The majority of pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies within a retail or customer service-style setting, like a grocery store, drug store, department store, or even with an online company. A significant number of pharmacy technician workplaces are part of a chain or franchise, while some pharmacies are still independently or family-owned. Let’s take a look at two longstanding family-run pharmacies: Rayfield’s Pharmacy Forty years ago, on April 1, 1975, Tommy Rayfield and his wife Francie opened Rayfield’s Pharmacy in Nassawadox, Virginia. According to DelmarvaNow’s Malissa Watterson, 74-year-old Tommy “continues to fill prescriptions alongside fellow pharmacists and pharmacy techs five hours [...]
Did you know there is a faster than average job outlook for pharmacy technicians? That means the projected increase in pharmacy tech jobs is higher than the average for all occupations overall. Another benefit of getting into the pharmacy technology field is there are significant opportunities for advancement. As we shared in a previous article, U.S. News & World Report has indicated that upward mobility among pharmacy technicians ranks above average. Interestingly enough, a number of colleges that offer pharmacy technician training also offer pharmacy management degrees geared for aspiring or existing pharmacy techs who are determined to take on [...]
If you are going to work as a pharmacy technician in the U.S., it’s important to check with your state’s Board of Pharmacy to find out about their specific regulations. The majority of states regulate pharmacy technicians in some fashion, such as requiring them to be registered, licensed or certified. Even if certification is not required in your particular state, it is extremely advantageous to pursue the CPhT credential. Wherever you live, you’ll undoubtedly come across employers that will only consider candidates who are certified pharmacy technicians. Registration, Licensure, Certification Requirements vary by state and among those that regulate their pharmacy [...]
While requirements for practicing pharmacy technicians vary by state, being certified will definitely improve your chances of landing a job. Many to most employers prefer pharmacy technicians to have the CPhT credential because it means they meet standards or have the qualifications to perform successfully in a pharmacy setting. Plus there is a real push, i.e. by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, to make it a requirement for pharmacy technicians in the U.S. to become certified. One of the country’s primary organizations that grants certification to pharmacy technicians is the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Just recently—on January [...]
Happy Twentieth Birthday to the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board! “PTCB’s 20-year anniversary represents a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) to the pharmacy team,” said PTCB Executive Director & CEO Everett B. McAllister, RPh, MPA.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) has announced more Continuing Education Requirement changes for 2015. “First, any continuing education (CE) hours earned by a CPhT will need to be pharmacy technician-specific to qualify toward recertification. Second, PTCB will reduce the number of allowable ‘in-service’ CE hours from 10 to 5”. Visit PTCB.org to learn more.
Want to be in a fulfilling career with plenty of opportunities without having to spend tons of time and money beforehand? Then you might like to think about working as a pharmacy technician. Is Pharmacy Technician a Good Job Choice in 2022? The demand for pharmacy technicians is greater than the average for all occupations in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of pharmacy technician jobs is projected to increase by 20% between 2012 and 2022. That “faster than average” increase equates to 70,700 more positions within a decade, states the BLS. [...]
Completing a degree online is very appealing, particularly to those who need a flexible and convenient option. With many online programs, you can control much of your study schedule, plus you do not have to pack up everything and relocate or commute. As telecommuting becomes more common place in many facets of life, so too are online degrees, certificate programs and courses increasing, both in number and quality. But how about online pharmacy technician programs? Wondering if they are suitable for an online environment? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons. Interaction with Students and Instructors Obviously with [...]
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) had just named Hannah Peabody the PTCB certified pharmacy tech of the year. “Hannah Peabody has distinguished herself by making a difference in the lives of patients undergoing treatments for a range of complex cancers and other disorders. These treatments are life-changing, and Ms. Peabody has made them accessible to many who would have been refused treatment elsewhere.” Congratulations Hannah, and thanks for all that you do!
Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas started its pharmacy technician program the fall of 2012. A few months ago, it was announced JCCC’s program received six-year accreditation with the ASHP (American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists). This speaks to the pharmacy tech program’s success—one or two-year accreditation is a lot more common than a full six years, especially the first time round. Terry L. Rehder, PharmD is the director of JCCC’s pharmacy technician program. In this interview he describes his career path and more about the school’s program, and shares some guidance for prospective pharmacy techs. What inspired you [...]
