Becoming a pharmacist is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling jobs there is in the medical industry. The efforts and hardships endured for its education are well paid off when you start earning your income at work. So when you start deciding to become a pharmacist, it’s only natural that you choose the best school that the country could offer you.

The U.S. News and World Report have ranked top pharmacy schools in the United States every year. They measure the Pharm. D. programs of the school through its system of teaching, the performance of its students, as well as the results of the licensure exams. They have named different schools with competent and quality education and graded them of which 5 is the highest score.

Some of these schools include:
1. University of California – San Francisco, 4.7
2. University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, 4.4
3. University of Minnesota, 4.3
4. University of Texas – Austin, 4.2
5. Ohio State University, 4.1
6. University of Kentucky, 4.1
7. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, 4.1
8. University of Washington, 4.1

These are only 8 of the many schools with high standard programs. If you enroll in one of these universities, you’ll definitely be receiving education of high caliber. The programs given in these schools provide students with the optimal learning experience they can receive, provide opportunities to conduct research studies, have the chance to develop interpersonal and leadership skills and be molded to simply become experts.

Usually, the Pharm. D. program can run for four to five years depending on the school and perhaps the student’s diligence. In the schools mention, most of them require that students first finish college pre-requisite courses (that would generally run for 2 years) and pass the school’s Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) before being eligible for entering pharmacy school.

The schools listed, as well as the many more that were not, have specific differences with regards to the programs they offer. Some have research study available, while some may not. So you really need to research more on the school that you have set your eyes on. Choose the school that entices your yearning to learn, taking into consideration its facilities, its professors, its campus, its location, as well as its financial requirements.

Although certain schools have shown the best results, you don’t necessarily need to force yourself to study there. While certain schools may give the best out of you, at the end of it, you yourself have a major role in your own development. What’s more important is you strive to do your best in your studies and be discipline enough to finish your course works.

Pharmacy technicians are one of the professions that provide job security and stability. They are currently on demand in various health care settings since they can start working even without certification as opposed to pharmacists. For the next five years, pharmacy tech jobs are expected to rise for about 32% according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Pharmacy tech programs can be finished for a short period of less than a year. Hereafter, they can immediately find employment. In the United States, there isn’t an existing law yet that prevents fresh pharmacy tech graduates from getting employed. Because of this, pharmacy technicians can start receiving income straightaway. It is different in the case of pharmacists in which they need to pass a board exam (PTCE) to acquire certification before they can practice.

Entry-level pharmacy techs can earn for as much as $19,000 a year, ranging from $10 to $17 an hour. As they gain experience, their pay can amount to as much as $25,000 to $35,000 a year depending on the industry and the years of experience. Senior pharmacy techs, usually those who have been in the industry for around 10 years and have reached supervisory positions, can earn as much as $40,000 a year.

The salary typically increases by taking continuing education programs and acquiring credentials such as a license and other significant certifications. Becoming a certified pharmacy technician does improves the pay although it may not be that much higher than before. In the end, it is left to the discretion of the pharmacist or the employer.

The pay also varies depending on the type and size of the pharmacy. Pharmacies associated with prestigious hospitals and clinics and for pharmacy technicians working in pharmaceutical companies often receive better pay. They can earn up to $20 to $40 an hour, though these employment opportunities are rather rare for most.

Pharmacy technicians work in odd hours depending on the establishment. Usually in hospitals which run 24 hours a day, they work rotating shifts and can even be placed on night duties and weekends, even holidays. However, this could also work for the benefit of pharmacy techs who do not mind working for extended periods just to earn more.

The role of pharmacy technicians involves assisting licensed pharmacist in the dealings of the everyday workload. They are typically responsible for handling duties such as answering phones, entertaining customers and their prescription orders and input them into the pharmacy computer, keep pharmacy records, and deal with insurance companies. They also count tablets, update drug inventories, put labels on boxes and containers, and sometimes assist the pharmacists in compounding, or they can mix the medicines themselves.

After obtaining your pharmacy technician diploma, certificate or degree, probably the next big step to do is get your pharmacy technician license. The need to get a pharmacy technician license or registration is particular to the state in which you work in. There are no federal laws existing as of now that mandates for pharmacy techs to get certified first before being able to practice. Therefore, many states still accept pharmacy techs even without a license. But then again, becoming a licensed pharmacy technician will help you climb your ladder of career.

There are two possible ways to earn a license in this profession. You can either take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or work for more than 500 hours as a pharmacy technician associate. The PTCE is given by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and board passers become a nationally recognized certified pharmacy technician. In the latter option, you may opt to work as a pharmacy technician associate at retail establishments such as CVS/Pharmacy, Walgreens, Target, Rite-Aid, etc. Usually, these establishments have their own house examinations that when you pass you become a registered pharmacy technician of your respective state. Obtaining a license this way differs lightly from state to state as each state Board of Pharmacy have self-regulated forms and procedures to fill up in order to apply for the license.

