How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Classes begin January 12th
How Being a Pharmacy Technician is Different Than Other Allied Health Careers
A pharmacy technician is a highly specialized role and does require special certifications and licensing before you can enter the workforce. Customer care and interaction is also a requirement that not all allied health careers share. Pharmacy technician is an ideal position for someone who prefers a flexible schedule, since work hours can be during the day, evening, weekends and holidays.
All Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.
Healthcare Is One Of The Fastest Growing Industries In The Country
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an independent agency that analyzes economic statistics, healthcare is the fastest growing industry in the country. Healthcare is projected to create about 45% of all job gains from 2022-2032, which means there is ample opportunity for those that hold degrees and certifications. Among these fast growing jobs is pharmacy technicians, which the BLS estimates as having a 6% growth rate.
As the average lifespan increases and more medications are developed, the need grows for qualified pharmacy technicians. These professionals work with sensitive materials and technical equipment and provide vital support for pharmacists and patients alike in all work environments, which range from local pharmacies to hospitals.
How To Become A Pharmacy Technician
The pharmacy technician role is a technical line of work that requires administrative, medical, and customer service skills within a busy pharmacy setting. You will need the proper training, certification, and licensure before you can become a pharmacy technician in Arizona or any other state. Take the first step in pursuing this career path by learning about the process of becoming a pharmacy technician.
To become a pharmacy tech, you’ll need to apply for a training program that equips you with the skills and knowledge to handle real-life situations in a pharmacy. Most pharmacy technician training programs, including Arizona College of Allied Health, only require a high school diploma to apply.
Completing an accredited pharmacy technician program is the necessary first part of transitioning into this rewarding career. The hands-on training and in-depth coursework offered in the program will prepare you to pass the certification and licensing exams that are required to work as a certified pharmacy technician.
When choosing a pharmacy tech program, make sure you find a school that has modern technology, experienced lecturers, and training for real pharmacy situations. Checking program accreditation is a good way to tell if a program satisfies these requirements. Arizona College of Allied Health’s Pharmacy Technician Training Program includes the following:
- Training in pharmacy laboratories and modern facilities
- Lectures led by experienced pharmacists
- Labs that provide hands-on experience with technical equipment
- Computer training with pharmacy management software
This program is ASHP accredited at the Glendale campus.
How long is Pharmacy Tech School?
Program length varies by school, with the program at Arizona College of Allied Health taking 34 weeks to complete. This includes 30 weeks of pharmacy technician coursework and a 4-week externship.
At Arizona College of Allied Health, an externship is actually part of our program, and all students participate in a 4-week externship following the coursework. This externship is necessary to complete our Pharmacy Technician program and requires that you obtain a pharmacy technician trainee license.
To participate in the Arizona College of Allied Health externship program and ultimately become a pharmacy technician, you must first receive a Trainee License from the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy.
The pharmacy technician trainee license is intended for people who have not yet passed the PTCB examination (Pharmacy technician Certified Board). For more information on obtaining this licensure, please refer to the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy.
Once you complete the pharmacy tech training, externship experience, and obtain your Trainee Licensing, you will take the certification exam to become a pharmacy tech. For more information on how to become certified and licensed, visit the Arizona College Pharmacy Technician Certification page.
While working in the pharmacy technician profession, you will need to enroll in continuing education to maintain your licensure. Every two years, certified technicians must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education. For more information on pharmacy technician licensure reverification, please refer to the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
National & Programmatic Accreditation
All Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.
The Pharmacy Technician program at Arizona College, Glendale is ASHP accredited. Accreditation is the act of granting credit or recognition, especially to an educational institution that maintains quality and compliance with the ASHP standards.
Get Started Today!
To learn more about how to become a pharmacy technician, fill out a request form and Arizona College will be in touch with you to answer any questions you have. Our ASHP accredited Pharmacy Technician program is offered in both Glendale, AZ and Mesa, AZ.
Guide to Becoming a Pharmacy Technician
Ready to make a difference in healthcare? Explore the path to becoming a pharmacy technician today.
