Oncology pharmacy technician play a vital role in the care of cancer patients. They work alongside pharmacists to prepare and dispense medications, provide patient education, and monitor for adverse drug reactions. If you are interested in a career in oncology pharmacy, here is what you need to know.
Want to contribute to the healthcare industry? Learn How to become a Pharmacy Technician and play a vital role in patient care.
Tip 1: Education
The first step to becoming an oncology pharmacy technician is to earn a certificate or associate’s degree in pharmacy technology. These programs typically take two years to complete and cover topics such as pharmacology, medication administration, and patient counseling.
In addition to earning a degree, you will also need to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE). The PTCE is a national exam that tests your knowledge of pharmacy principles and practices.
Here are some of the topics that you will learn in a pharmacy technology program:
- Pharmacology: The study of drugs and their effects on the body.
- Medication administration: The safe and effective administration of medications.
- Patient counseling: The process of providing information to patients about their medications.
- Inventory management: The process of ordering, storing, and tracking medications.
- Regulatory compliance: The process of ensuring that a pharmacy complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
A degree in pharmacy technology will give you the knowledge and skills you need to work as an oncology pharmacy technician. However, it is important to note that some employers may require oncology pharmacy technicians to have a bachelor’s degree.
If you are interested in a career in oncology pharmacy, I encourage you to research accredited pharmacy technology programs in your area. You can also contact the Oncology Pharmacy Technician Association (OPTA) for more information.
Tip 2: Experience
Once you have earned your degree and passed the PTCE, you will need to gain some experience working in an oncology pharmacy. This can be done by volunteering or getting a job as a pharmacy technician.
Employers typically prefer to hire oncology pharmacy technicians who have some experience working with cancer patients. This experience will give you a better understanding of the challenges that cancer patients face and how you can help them.
There are a few different ways to gain experience working in an oncology pharmacy. One way is to volunteer at a cancer center or hospital. This is a great way to get your foot in the door and learn about the field.
Another way to gain experience is to get a job as a pharmacy technician. This will give you the opportunity to work with oncology medications and patients on a daily basis.
If you are unable to find a job as a pharmacy technician, you can also gain experience by shadowing an oncology pharmacy technician. This will give you the opportunity to observe the work of a pharmacy technician and learn about the day-to-day tasks.
No matter how you choose to gain experience, it is important to get as much experience as possible before you apply for a job as an oncology pharmacy technician. This will increase your chances of getting hired and being successful in your career.
Here are some of the benefits of gaining experience working in an oncology pharmacy:
- You will learn about the specific needs of cancer patients.
- You will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to work as an oncology pharmacy technician.
- You will build relationships with other healthcare professionals.
- You will gain a competitive edge when applying for jobs.
If you are interested in a career in oncology pharmacy, I encourage you to gain as much experience as possible. This will help you become a valuable member of the oncology care team.
Tip 3: Certification
Some employers may require oncology pharmacy technicians to be certified by the National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA). The NPTA offers a certification in oncology pharmacy that tests your knowledge of the specific needs of cancer patients.
Certification is a voluntary process that demonstrates your knowledge and skills in a particular field. In the field of oncology pharmacy, there are a number of different certifications available.
One of the most common certifications is the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The CPhT certification is a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates your basic knowledge of pharmacy principles and practices.
Another certification that is specifically designed for oncology pharmacy technicians is the Certified Oncology Pharmacy Technician (CO-PT) certification offered by the Oncology Pharmacy Technician Association (OPTA). The CO-PT certification tests your knowledge of the specific needs of cancer patients.
In addition to the CPhT and CO-PT certifications, there are a number of other certifications that are available for oncology pharmacy technicians. These certifications may focus on specific areas of oncology pharmacy, such as chemotherapy compounding or hazardous drug handling.
There are a number of benefits to becoming certified as an oncology pharmacy technician. Certification can help you:
- Demonstrate your knowledge and skills to employers.
- Gain a competitive edge when applying for jobs.
- Increase your earning potential.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in oncology pharmacy.
If you are interested in a career in oncology pharmacy, I encourage you to consider becoming certified. Certification is a valuable way to demonstrate your skills and knowledge and to advance your career.
Cost of becoming Oncology Pharmacy Technician
The cost of becoming an oncology pharmacy technician can vary depending on the educational path you choose.
- Certificate program: Certificate programs typically cost between $5,000 and $25,000. These programs are typically shorter than associate’s degree programs and may not offer as much in-depth training.
- Associate’s degree program: Associate’s degree programs typically cost between $5,000 and $15,000 per year. These programs offer a more comprehensive education and may be a better option if you want to work in a more specialized area of oncology pharmacy.
- Bachelor’s degree program: Bachelor’s degree programs typically cost between $10,000 and $30,000 per year. These programs offer the most in-depth education and may be a better option if you want to work in a managerial or supervisory role.
In addition to the cost of tuition, you will also need to factor in the cost of books, supplies, and fees. The total cost of becoming an oncology pharmacy technician can range from $10,000 to $60,000.
There are a few ways to help offset the cost of becoming an oncology pharmacy technician. Some employers may offer tuition reimbursement programs, and there are also a number of scholarships and grants available. You can also look into financial aid options, such as federal student loans.
If you are interested in a career in oncology pharmacy, the cost of becoming certified may be an additional expense. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) charges a $125 application fee for the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) exam. The Oncology Pharmacy Technician Association (OPTA) charges a $150 application fee for the Certified Oncology Pharmacy Technician (CO-PT) exam.
The cost of becoming an oncology pharmacy technician can be a significant investment, but it is a rewarding career that can make a real difference in the lives of cancer patients.
Job Duties
The job duties of an oncology pharmacy technician vary depending on the specific setting. However, some common job duties include:
- Preparing and dispensing medications
- Providing patient education
- Monitoring for adverse drug reactions
- Maintaining inventory
- Complying with regulations
Salary and Job Outlook
The median annual salary for oncology pharmacy technicians is $43,000. The job outlook for oncology pharmacy technicians is projected to grow much faster than average, so there are many job opportunities available.
| Statistic | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of jobs | The number of jobs for oncology pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 21% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. |
| Median annual wage | The median annual wage for oncology pharmacy technicians was $43,330 in May 2020. |
| Top 10% wage earners | The top 10% of oncology pharmacy technicians earned more than $64,830 in May 2020. |
| Work environment | Oncology pharmacy technicians work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They typically work 40 hours per week, but they may work longer hours during busy periods. |
| Education and training | Oncology pharmacy technicians typically need a certificate or associate’s degree in pharmacy technology. They must also pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE). |
| Skills and abilities | Oncology pharmacy technicians need to be able to: 1. Follow strict safety procedures 2. Work independently and as part of a team 3. Maintain confidentiality 4. Be knowledgeable about the specific needs of cancer patients |
Here is a data table about job outlook for oncology pharmacy technicians:
| Job Outlook | Percentage Change | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Much faster than average | 21% | The number of jobs for oncology pharmacy technicians is projected to grow much faster than average over the next decade. This growth is due to the increasing demand for cancer care and the need for specialized pharmacy technicians to prepare and administer cancer medications. |
The job outlook for oncology pharmacy technicians is positive. The demand for these technicians is expected to grow as the population ages and the number of cancer cases increases. Oncology pharmacy technicians play a vital role in the care of cancer patients, and they are in high demand.
Conclusion
If you are interested in a career in oncology pharmacy, there are many opportunities available. By earning a degree, passing the PTCE, gaining experience, and getting certified, you can become a valuable member of the oncology care team.
Additional Information
- Oncology Pharmacy Technician Association (OPTA)
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
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