There is no requirement to take the certification exam over again, ever, all that’s required is that you pass an examination covering the 20 hours of continuing education that you’re required to learn by law. The courses tend to be fairly simple, but remember this is your chance to learn something new, so take it seriously, this is your chosen career.

There are various pharmacy technician continuing education classes that one can take ranging in subject from diabetes treatment, to pediatric care, to geriatric health issues, to nutrition, to various courses on specific medications and so on. The only requirement is that you pass the final exam within the two year period.

And yes, everyone must take 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years in order to stay licensed. This type of continuing education is common in many professions in many different areas, especially where governmental licenses are required. The real estate industry is very similar.

The course work must be offered by an ACPE-accredited provider, which is overseen by the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board). When your two year period is coming to a close, you’ll most likely be bombarded by schools reminding you that your pharmacy tech continuing education requirements are almost due. It’s best to double check, but the overwhelming majority of these schools will be ACPE-accredited, so the course work will be accepted.

In order to make it easier for everybody, you will be allowed to study your course work online and never have to set foot in a classroom. The boards understand that pharmacy technicians are working professions with families and it’s difficult to set aside time for classroom study.

However, the final examination must be proctored. Which, of course, makes sense, otherwise people would just give themselves a passing grade without having even studied, defeating the purpose of continuing education all together. There will be testing centers within almost every area, often at the local community college, making it very convenient. But remember, don’t miss the deadline or your license could be at risk.

If you have a degree, have passed your pharmacy technician certification exam, have high marks in school, and have gone through a good internship then chances are the pay that you’re offered by an employer is going to be higher than if you do not have these qualifications on your resume. (In many states, a certification is mandated by law, check with your state laws to be sure.)

The average starting pay for a pharmacy technician in the United States will generally vary from around $28,500 on the low end to perhaps as high as $38,000 at the top. Again, this number will vary by location and your particular qualifications. In some areas of the country, a lower salary will be more than adequate because the cost of living is much lower, if you live in a large urban area then you might expect a higher starting salary because living costs are higher.

As you progress in your career as as pharmacy technician your pay will increase year over year. It’s estimated that after about your third year in the business you will be qualified to make around $31,000 to $43,000. Your salary will depend on where your starting salary began and on your employer. A good employer, with deeper pockets, will be able to afford a higher salary, so it’s important to secure employment with a good company as you progress in your career.

The top salary for pharmacy technicians across the country may go as high as $60,000 per year, which is a healthy salary considering an individual can get started with just a two year degree. Remember the average salary in the United States is somewhere in the neighborhood of $40,000 per year so a top pharmacy technician is beating that salary by 50%. Not bad, not bad at all.

Pharmacy technician jobs are in demand right now with the amount of jobs increasing year by year. Get your certification, build your resume and top pharmacy technician pay is closer than you think.

The best way to prepare yourself for the exam is to work hard throughout your course studies, for one.

It’s much easier to remember and retain information if your brain takes it in slowly over a period of time. If you try to cram it all in at the end, you will retain much less information. So take your course work seriously and you’ll be way ahead of the game.

Next, take a practice exam, in fact take a few practice exams in order to get a feel for the test and prepare for the all important day. The pharmacy technician examination is a test that consists of 140 (15 of the questions are pre-test questions that don’t count) multiple choice questions with 4 possible answers. The duration is 3 hours.

Remember, there is no penalty for guessing, so answer all of the questions. Narrow down the answers, excluding answers that you know are incorrect and you’ll have a much better chance at answering correctly, even if you’re not one hundred percent certain of the correct answer.

There are three sections to the exam – assisting pharmacists in serving patients, maintaining medication and inventory control systems, and participating in administration and management of pharmacy practice. So study accordingly. The first section accounts, for 2/3 of your score, so it is the most important do to well in that section.

Exam dates will be given throughout the year by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or PTCB. If, by chance you do not pass the exam on the first try, you must wait a full 90 days to take the test again, which is a good idea because you’ll need some time to brush up on the material anyway.

You will receive the exam results shortly after taking the exam; it’s frustrating, but remain patient even though you’re dying to know if you passed or not. The pharmacy technician exam is the culmination of your studying, but if you’ve prepared yourself well throughout your program you’ll do just fine.

Well, it means that if you get into the field, there will be plenty of jobs, – meaning higher average salaries and a far less chance of being laid off. How’s that for good news in these hard economic times?

The fact is that our country’s population is aging quickly. The baby boomers are starting to retire and are moving into senior citizen status – and there’s a ton of them. This demographic trend is enormous and it signals a huge, steady boom in health care and in health care related jobs in the long term.

In order to become a pharmacy technician, you’ll most likely (state laws will vary) need a two year degree and to pass a certification exam given by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). But, that’s it.

