A pharmacy technician assists the pharmacist with a variety of tasks such as filling prescriptions, providing information on medications to patients, manage medicine supply by doing tasks such as performing inventories and stocking pharmacy shelves, and possibly supervising other pharmacy staff. Pharmacy technicians can work in a variety of environments as well, such as community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, the military, grocery and other stores that have pharmacies and even the pharmaceutical industry. A pharmacy technician career requires you to be precise and pay attention to detail as well as have an understanding of basic pharmacology, know how to dispense medication, and understand pharmacy law and ethics.
In order become a pharmacy technician you’ll need to undergo formal training in a pharmacy technician program, which will be well worth your time. According to the U.S. Department of Labor reports, the 2015 median pay of pharmacy technicians is $30,410 a year or $14.62 per hour. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that pharmacy technician jobs will grow by 9% between 2014 and 2024. Here’s a look at the training you need from a pharmacy technician school in Miami to become a pharmacy technician.
Pharmacy Technician in Miami – Requirements
The first step in starting a pharmacy technician career is to earn a high school diploma or GED equivalent. While not always required depending on the state, people find that landing a job is much easier if you have undergone formal training, such as a pharmacy technician certification program, that helps you learn from professionals how to do the job properly. Some states do require you to have formal training at pharmacy technician school or pass a national certification exam.
At a pharmacy technician school, earning a certificate is the fastest route, taking less than a year. When it comes to certification, there are two main types for pharmacy technicians. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification requires pharmacy technicians to have a high school diploma and pass a certification exam. The National Healthcareer Association (NAHA) certification requires that you be 18 years old, have a high school diploma, complete a formal pharmacy technician program, and have at least 1 year of work experience before you can take the certification exam.
Pharmacy technicians are also required to recertify every two years to make sure they’re up-to-date with all of the healthcare changes that affect dispensing medications. It’s easy and inexpensive to get recertified. You only need to complete 20 hours of continuing education, which can frequently be done online.
A pharmacy technician program thoroughly prepares you for passing a national certification exam. During your training, you will be required to memorize details about the top 200 drugs that are available. You’ll need to know both the brand name and the generic name of the medication as well as know what conditions it is used to treat. There is also a heavy emphasis on pharmacy law.
Choosing a Pharmacy Technician School in Miami
At FVI School of Nursing and Technology in Miami, we offer high-quality education for careers in healthcare and information technology. Our admissions process is simple so you’ll find it easy to get started on the path to success. In addition, we have a staff of financial aid professionals who can help you get started soon. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.
Our pharmacy technician program is designed to train you to efficiently handle all of the key jobs required of a pharmacy technician including how to package and distribute medications correctly. Graduates of our pharmacy technician program in Miami will possess the skills and hands-on experience to work in hospitals, grocery stores, nursing care facilities, private and chain drugstores and pharmaceutical companies.
Once you finish your pharmacy technician courses and are awarded your certificate, you must register as Registered Pharmacy Technician with the Florida Board of Pharmacy before you can actually begin working as a pharmacy technician in the State of Florida. All employers will conduct a background check and drug screening before you are employed in the state.
If you want to gain a position as a pharmacy technician professional in a rising career field, FVI School of Nursing and Technology’s pharmacy technician program is the path to take! Come explore the world of healthcare training through our excellent program!
More information here: http://www.homehealthaideguide.com/hha-training/states/florida-hha/
