Skip to content

Acquiring A Pharmacy Technician License

One of the most intriguing careers in the medical industry at present is working as a pharmacy technician. Working together with a licensed pharmacist, a pharmacy technician is responsible for dispensing medications and answering the inquiries of the general public. He can have jobs at different facilities like hospitals, drugstores and nursing homes. Those who are qualified usually get compensated well and are rewarded with a fulfilling career.

One of the requirements for practicing in this field is a license. This is where acquiring a pharmacy technician license comes into the picture. Here are the steps on how you can acquire yours.

1. Complete educational requirements - You need to achieve a certain level of education for you to be qualified to apply for a license. Complete a pharmacy technician program, whether it is a degree or certificate program. Completing one usually takes 1 to 2 years, and some schools even offer online courses. Among the things you can expect to learn from these programs are medical terminology, pharmacology, human physiology, and pharmacy laws.

2. Complete on-the-job training - Another requirement for acquiring a pharmacy technician license is to have on-the-job experience. You need to know exactly what you should do once you are placed in a clinical setting, and thats where your on-the-job training comes into the picture. Most programs allow you to gain experience as a pharmacy technician. You can also choose to take on-the-job training as a separate course.

3. Apply for the test - Once you have complied with all the prerequisites, its time to apply for the licensure exam in your state or country. A quick online search will help you find the requirements you need to pass to have your application accepted. Payment for the examination fee, as well as paperwork such as proof of degree/certification, should be settled after completing the application form. Some applications nowadays can be completed online.

4. Study for the exam Preparing for the test is a must. The more prepared you are, the better your odds of passing the licensure exam. Because of the limited time to review, you need to plan your review sessions well. You also need to study all the topics covered by the test. You can also answer practice examinations to gauge your level of preparedness and have an idea on how the questions will be asked. Enrolling in a review course is optional, but it can play to your advantage.

5. Pass the test - Of course, to get your license, you need to pass the exam. Make sure to know about the basics such as the time and date of the examination, the room where you are taking it, and the things you are allowed (and not allowed) to bring in the exam room. Technician exams in some countries can now be taken online, and they are usually timed. Time management, concentration and confidence are some of the things you need to navigate the test effectively. Having these qualities can increase your chances of passing.

That is basically how you can acquire your pharmacy technician license. Make sure to check on how your local examination works as applications, test contents, requirements and rules tend to vary from one state to another.