Saturday, April 12, 2014

Pharmacy Technician Certification: Why Get One?

By Reanna Degener


You may want to think about applying for a pharmacy technician certification if you want to make the most out of your pharmacy tech career. People are starting to realize that this career can offer job security and excellent financial rewards, and the increase in pharmacy techs make everything more competitive. In order to get an edge over other pharmacy techs, certification must be your top priority.

In order to acquire pharmacy technician certification, the first step will be to seek a formal training program that is most commonly offered in community colleges and vocational schools. In today's modern era, online training programs are also available for those who have difficulty finding time to attend traditional campus-based training. Depending on the degree you wish to acquire, your training program can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

Although certification may not be a requirement for employment in most States, there are some private organizations that issue pharmacy technician certification. Examples are the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT) and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). An applicant is usually required to have a high school diploma and must successfully complete a certification exam. Applicants with drug or pharmacy-related convictions are ineligible for certification.

Once an individual has received his pharmacy technician certification, he must remember to get recertified every 2 years. Pursuing an equivalent of 20 hours continuing education in the form of seminars, training programs, and on-the-job training is the primary requirement in order to maintain certification. Getting recertified helps ensure that a pharmacy tech maintains his competitiveness and proficiency while working in the field.

Excellent employment opportunities await those who hold pharmacy technician certification. Many employers these days are explicitly vocal about their preference for applicants that are certified. If you are applying for your first job, it is likely that you will be noticed immediately if your resume states that you are certified. Certification also helps an individual to be more confident of his skills as a pharmacy tech.

An individual that has acquired pharmacy technician certification also has a better chance of getting a higher starting salary as compared to another that is not certified. Since certification is a solid proof of a pharmacy technician's proficiency and competency, it justifies the higher pay given to him. Getting certified also opens up doors for career advancement.




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