Acquiring a license has its advantages for the pharmacy technician. Being a licensed pharmacist allows employers to instantly determine your value and qualifications and this increases your bargaining strength. Having this credential will also open you to higher pay as well as greater career opportunities. As said earlier, many establishments do not require licensed pharmacy technicians. However, while there are employers that accept pharmacy techs that aren’t registered, many prestigious hospitals, large pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies need licensed pharmacy technicians since they impose strict rules to maintain their reputation in providing high quality health care services.

The license itself must be renewed every two years by way of continuing education. A licensed pharmacy technician must complete 20 hours’ worth of continuing education through attending national meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops and other college programs related to pharmacy. Also, at least 1 hour must be relevant to the study of pharmacy laws. These continuing education units can be secured by obtaining certificates of completion that show the date and number of hours earned. These papers are proof and should be kept until the day of renewal. Continuing education may also be done by on-the-job training that is certified by a licensed pharmacist.

Pharmacy technicians are employed in most health care facilities that handle drug prescriptions for their patients, such as in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and large pharmacies. A lot of them are also stationed in grocery stores, big box retailers, and other small chain pharmacies. They serve as aides to the licensed pharmacist, and sometimes to other allied health care providers, and provide assistance to lessen the workload of the day to day activities of the facility.

Pharmacy technician jobs are on demand in many places across the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth of pharmacy techs will increase by 32% until 2016. Also, due to the nature of their training which is short and may be completed in less than year, many aspiring pharmacists first become pharmacy technicians before entering pharmacy school. Pharmacy techs are not required by the law to be certified in order to work; even those who just took on-the-job training can fulfill the job vacancy for pharmacy technician jobs, so finding employment for them isn’t too difficult, much more since in today’s technological world job hunting is made easier through the internet.

Pharmacy technician jobs usually involve works that are lighter compared to licensed pharmacists. They can work as clerks in pharmacies, catering to the orders written in doctors’ prescriptions as well as providing health teaching regarding the ordered medications. Upon receiving doctor prescriptions, they verify the completeness and accuracy of the order and then proceed to carry out the order, counting tablets, putting drug labels on boxes or containers, and compounding or mixing the medication for ready use. Sometimes, they need to refer to the licensed pharmacists for questions and clarifications regarding the medications. In insurance companies, pharmacy technicians can also work in the register and provide customer services. Their jobs also include answering phones and operate cash registers, depending on the work setting. In the hospital setting, they may have additional jobs such as preparing sterile solutions and delivering medications to nurses’ stations or to the physician, as well as keep records of transactions in the hospital pharmacy.

Any career in the healthcare industry provides stability and security in terms of employment and in generating a living, and being a pharmacy technician is not an exception. Looking for pharmacy technician jobs is made faster and simpler by technology. By making use of the resources available online, as well as resources provided by the school or establishment where you took your pharmacy technician training, you can expect to enjoy a steady life as a pharmacy technician and even have great potentials if you desire to further your career into pharmacy.

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is a national certification program in the United States that provides certification and recertification programs to pharmacy technicians. The PTCB works to develop pharmacy technicians so that they work more effectively in giving their services to clients and in assisting licensed pharmacists and other health care providers. PTCB also maintains and administers national certification programs for pharmacy technicians that are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)

For the most part, pharmacy technicians will find the significance of PTCB in providing for their certification and recertification. Through this certification, pharmacy technicians who passed the exam become Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT) and will be recognized to possess knowledge and skills that meets standard qualifications. It enables them to work more proficiently and like other certifications, it entails several benefits such as higher employment and higher salary rates. The certified pharmacy tech also portrays enriched self-worth, more knowledge and ability to provide safe and quality care, as well as increased job satisfaction.

PTCB has strict requirements concerning the eligibility of pharmacy techs to take the certification exam. Applicants must possess a high-school diploma, take and pass the General Education Development (GED) test or any foreign equivalent if not from the United States, have no previous felony records or history of drug-related convictions. These stern regulations were mandated to prevent the cases of drug abuse and misuse within the workers, as was the problem in the past. The applicant should not have any restrictions imposed by the State Board of Pharmacy.

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) comprises of 90 multiple-choice questions and covers three basic knowledge functions: assisting the pharmacists in serving patients, maintaining medication and inventory control systems, and participating in the administration and management of pharmacy practice. The exam can be taken in written form as well as through online at more than 200 designated Pearson Professional Centers and internationally at Dantes Testing Centers.

The Pharmacy Technician Board was first established on January 1995. It is administered by the American Pharmacists Association (AphA), the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) and the Illinois Council of health-System Pharmacists (ICHP). To cater for its computer-based testing, PTCB has connected with Pearson VUE, the leading technology company in the industry. For test developments, PTCB contracts with Professional Examination Service (PES) who has been its partner for 14 years, Professional Examination Service (PES), the leading agency for credentialing and delivery of solutions in support of professional licensures and certifications across a large range of professions.