In other health care positions, like Pharmacist, Nurse, or Medical Doctor an individual needs a whole lot more schooling. (Nurses often need a four year degree, if though there are two year programs.) The starting salaries for pharmacy technicians are higher than the national average, starting at around $30,000 and senior pharmacy techs can pull down as much as $60,000 per year, an extremely high salary considering you only have to invest in a 2 year program.

In order to get the perfect pharmacy tech job you’re going to want to pull down a good grade point average in school (of course) and lock into a good internship program. Pharmacists and employers are hesitant to hire folks without good experience and high marks in school because the position is directly responsible for the health and well-being others.

Making a mistake in this job doesn’t just make the pharmacy technician look bad, it could be very dangerous. Obviously the job requires diligent and responsible people, like yourself.

It’s a job that you can be proud of, knowing that you’re helping people get and stay healthy. There is no more noble job than that. Pharmacy technician jobs are in demand, so jump on this trend and secure a great paying in demand position in the health care industry.

Some states do not require a certification in order to perform pharmacy technician duties however many other states do require a degree and a certification.

Their are two governing bodies that oversee the pharmacy technician certification process 1) Pharmacy Technician Certification Board 2) Institute of Certification of Pharmacy Technicians. Some states mandate a certification exam which is overseen by these entities. The best way to prepare for this exam, is to, of course, take college level classes at a university, whether online or at a traditional brick and mortar institution.

It doesn’t really matter which type of pharmacy tech school you choose as long as you feel that the education level is up to your personal standards, the school is accredited and you feel that the school will give you enough knowledge and attention so that you will pass the certification exam.

Upon successful completion of the certification exam, and/or acquiring skills and experience in an internship program, your resume will be stronger and you will have a better chance at getting that job. Pharmacy technician jobs are in demand with the outlook increasing each year, so it’s a wonderful time to get into this growing field. Of course, knowing the specific pharmacy technician qualifications in your state is your first step.

A tremendously large spike in the number of older people is driving, and will continue to drive, the need for more and more health care professionals. And, that’s something that everyone should consider in these lean economic times. Go where the jobs are and where they’re going to be in the future. This strategy provides us with a healthy salary and iron clad job security, two things that we’re all looking for in a career.

When examining pharmacy technician schools an individual has to consider what would be best for them. Are you already working a full time job? Well, then online schools will be a great option, you may not have time to be running around to campus several times a week.

If you’re a slower learner, and need interaction then you should probably look at tradition classroom programs. There’s no shame in being a slow learner or needing help, as long as you learn and apply yourself, you’ll be taking home that fat pay check in two years.

Know yourself, take an honest assessment and move forward. There are literally thousands of great paying pharmacy tech jobs out there right now, just waiting to be filled. And in most industries that’s just not the case at all, in fact it’s just the opposite. Remember, go where the jobs are and you’ll set yourself up nicely for years to come.

When looking into online schools, or any school for that matter, make sure that the school is legitimate, has a good reputation, and is accredited. If something sounds too good to be true, it could be a scam preying on those desperate for a career change. Be smart about it and you should have no problems.

Pharmacy technician schools are your ticket to, not only a better salary, but also to that all important perk called job security. With so many positions needing to be filled, you know you’ll have a career that will last you a lifetime, and that feels very cozy indeed.

While there are no national training standards for this profession, you will have a better chance of landing a job if you are formally trained and certified. You can avail of formal training through a variety of organizations, including hospitals, the military and community colleges. Training programs generally last between six months to two years and include laboratory and classroom work; many also include internships in actual pharmaceutical settings to provide students with practical experience. Pharmacy technician certification is available on a voluntary basis from several private groups, including the ICPT and PTCB, which require you to pass national certification examinations. You will have to renew your certification every two years, which will entail at least 20 hours of continuing education before taking the exam again. However, you can still be hired if you undergo informal on-the-job training, which generally takes around three to 12 months.

If you want to pass a job interview for a pharmacy technician position, you will have to stress your qualifications and readiness for the job. Expect to answer questions related to your certification as well as if you hold any diplomas, degrees or licenses that would qualify you for the job. The pharmacy technician interviewer will also quiz you about your readiness for the position, which would encompass questions about how you would react when confronted with certain situations. For example, how would you ensure that prescriptions will be filled accurately and no oversights are made when things are hectic? How would you deal with difficult customers? Since you will deal closely with the company pharmacist, how would you work with a pharmacist you don’t get along with? If you have past experience, you should also expect to be asked questions about your previous jobs.

When confronted with difficult questions, the pharmacy tech interviewee should always answer honestly but in a positive way that would reflect what the interviewer would like to hear. For example, if you are asked a question about your weaknesses, you should use your answer to stress your strengths. To illustrate, you can say that your weakness is that you don’t like being strictly supervised but this is because you have strong personal initiative and can work well independently. And after the interview, always send a thank-you e-mail or letter to the interviewer. If you have not received an answer within a reasonable period of time, you can also call the company to reiterate that you are interested in the pharmacy technician position and to gauge their interest in you.

