Becoming a pharmacy assistant usually requires completing a specialized certificate program. Read on to learn common courses given in the certificate program, licensing requirements, job duties, and employment outlook in the pharmaceutical industry.
What Training Do I Need to Become a Pharmacy Assistant?
Many prospective pharmacy technicians complete a certificate program, which can be taken online and on-campus. If you enroll in an online course, clinical work will be required on-site at a pharmacy. Certificate programs offer courses in chemistry, biochemistry, dispensing, pharmacology, mathematics, anatomy and drug classification. Some programs might require you to take courses in composition, pharmacy law and communication skills. By the end of your education, you should know the types of medications, pharmacy terminology and how to handle controlled substances. These programs also prepare you for the certification exam.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Certificate Program Courses</b></td><td> Chemistry, anatomy, pharmacy law</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Licensure</b></td><td> Required in 16 states and more than 80% of jurisdictions</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Duties</b></td><td> Fill prescriptions, receive orders, count pills</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $35,100 (<i>for all pharmacy technicians </i>) </td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 4% growth (<i>for all pharmacy technicians</i>) </td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatDoIDoAfterICompleteMyProgram">What Do I Do After I Complete My Program?</h3><p>According the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, more than 80% of jurisdictions require you to be registered with your state of employment, certified or licensed to be a practicing pharmacy technician (<i>www.nabp.net</i>). In 2011, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (<i>www.ptcb.org</i>) reported that sixteen states require pharmacy technicians to obtain certification, either through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians. If your state doesn't require certification, you're welcome to take it voluntarily. Once certified, you'll need to renew your status every two years.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheResponsibilitiesOfAPharmacyAssistant">What are the Responsibilities of a Pharmacy Assistant?</h3><p>A pharmacy assistant is more commonly known as a pharmacy technician. You'll assist in customer service, filling prescriptions, counting pills, organizing prescriptions, receiving orders and contacting insurance companies. Other tasks may include answering the phone and completing guest transactions. You should be knowledgeable in pharmaceuticals. Some service needs depend on the work environment and if the pharmacy has aides available.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheJobOutlook">What is the Job Outlook?</h3><p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that pharmacy technician positions will increase 4% between 2019 and 2029 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). This increase may be due to technicians taking on more roles that pharmacy aides usually provide. As of May 2020, the BLS also estimated that technicians make a median salary of $35,100. If you decide to continue your education, you can pursue an associate's degree for pharmacy technicians or go on to a college of pharmacy to become a pharmacist.</p>
