How to Become a Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacist technicians work in hospitals, online pharmacies and major retail chains such as CVS, Wal-Mart and Rite Aid. Although they are not able to perform the tasks of a licensed pharmacist, they can:

Interact with customers Offer advice on over-the-counter (OTC) medications Dispense prescriptions that have been filled by licensed pharmacist Perform administrative tasks such as inventory control, medication tracking and patient profile updates Mix, measure and label medications under a pharmacist’s supervision

To become a pharmacy technician, you will need to:

Earn a high school diploma or GED Optional: Complete a pharmacy technician training program or associate’s degree from an accredited institution Gain hands-on experience in a pharmacy or medical setting Optional: Complete training with your employer for specialized roles (e.g. community pharmacy technician) Pass the exams required for state certification (some employers and states demand certification, some don’t) Maintain certification through continuing education

Note: Although you may find job postings that don’t require proof of formal study (Step #2) or certification (Step #5), you will improve your employment opportunities if you invest in higher education. For certification, most states require technicians to complete a formal program and/or pass a licensing exam.

How to Become a Licensed Pharmacist

Licensed pharmacists are able to dispense prescription medications, provide immunizations and oversee pharmacy departments. In their role as savvy health counselors, they counsel patients on appropriate medication use, potential interactions and positive lifestyle choices.To become a licensed pharmacist, you should:

Earn a high school diploma or GED Complete 2 years of laboratory science coursework in an accelerated program or earn a Bachelor of Science Pass the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) Earn a 4-year PharmD from an ACPE-accredited institution Pass the exams required for state licensure Maintain licensure through continuing education

Pharmacy Technician Training Programs

A pharmacy technician training program is a post-secondary, non-degree program designed to prepare students to become a pharmacy technician. Unlike an associate’s degree, these programs usually take 1 year or less to complete. A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required to apply.

You’ll find these programs being offered by community colleges, technical institutions, vocational schools, and even retail drugstore chains. Whichever option you prefer, we recommend you attend an ASHP-accredited program.

Sample Coursework

A typical curriculum will cover the practical and technical aspects of working in a pharmacy. That includes courses in areas such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, pharmacy law, pharmaceutical calculations, recordkeeping and medical ethics.

To give students hands-on, clinical experience (Step #3 in our list), some schools partner with retail drugstores and pharmacies to offer “on-the-job” training/externships. They may also cover the fee for the PTCE or NHA exams required for certification.

Career Opportunities

Graduates work as pharmacist technicians.

Note: To become a Pharmacy Aide – answering phones, stocking shelves and similar tasks – you may only need a high school diploma or GED.

Associate’s Degree in Pharmacy

An associate’s degree in pharmacy is a 2 year undergraduate program often geared towards students interested in becoming a pharmacy technician or earning credits towards a bachelor’s degree. The AAS may provide a more in-depth education experience than a pharmacy technician training program.

Degree Options Associate of Science (AS) in a Pharmacy-Related Subject: Often used as a stepping stone toward a bachelor’s degree.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Pharmacy Technology: A practice-based degree targeted at aspiring pharmacy technicians. Associate of Occupational Science (AOS) in Pharmacy Technology: Similar to the AAS in outlook. Sample Coursework

The first year of coursework for the AAS and AOS follows the curriculum for pharmacist technician training programs. In the second year, schools may offer opportunities for students to prepare for managerial roles and learn more about special topics (e.g. computerized drug delivery systems).

Career Opportunities

Graduates typically work as pharmacist technicians, sometimes in leadership roles.

Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy

A bachelor’s degree in pharmacy is a 4 year undergraduate program that can be used as a foundation for a non-medical career in marketing and sales or healthcare research or as preparation for the PharmD.

Unlike an accelerated program, a bachelor’s degree gives students the flexibility to decide whether they really want to become a licensed pharmacist after graduation. A high school diploma or GED is required to apply.