The truth is that we have a very rapidly aging population in the U.S. and with that aging there comes a need for increased health care and increased prescription medications – thus the need for more pharmacies and pharmacy technicians.

With the baby boomers beginning to retire, the health care industry is really only just beginning to explode. Over the next ten to twenty years the growth is going to be astounding. No longer will this country be a nation based around financial services and manufacturing jobs, health care and pharmacy tech jobs are the definite wave of the future.

In order to put yourself on the path to financial security, getting into the health care industry and getting your pharmacy technician certification is a very intelligent move.

The pharmacy tech pay scale is very good in the industry, with the lowest possible starting salary being a shade below 30k (and this would be in low income areas of the country). It certainly beats flipping hamburgers, and this is a career that you can move into within around 9 months. There are schools, both online, and traditional all over the place. The health care industry is practically begging for pharm techs. Honestly, this career is ripe and waiting for those smart few that decide to act. The amount of job openings is always decent because of high turnover rates and because of growth in the industry.

Go to a good pharmacy tech school, either online or on campus, for six to twelve months, take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board test, pass it, and you’re practically guaranteed a very good paying job. But, not only that, this isn’t just a job, it’s a career. This is something that you can build a life around, you’ll make enough money to pay the bills, save money, and go on nice vacations, whatever you like. Don’t hesitate, now is the time to move forward in your pharmacy technician career.

Available Opportunities

There are in excess of 39,000 job opportunities each year for Pharmacy Technicians with a salary in the region of $18,720 – $32,240.

The duties that you will perform are many and varied. From Preparing and processing medical insurance claim forms and records, preparing medications under the direction of a licensed pharmacist to assisting customers with any questions that they may have.
Qualifications

There are no set qualifications required to apply for Pharmacy Technician Jobs, but as in most occupations those with the best academic background will have an advantage over the others.

Most States look for a minimum of High School Diploma or its equivalent. Pharmacy tech raining is given on the job and normally lasts between 3 and 12 months. Formal online and college programs are available and cover medical and pharmaceutical terminology, recordkeeping, calculations, techniques, and pharmacy law and ethics. These programs have a duration of between 6 months to 2 years and are both in-house and classroom based.

Tips on getting the best Pharmacy Technician Jobs

Do you have an up to date CV? If not, then you should get this sorted out as soon as possible. You may not be asked to provide this when applying for Pharmacy Technician Jobs, but it always helps to be prepared. Nowadays most employers ask prospective candidates to send them their CV before going any further in the process.

If you are not sure how to prepare your CV there are many agencies online that will be able to help you. Make it look as impressive as you can. You don’t have to tell lies, but don’t be shy about listing your good points either.

When you get to the pharmacy tech interview stage don’t go in with the attitude of hope. Be positive and tell yourself that this job is yours and the only reason that you are attending the interview is to show your prospective employer why the job should be yours.

The pharmacy tech career is bucking the trend of declining opportunities and the number of vacancies is expected to increase over the next 10 years.

So, if you are looking get the best Pharmacy Technician Jobs there has never been a better time to pursue this. Good Luck!

Even if the state in which you live doesn’t require a certification in order to work, getting your certification is a very smart idea. You’ll find a much easier time getting a job with your cert and you’ll also be eligible for a higher pay level.

Here’s the real deal, you can avoid pharmacy tech school altogether and hope that you get a decent paying job, or you can go and get certified and virtually guarantee yourself a job at a higher pay, it’s up to you, but you see the advantage to getting the certification.

Pharmacy technician jobs are growing at a pace that is much higher than the rest of the economy, so jobs are plentiful. There are always pharmacy techs that are moving on to become pharmacists so the turnover is high and even more importantly, the overall U.S. population is aging rapidly, which creates a much greater demand for health care jobs, including pharmacist positions and positions for their trusted assistants.

This is truly an industry in which demographics are to your direct benefit. Through 2016, which is about as far as industry forecasts like to look out, pharm tech jobs are supposed to increase by a whopping 32%. That’s an impressive number by any measurement. With the current economic downturn and the shipping of manufacturing jobs overseas, the smart career move is to move into health care and very likely into the pharmacy industry.

Think about it this way, you’re school program will only take from 6 to 12 months, and then when you pass your PTCB certification exam , you’re eligible to quality for an entry level position which will pay between 26k and 38k, depending on what part of the country you live in. If you live in an area where salaries tend to be higher than your salary will go up accordingly.

Once you get your pharmacy technician certification and become a pharmacy tech, it’s a great idea to continue your education on the side and become a fully licensed pharmacist, then you’ll really be pulling down an excellent salary. This career path is wide open right now, so take advantage of it and in a few years you’ll be in a great position.