studying for) a high school diploma or GED
- submit any criminal records
- become certified with Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
PTCB certification is awarded after successfully passing Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. You can register to take this exam online and to organize a suitable examination schedule.
Examinations can be taken at over 350 Pearson Professional Centers and military test centers across the country.
If you’ve ever found yourself asking “how do you become a pharmacy tech?” you’ve already taken the first steps towards achieving a lasting and rewarding career in one of the fastest growing fields in the United States.
The most important factor in choosing the right education and employment is the interest and motivation to pursue a career from your initial interest through to eventual employment.
If you’ve always had an interest in working in the medical field but have never found the right route, click here to find out how you can become a trained and qualified pharmacy tech.