Degree Options Bachelor of Science (BS) in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Prepares students for the PharmD, related careers in healthcare or jobs in drug marketing and pharmaceutical sales. Bachelor of Science (BS) in Healthcare Administration: An option for those interested in a master’s degree in pharmacy or healthcare administration. Bachelor of Science (BS) in Medical Technology/Clinical Laboratory Science: An option for students interested in effective techniques of laboratory diagnosis in medical research. Bachelor of Science (BS) in Marketing: Geared towards those interested in becoming pharmaceutical reps and marketers.

Check with individual schools to see if they have specific degree programs targeted towards the PharmD.

Sample Coursework

The curriculum for a BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences initially focuses on pre-pharmacy coursework required for the PharmD, including hardcore courses such as:

Biology Microbiology Biochemistry Organic chemistry Anatomy Physiology Immunology Calculus Physics

In later years, students may be able to delve into advanced pharmaceutical topics, including areas such as pharmaceutical testing, manufacturing and research.

Career Options

Even if you’re not interested in becoming a licensed pharmacist, you will have other options after graduation. You may wish to pursue a career in drug marketing or pharmaceutical sales. Or you could look into areas such as product testing and pharmaceutical research.

Master’s Degree in Pharmacy

A master’s degree in pharmacy is a 1-3 year graduate program that allows students to explore an advanced topic of pharmaceutical research. A bachelor’s degree with science credits is usually required to apply. Some schools limit their intake to licensed pharmacists who hold a PharmD.

If you’re interested in becoming a pharmacist and specializing in a particular area, look for joint PharmD programs.

Degree Options Master of Science (MS) of Pharmaceutical Science: Prepares students for leadership roles in pharmacy-related careers or doctoral research. Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Psychopharmacology: Examines of the interplay of pharmacy science and psychology. Master in Clinical Research (MCR): Geared towards professionals interested in advanced clinical drug research and development. Master of Science (MS) in Pharmacology and Toxicology: Provides students with the skills required for technical positions in pharmacological research and testing, clinical trials and/or toxicological assessments.

These are just a few of the options available. To appeal to working professionals, schools also will combine pharmaceutical topics with concentrations in areas such as regulatory affairs or management.

Sample Coursework

Coursework will depend on your choice of degree. Most programs culminate in a research dissertation and/or capstone project. Please consult your school’s syllabus for more information.

Career Opportunities

Because licensed pharmacists are required to earn a PharmD, master’s degrees are often targeted towards students interested in advanced drug/medical research or managerial roles in healthcare.

Graduate Certificate in Pharmacy-Related Subjects

A graduate certificate in pharmacy is a non-degree program that typically takes less than 1 year to complete. They come in many flavors, and coursework is targeted towards a specific area of interest (e.g. regulatory affairs, health policy, etc.). A bachelor’s degree is required to apply.

Pharmacy professionals may wish to pursue a graduate certificate in order to:

Widen their career opportunities Earn credits for a master’s degree in the future Complement an existing degree Concentrate on a particular area of research

Earning a graduate certificate is not the same as certification/licensure – that requires specific training and exams. If you’re interested in the possibility of a master’s degree, make sure your academic credits will be transferable.

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) is a 4 year professional degree that students must earn from an ACPE-accredited school of pharmacy before they can become licensed pharmacists. It includes advanced coursework, extensive clinical experiences and preparation for licensure exams.

To apply to PharmD programs, you will need to have at least 2 years of approved pre-pharmacy coursework and a passing grade on the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT). You can cover this coursework by pursuing a traditional bachelor of science or enrolling in an accelerated program.

Degree Options Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD): Required to obtain a pharmacist’s license. Advanced Doctor of Pharmacy (Adv. PharmD): A 3 year degree aimed at students who have completed pre-professional coursework at an accredited college or university. Sample Coursework

First year work often focuses on pharmaceutical basics, including areas such as pharmacy law, ethics, pathophysiology, physical chemistry and other topics related to patient care.

In the second and third years, the curriculum becomes more advanced. Areas such as biostatistics, pharmacotherapy, immunopharmacology and institutional pharmacy are examined. Students begin clinical work and start concentrating on their chosen specialty.

