Are you a pharmacy technician looking to get ahead in your career? Becoming a compound pharmacy technician is a great way to do so. Compounding is a specialized area of pharmacy practice that involves preparing medications tailored to the unique needs of individual patients.
It requires specialized knowledge, technical skills, and a commitment to excellence. However, with the right training and dedication, anyone can become a successful compound pharmacy technician. This article will discuss five tips to help you ace your training and get ahead as a compound pharmacy technician.
Step #1: Finish a High School Diploma
Before becoming a compound pharmacy technician, you must finish a high school diploma or GED. This will help you get into the right training program and give you an edge over other candidates. This is important because you’ll need to understand and be able to explain the chemicals and compounds used in the field. It will also help you learn how to read scientific research papers and articles, which are essential to your job.
Step #2: Complete a Pharmacy Technician Program
If you’re serious about becoming a compound pharmacy technician, you’ll need to complete a program that offers training in the complex processes required for compounding. This training will help prepare you for the role and make you more attractive to potential employers.
Depending on your state, you may need to complete a certification or associate’s degree program to become certified as a compound pharmacy technician.
Step #3: Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician
After finishing the program, you must take and pass the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam. You must take this exam before becoming certified as a pharmacy technician. The PTCB is the only organization that offers this certification, so you’ll need to take the exam with them.
Step #4: Acquire Your Certification from the State
After you pass the PTCB exam, you must apply for a certificate from your state. This is where your certification as a pharmacy technician will come in handy: many states require that technicians have passed this exam before being certified for practice.
You’ll need to contact your state board of pharmacy and ask them how to get certified. Most states will require you to provide them with your PTCB certificate, any other credentials you’ve earned in this field, your resume, and a copy of your driver’s license.
Step #5: Get Some Experience
On-the-job training is the best way to learn how to become a pharmacy technician, but if you don’t have that option available, there are still other ways to get your feet wet. You can volunteer at local pharmacies and drug stores, working with the staff on tasks they normally perform. This will give you an idea of what it’s like in this field and help prepare you for entering the workforce as a full-time employee.
Conclusion
Becoming a successful compound pharmacy technician requires dedication and hard work. It would help you to become well-trained in your field and hone your skills. If you follow these tips, you can be sure you will be on the right track. Learn the latest industry standards and practices at Northwest Suburban College. Our pharmacy technician training program has been developed by industry experts and is designed to prepare students for a successful career as pharmacy technicians. Start with us now and make your way to the top of your field!
