Steps on How to Acquire Pharmacy Technician Certification Online

Pharmacy technicians are jobs that are vital to the healthcare industry. Because of a greater demand for pharmaceuticals and rapid growth within the field, technicians today perform duties that were once reserved for pharmacists. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is being projected that the demand for technicians could soar to 376,000 technicians by the year 2016. Those with certifications; however, will be getting significantly higher salaries and better opportunities than non-certified techs. There are several online certification programs for those who wish to become certified pharmacy technicians.

Eligibility for Certification

Certification candidates must meet nationally imposed eligibility requirements. To begin with, candidates should either possess General Education Diploma (GED) or a high school diploma and should have attained the age of 18. A passing score on the certification exam is required and candidates must be in good standing with the State Board of Pharmacy. All candidates must notify the board of any criminal records and all actions put forth by the Board of Pharmacy are mandatory. Applicants who have criminal records and felony drug charges are immediately disqualified from consideration.

Pharmacy Technician Courses

Prospective pharmacy should be conversant with several areas. The course syllabus is structured in such a manner that it prepares candidates with requisite knowledge and skills so that they can assists pharmacists with different medical techniques such as dosing and labeling medications, understanding the human anatomy, and other general administrative support. Typical online certification prep courses may include introductory and advanced study in pharmacology, pharmacy calculations and pharmacy technician practice, in addition to courses exploring career options.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam

The certification exam is a 90 question multiple-choice test that challenges the candidates’ knowledge in the following areas: Medication and inventory control systems, pharmaceutical assistance, General administrational duties, and the management of pharmacy practice. Students may take up to 110 minutes to complete the exam at one of 220 national Pearson VUE test centers. Testing is available throughout the year and candidates may retake the exam as often as needed to pass. Students are also permitted to take the exam as often as necessary. Additionally, there are fees associated with the exams.

Selecting the Best Program

Reputable online pharmacy technician certification programs should be accredited by a pharmacist-recognized certifying institution such as the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). A program that is legitimate usually offers practice tests and study materials. Whenever selecting programs, you should begin by weeding out programs that feign immediate job placement in exchange of fees. Even legitimate online programs cannot guarantee employment. Before starting an pharmacy technician certification online program, it may be a good idea to do some research to ensure companies accept certifications that are done online.

Pharmacy Schools And Its High Demand

There is so much want for the pharmacy field just like the nursing field. Many people are indeed beginning to take advantage of getting a degree in this field, so the rate of degrees is expected to increase within the next eight years. There are various different schools available for those that are interested in studying the field of pharmacy. Each Pharmacy school will have some unique opportunities, but it is up to you to find out the details of which one would be best for you.

One can take up the Creighton Distance Program to learn the things that every future pharmacy technician is supposed to know. The focus of the school is to give courses pertinent to the process of good patient care. They bring together the programs like prevention of diseases patient outcomes health of the patient and disease state management. The Creighton Distance Program school has a semester system with separation of the entire portion in these so that every single topic is well covered. The practical sessions are conducted during the summer season for a period of about two to four weeks. There is a spread of these other classes in the whole year.

The prerequisite for undertaking a doctor pharmacy at Creighton is to have a minimum of 2 years pre pharmacy experience and four years of post graduation.

Midwestern pharmacy school is also a very fine school to pursue pharmacy education. The students that have received admission into the school will get an enrollment for about 3 years as a full time course. After the course completion one has to take up the PCAT test. After graduating, you have the option of being placed in many different facilities, including hospitals, educational institutes, home health care, pharmaceutical companies, laboratories, etc.

There are many other Pharmacy schools that are available beside these that were mentioned. Get to know about the ones present in your locality for more information. PCAT is a test made compulsory by some of the Pharmacy schools. If the idea of taking the test leaves you perturbed then go in for the schools that do not require you to take the test. For students that speak Spanish only, they will take the TOEFL test. Most of these schools lay down that any one has to be needed other than this one may even look at these that do not need any test such as California Northstate California San Diego California San Francisco Oregon State University University of Southern California Touro University California and Washington State University. Most of the other need any one or both the tests.

The PCAT or the TOEFL has to be taken by you so be geared to take it up both physically and mentally. It is essential that you have sufficient sleep the previous night and also a nutritious breakfast the next day to be able to concentrate. You must wear light and cozy clothes as the test is long and needs you to take up about 240 questions and two essays.