Do You Need to Go to School to Be a Pharmacy Tech?
Wondering if you need school to become a pharmacy tech? Here’s what you should know about training, certification, and career options.
Pharmacy technician is a career that is popular. The decision to help other people and work in the medical sphere is liked by many people. However, there is one question that is usually posed; is it necessary to attend school to become a pharmacy tech? The question has no simple yes or no answer. It is based on the place of living, what you want to achieve and the kind of employment you desire.
This article is going to deconstruct all that you need to know. We will discuss training, certification, and the necessity of school. At the end, we will also answer some of the common questions. Let’s get started.
What Does a Pharmacy Tech Do?
A pharmacist is a supervisor of a pharmacy technician. They assist in filling prescriptions, inventory management, and customer service. They also process insurance claims and maintain records. It is a job that involves being detail oriented and communicative.
They deal with medications and thus there is not much room to go wrong. This is the reason why training is necessary. Do you have to attend school to be a pharmacy tech? That’s what we’ll explore next.
Is School Always Required?
No, school is not necessarily necessary. You are allowed to be trained on the job in a few states or workplaces. A high school diploma or GED will be sufficient. Nonetheless, a great number of employers are willing to employ individuals that have graduated a pharmacy technician program.
Therefore even though the short answer to the question of whether you need to go to school to become a pharmacy tech may be not always, school may provide an advantage.
Why Consider Going to School?
There are several reasons why school might be the right choice:
- Faster learning: A formal program teaches you what you need to know quickly.
- Certification prep: Programs often prepare you for national certification exams.
- Better job options: Employers may prefer trained techs.
- Higher pay: Education can lead to better wages in the long run.
So, do you need to go to school to be a pharmacy tech to earn more? Not necessarily, but it helps.
What Will You Learn in School?
A pharmacy tech program will teach you:
- Medical terms
- How to measure and mix medications
- Pharmacy laws and ethics
- Customer service
- Basic math for dosage calculations
- How to handle insurance claims
These programs usually take 6 months to 2 years. You can find them at community colleges or trade schools. Some are even online.
So again, do you need to go to school to be a pharmacy tech to learn these skills? No, but school offers a structured way to learn them.
What About Certification?
Even if school isn’t required, many states do require certification. The two main exams are:
- PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board)
- NHA (National Healthcareer Association)
To take these exams, most people complete a training program. Some allow work experience as a substitute. So if you’re asking do you need to go to school to be a pharmacy tech in order to get certified, the answer is often yes, but not always.
What States Require School?
Some states have specific rules. In states like California or Florida, you need to complete an approved training program or have equivalent work experience.
Other states may allow on-the-job training, especially in smaller pharmacies. Check with your state board of pharmacy to know what is required in your area.
If you’re asking do you need to go to school to be a pharmacy tech in your state, it’s best to check local laws.
Can You Get Trained On the Job?
Yes, many pharmacies will train you while you work. This is more common in retail settings like grocery store pharmacies or large chains.
However, even if you start without school, you may later need to take a certification exam. And to pass that exam, you’ll need to know the material. So the question do you need to go to school to be a pharmacy tech might still come up later in your career.
Online vs In-Person School
If you choose to go to school, you’ll have options. Some programs are fully online, while others are in person. Each has its pros and cons.
- Online programs offer flexibility. You can learn at your own pace.
- In-person programs may offer more hands-on experience.
Both options can prepare you well. So if you’re wondering do you need to go to school to be a pharmacy tech and can’t attend in person, online is still a good choice.
How Much Does School Cost?
The cost can vary a lot. The short programs can take a few hundred dollars. In community colleges, longer ones may be a few thousand.
There are usually financial assistance or payment schemes. Employers can also fund your training in case you promise to work with them.
Do you have to attend school to be a pharmacy tech even though it is expensive? Not necessarily, but perhaps it is worth investing.
Pros and Cons of Going to School
Pros:
- Better job opportunities
- Prepares you for certification
- Structured learning
- May increase pay
Cons:
- Cost
- Time commitment
- May not be required in your state
If you’re still wondering do you need to go to school to be a pharmacy tech, think about your long-term goals. School isn’t always required, but it can help.
Final Thoughts
And that is why you do not have to attend school to be a pharmacy tech? In many cases, no. However, attending school may assist you to be certified, secure better employment and learn more quickly. It is a clever step to take in case of a long-term career.
Although school may not be mandatory, it demonstrates to employers that you take school seriously. You will be different among other applicants. And you will be more at ease in the job.
Research the regulations in your state. Look at your career goals. Then make a choice whether you want to go to school.
Since you do not necessarily require school to become a pharmacy tech, it can give you additional opportunities.
FAQs
1. In every state, do you have to attend school to become a pharmacy tech?
No. There are those states where on-the-job training is allowed. Others have to be formally educated or certified. Always check your local laws.
2. Is it possible to work as a pharmacy tech without being certified?
In some areas, yes. Most employers, however, prefer or demand certification. Preparation of the exam can be done through training programs.
3. Do employers accept online pharmacy tech school?
Yes, in case the program is accredited. Online courses may be as good as face-to-face.
4. What is the duration of pharmacy tech school?
Depending on the school and the type of program, programs may take between 6 months to 2 years.
5. Is it required to attend school in order to be a pharmacy tech to work in a hospital?
Hospital employment tends to be more training or experience-intensive. These roles may be mandatory in school.
6. What are the skills required of a pharmacy tech?
You must be detailed, possess some basic math, customer service, and medication knowledge. School assists you in developing these skills.
7. Is pharmacy technology a good profession?
Yes. It is popular, well paying and has opportunities to expand. Later on, you can be a pharmacist or other healthcare positions.
8. Should I pass a background check?
Yes. A majority of the states and employers will insist on one, particularly because you will be dealing with medication.
9. What is the salary of pharmacy techs?
Payments depend on place and experience. The average in the country is approximately 35,000 to 45,000 annually. Education can assist you to earn more.
10. Will you be required to attend school to work as a pharmacy technologist?
In case you have experience, not all states will need school. However, you may require certification, and school is one place where this can be done.