In the fourth year, students complete a series of supervised rotations (4-6 weeks) in pharmaceutical settings. They learn how to talk to patients, discuss medications and oversee staff. They also have the chance to refine their area of interest (e.g. pharmaceutical sciences, drug research, etc.).

Career Opportunities

Licensed pharmacists work under a number of titles, including:

Clinical Pharmacist: Employed in hospitals, clinics and medical facilities. Retail Pharmacist: Employed by large chain pharmacies such as CVS. Pharmacist in Charge: Supervises pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Pharmacy Director: Supervises the staff or pharmacy department at a clinic, store, etc.

Accelerated PharmD Programs

Accelerated PharmD programs combine two years of pharmacy prerequisites (e.g. chemistry, biology, anatomy, etc.) with four years of the PharmD. Some year-round programs even combine 2 years of prerequisites with 3 years of PharmD. That means students can complete their training to become a licensed pharmacist in as little as 5-6 years.

The first two years of an accelerated program are designed to prepare students for the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). You cannot pursue a PharmD degree without passing this test.

Joint PharmD Degrees

To expand their career opportunities, some students opt to earn a joint PharmD degree. Examples of these include:

PharmD/MBA: Equips students to run their own business or assume management positions in retail pharmacies, hospitals and private pharmaceutical companies. PharmD/MPH: Tailored towards students interested in public health issues such as community behavior, public health policy or epidemiology. PharmD/PhD: Allows students who wish to practice as pharmacists to focus on a particular area of pharmaceutical research. PharmD/JD: Gives students professional training in pharmacy law and policy.

PhD in Pharmacy

Not all pharmacy students choose to become licensed pharmacists. Instead, some decide to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in pharmacology, pharmacy policy, medicinal chemistry or a host of other concentrations. These programs are intended for those who want careers in research.

As a reminder, you cannot work as a licensed pharmacist without a PharmD.

Regional Accreditation

We recommend your university or college have regional accreditation. This is a “seal of approval” granted to institutions by one of six regional accrediting bodies (e.g. New England Association of Schools and Colleges).

You can learn more about the difference between national and regional accreditation in: Accreditation: Understanding the Difference Between Real Schools and Diploma Mills.

By attending a regionally accredited school, you will be able to:

Qualify for federal financial aid and scholarship opportunities Transfer credits to other regionally accredited institutions (many universities won’t accept course credits from a nationally accredited school) Demonstrate to employers that you’re serious about your education Have an easier time getting into graduate school

Regional accreditation only applies to the overall institution, not individual degrees or programs. Students interested in pharmacy degrees and the PharmD should also look for ACPE accreditation; those considering pharmacist technician training programs should look for ASHP accreditation.

ACPE Accreditation

The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredits undergraduate degrees and the PharmD. The board that sets accreditation standards is composed of professionals from the American Council on Education, the American Association of Colleges, the American Pharmacists Association and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

You must earn a PharmD from an ACPE-accredited program before you will be allowed to take the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). ACPE accreditation will also make it easier for you to transfer credits.

View a list of ACPE-accredited programs.

ASHP Accreditation

Pharmacist Licensure

Each state has its own rules and regulations about becoming a licensed pharmacist. Please check with your state Board of Pharmacy for exact details.

On the whole, most states will expect you:

Earn a PharmD from an ACPE-accredited program Complete an internship (e.g. 1800 work hours) under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), which tests one’s knowledge of pharmacy practice Pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) or another state-approved exam that tests one’s knowledge of pharmacy law Renew/maintain your licensure through continuing education

Pharmacy Technician Certification

Not all states require pharmacy techs to become certified pharmacy technicians (CPhT). However, you’ll increase your job opportunities if you become certified. Some employers will even pay for pharmacy employees to take the certification exam. Please check with your state Board of Pharmacy for exact requirements.

States usually require certified techs to complete a formal training program and pass certification exams offered by independent organizations such as:

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

Certification has to be maintained by taking continuing education courses and passing recertification exams.

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