This article discusses in detail about pharmacy technician certification duration. Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare industry so naturally people think about pharmacy technician certification duration. They work alongside pharmacists to ensure patients receive the correct medications and provide vital support in various pharmacy settings.
Pharmacy technician certification duration varies depending on the specific training program, licensing requirements, and individual dedication to the certification process. This article explores the factors affecting the length of time needed to complete pharmacy technician certification and provides valuable insight for aspiring pharmacy technicians.
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Pharmacy Technician Certification Duration: An Overview
Pharmacy technician certification is a formal recognition that validates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and capabilities to perform pharmacy technician tasks effectively. Two primary organizations offer certification for pharmacy technicians in the United States: the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Both organizations offer exams that test the competency of pharmacy technicians, ensuring they meet the necessary requirements for certification.
The PTCB offers the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification, while the NHA provides the ExCPT Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT). Although the requirements for each certification differ, both organizations aim to certify pharmacy technicians who demonstrate a high level of competency and professionalism in their field.
The pharmacy technician certification duration depends on several factors, such as the candidate’s educational background, the specific training program, and their level of dedication to the certification process. Let’s delve into these factors to gain a better understanding of the time it takes to become a certified pharmacy technician.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Duration
Type of Training Program Average Duration Diploma or certificate program 1 year or less Associate degree program 2 years On-the-job training Varies
Education and Training Programs
The first step towards obtaining pharmacy technician certification is completing an educational program. The pharmacy technician certification duration is significantly influenced by the chosen training program. There are three primary paths to becoming a pharmacy technician:
- On-the-job training: Some pharmacies provide on-the-job training for pharmacy technicians. This option allows individuals to gain practical experience while working under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. The duration of on-the-job training varies depending on the employer and the individual’s learning pace.
- Certificate programs: These short-term training programs typically last from three months to one year and focus on preparing students for the pharmacy technician certification exam. Certificate programs are offered by community colleges, vocational schools, and online institutions.
- Associate degree programs: An associate degree in pharmacy technology is a more comprehensive educational path that provides students with a broader understanding of pharmacy practice. These programs typically take two years to complete and include general education courses in addition to pharmacy-specific coursework.
It’s essential to choose a program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or another recognized accrediting agency. Attending an accredited program ensures that the curriculum meets industry standards and prepares students for the certification exam effectively.
If you pass the PTCE, you will be awarded the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. The CPhT credential is recognized by employers throughout the United States.
— Pharmacy Technician Certification Duration
Preparing for the Certification Exam
The pharmacy technician certification duration also depends on the time it takes to prepare for the certification exam. The PTCB and NHA exams have different content outlines and requirements. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose the appropriate study materials and allocate sufficient time for exam preparation.
PTCB Exam
The PTCB Exam, also known as the PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam), is a computer-based test consisting of 90 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have two hours to complete the exam, which covers four primary domains:
- Medications
- Federal Requirements
- Patient Safety and Quality Assurance
- Order Entry and Processing
PTCB recommends candidates use the PTCE Content Outline and the PTCB Official Practice Exam to prepare for the test. The amount of time needed for preparation varies depending on the individual’s study habits and prior knowledge of pharmacy practice.
NHA Exam
The NHA Exam, or ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians), is another computer-based test with 100 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete the exam. The ExCPT covers three primary domains:
- Regulations and Technician Duties
- Drugs and Drug Products
- Dispensing Processes
NHA provides an ExCPT Candidate Handbook and online study materials to help candidates prepare for the exam. As with the PTCB Exam, the time needed for preparation depends on the individual’s study habits and familiarity with the exam content.
Licensing Requirements
In addition to completing an educational program and passing the certification exam, pharmacy technicians must also meet their state’s licensing requirements. The pharmacy technician certification duration can be affected by the time it takes to obtain a state license. Licensing requirements vary by state but may include:
- Passing a state-specific exam
- Completing a specific number of continuing education hours
- Submitting a background check and fingerprints
Pharmacy technicians should consult their state’s Board of Pharmacy to determine the specific licensing requirements and ensure they are on track to become certified.
The pharmacy technician certification duration varies depending on the program you choose, but most programs take between one and two years to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to become a certified pharmacy technician?
A: The pharmacy technician certification duration depends on several factors, including the chosen training program, the time it takes to prepare for the certificationexam, and meeting state licensing requirements. On average, it can take anywhere from several months to two years to become a certified pharmacy technician.
Q: Is it necessary to attend an accredited pharmacy technician program?
A: While it’s not always a requirement, attending an accredited program ensures that the curriculum meets industry standards and effectively prepares students for the certification exam. Some states may also require pharmacy technicians to complete an accredited program to qualify for licensure.
Q: Can I become a certified pharmacy technician with only on-the-job training?
A: Yes, some individuals can become certified pharmacy technicians through on-the-job training. However, this path may not be suitable for everyone, as it relies on finding an employer willing to provide the necessary training. Additionally, some states may require formal education from an accredited program for licensure.
Q: What is the difference between the PTCB and NHA certifications?
A: Both the PTCB and NHA offer pharmacy technician certifications, but their exams have different content outlines and requirements. The PTCB’s Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification is more widely recognized, while the NHA’s ExCPT Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) is an alternative option. It’s essential to research which certification is preferred or required in your state before deciding which exam to take.
Q: How often do I need to renew my pharmacy technician certification?
A: Both PTCB and NHA certifications require renewal every two years. Pharmacy technicians must complete a specific number of continuing education hours and pay a renewal fee to maintain their certification.
Q: What are the career opportunities for certified pharmacy technicians?
A: Certified pharmacy technicians can work in various settings, such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, mail-order pharmacies, and pharmaceutical companies. They may also pursue specialized roles such as compounding, nuclear pharmacy, or informatics.
In conclusion, the pharmacy technician certification duration is influenced by several factors, including the chosen training program, exam preparation time, and state licensing requirements. By understanding these factors and dedicating adequate time and effort to the certification process, aspiring pharmacy technicians can successfully navigate their path to becoming certified professionals in the healthcare industry.
Hopefully the above article has answered your question about pharmacy technician certification duration.
Sources
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). (n.d.). Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). Retrieved from https://www.ptcb.org/credentials/certified-pharmacy-technician-cpht ↗
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA). (n.d.). ExCPT Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT). Retrieved from https://www.nhanow.com/certifications/pharmacy-technician ↗
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). (n.d.). Accreditation Standards for Pharmacy Technician Education and Training Programs. Retrieved from https://www.ashp.org/-/media/assets/professional-development/residencies/docs/Pharmacy-Technician-Accreditation-Standards-Version-5.ashx ↗
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). (n.d.). PTCE Content Outline. Retrieved from https://www.ptcb.org/docs/default-source/get-certified/new_ptce_blueprint.pdf ↗
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA). (n.d.). ExCPT Candidate Handbook. Retrieved from https://www.nhanow.com/docs/default-source/pdfs/handbooks/excpt-handbook.pdf ↗
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