As the demand for skilled Pharmacy Technicians continues to rise, pursuing additional certifications can significantly boost your career prospects and help you stand out in the competitive job market. By furthering your education and specializing in specific areas, you will not only increase your chances of landing rewarding job opportunities but also improve your professional skills, knowledge, and efficiency. Northwest Suburban College provides a strong foundation for aspiring Pharmacy Technicians, allowing students to leverage that knowledge and advance their careers when pursuing certifications after completion of the program.
In this article, we explore five valuable certification programs that you, as a Northwest Suburban College Pharmacy Technician student, can consider to enhance your career prospects in the pharmaceutical industry. Discover the benefits of each program and determine which certifications align best with your professional goals and aspirations.
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Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
Obtaining the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) [Source: https://www.ptcb.org/credentials/certified-pharmacy-technician-cpht] is one of the most popular and widely recognized certifications in the industry. Earning this credential demonstrates your dedication to providing high-quality pharmaceutical care and enhances your employability.
To qualify for the CPhT exam, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a pharmacy technician training program, like the one offered at Northwest Suburban College. The CPhT exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that assess your knowledge in four areas: medication order interpretation and processing; medication safety; pharmacy quality assurance; and pharmacy information systems usage and application.
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Certified Sterile Compounding Pharmacy Technician (CSPT)
As a specialist in sterile compounding, a Certified Sterile Compounding Pharmacy Technician (CSPT) plays a vital role in preparing medications that need to be administered to patients intravenously, such as IV medications and parenteral nutrition. Achieving this certification from the PTCB can help you pursue niche opportunities in pharmacy settings that focus on such practices, including hospitals and compounding pharmacies.
To be eligible for the CSPT certification, you must hold an active CPhT certification and have completed a minimum of 40 hours of sterile compounding training within 12 months of applying for the exam. The CSPT exam is a 75-question, multiple-choice test covering four domains: federal and state regulations for sterile compounding; medication handling and sterile preparation; facility and equipment requirements for sterile compounding; and quality control and assurance.
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Certified Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Pharmacy Technician
Medication Therapy Management (MTM) is a comprehensive approach to optimize medication use, enhance patient understanding of their medications, and improve overall outcomes. Obtaining a certification as an MTM Pharmacy Technician allows you to support pharmacists in providing these valuable services, including medication therapy reviews and patient education.
The National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) [Source: https://www.pharmacytechnician.org/accreditation/] offers a comprehensive training and certification program for MTM Pharmacy Technicians, designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to excel in this specialty. The course covers core MTM concepts, medication action plans, patient medication records, and strategies for identifying and resolving medication-related problems.
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Certified Diabetes Care Pharmacy Technician
As a Certified Diabetes Care Pharmacy Technician, you’ll be in a unique position to help patients manage their diabetes and adhere to their medication regimens. This certification, also offered by the NPTA, can boost your career prospects in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and specialty clinics, where diabetes care is a priority.
The certification program focuses on diabetes pathophysiology, symptoms, medications, and patient education. It trains you to identify potential drug interactions, complications, and side effects and provides strategies to improve patient compliance with diabetes medications. This certification can also open doors to opportunities in pharmaceutical sales or patient advocacy roles.
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Certified Hazardous Drug-Care Pharmacy Technician
With hazardous drug-handling requirements becoming increasingly stringent, the demand for pharmacy technicians skilled in this area is on the rise. The Certified Hazardous Drug-Care Pharmacy Technician program, offered by the NPTA, will equip you with the knowledge and skills to safely handle hazardous drugs, including chemotherapy agents and certain immunosuppressive medications.
This certification program covers the regulations and guidelines that govern hazardous drug handling, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, proper waste disposal, and general precautions to prevent contamination and exposure. Completing this program enables you to pursue career opportunities in specialty pharmacies, oncology centers, and hospital pharmacies that handle hazardous drugs.
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Continuing Education Opportunities
Staying current with industry developments and expanding your skill set is crucial to advancing your career as a Pharmacy Technician. Professional organizations, such as the PTCB and NPTA, offer continuing education courses in various topics relevant to pharmacy technicians, enabling you to stay up-to-date with the latest practices and trends in the field.
Through these courses, you can deepen your knowledge in specific areas, such as immunization administration or drug utilization review, and further hone your skills to improve your job performance and marketability. As you accumulate more certifications and develop a well-rounded skill set, you improve your chances of advancing into roles with greater responsibility and increased compensation.
Enhance Your Pharmacy Technician Career with Northwest Suburban College
In conclusion, pursuing additional certifications as a Pharmacy Technician can open doors to niche opportunities and significantly boost your career prospects. By building on the strong foundation obtained through Northwest Suburban College’s Pharmacy Technician program, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle these certifications and excel in the competitive job market.
Take the first step toward a successful pharmacy career with Northwest Suburban College and capitalize on the numerous opportunities available to propel your career forward. Learn more about our comprehensive Pharmacy Technician course and how it can lay the groundwork for your future success. Get started on your exciting journey in the pharmaceutical industry today and make a difference in patients’ lives by enhancing their health and well-being.