Pharmacy technicians are considered the assistants to licensed pharmacists. They are responsible for helping pharmacists in their daily workload. These may include filling prescriptions, count tablets, labeling bottles, research information regarding different medications and other routine tasks that reduce the overall stress of pharmacists. Pharmacy technicians are one of the careers that provide a solid foundation in terms of job security and earning potentials.

A lot of pharmacy tech schools are available throughout the United States. These schools may take the form of community colleges, hospitals, the military, vocational or technical institutes, or propriety schools. Besides the campus setting, some schools also offer online courses for pharmacy technicians. In any of these, formal pharmacy tech training can be obtained by applicants and receive a diploma, a certificate, or an associate’s degree depending on the program. The program can usually be finished in less than a year, but can vary according to the specific program.

The course content of different pharmacy tech schools may differ, but they generally cover these courses: pharmacology, medical and pharmaceutical terminology, drug preparation procedures, drug calculations, record keeping, laws and rights related to pharmacy, professional ethics and more. Some even include basic concepts in anatomy and physiology, first aid, healthcare relations, as well as essential skills training on using computer applications. The training also comprise of laboratory work that mainly focuses on chemistry, more specifically on different methods in the preparation of medications. Internships are also provided to allow students to obtain hands-on experiences alongside licensed pharmacists which also provide them a venue to apply their work ethics and polish their pharmacy technician skills. They are assigned in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, and more.

Pharmacy technicians can also receive informal training such as doing on-the-job training in pharmacies or pharmaceutical industries. And even with just this, they can still find jobs and get hired. But many employers tend to prefer those that have undergone formal training in schools and those that have acquired certificates or degrees will always have the advantage. The cases are different from state to state since there are no mandatory regulations yet that dictate for specific requirements regarding the employment of pharmacy technicians.

In choosing a desirable pharmacy tech school, it is important to consider several factors such as the location of the campus, the competence of the professors, the content detail of the program, the opportunities that will be open to you in their program, and if the school offers the program that you need, whether a diploma, a certificate, or an associate’s degree.

The roles of pharmacy technicians in the pharmacy industry have become much more on demand compared to the previous years. There have been studies that indicate that the profession will continue to grow in the next few years. But even with the boom of pharmacy technicians across the United States, are the rewards of the job that much enticing?

If you enter a pharmacy technician program, you can finish the course quickly in less than a year, after which you can immediately find work anywhere. Unlike pharmacists who are required by the country to take certification before being allowed to practice, pharmacy technicians are not governed by any law in regards to this. Therefore, as early as after graduation from the pharmacy tech program, they are eligible to practice their profession.

The salary of pharmacy techs are paid by the number of hours they work. Starting pharmacy techs usually earn around $10 to $17 an hour. In a year, these entry-level technicians can generate in average around $19,000. More experienced pharmacy techs earn around $20,000 to $40,000 a year. These senior technicians have usually been in the business for at least 10 years and have been placed in positions such as supervisors. When you acquire certification and have become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPht), although the title comes with its respective recognition, you might find that there is little increase in your salary compared to when you were not licensed. But that is drastically dependent on your employer.

Pharmacy technician salary can vary greatly based on the size of the establishment. If you are working on hospitals and chain pharmacies which are usually open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, expect yourself to be compensated better. Some of the employed pharmacy techs in these settings have earned as much as $40 an hour. However, they are occasionally obliged to work in night shifts, weekends and holidays.

Becoming a pharmacy technician can be considered a quick way to earn a decent amount of profit in the shortest time. However some pharmacy techs are dissatisfied with the limitations of the profession in terms of their responsibilities as well as its potential to generate income. Due to this, the career of a pharmacy technician serves merely as foundation for many individuals. A lot think about going further to become a licensed pharmacist in hopes to earn more than a pharmacy tech could. In the end, you have the choice of whether being happy in fulfilling the works of a pharmacy technician while receiving its rewards or advance your career to a higher profession.

Certification for pharmacy technicians are not widely required in the United States in order for them to practice. However, obtaining a certification is something that will become valuable for any pharmacy technician because the credential gives off a lot of advantages in terms of employment, competence, and of course the salary.

In order for the pharmacy technician to be eligible for certification, she must have a high-school diploma, GED or any foreign equivalent, as well as having no records for any felony or drug-related convictions. Furthermore, she must not have any restrictions from the State Board of Pharmacy. If the applicant lacks even one of these, the application will be rejected.

There are a few organizations in the States that provide certification for pharmacy technicians through an examination. Two renowned certification exams include the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the Examination for Certified Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). Its focus is on three basic knowledge functions: assisting the pharmacists in serving patients, maintaining medication and inventory control systems, and participating in the administration and management of pharmacy practice. Moreover, these tests measure the pharmacy technician’s knowledge of other concepts relevant to the job including professional ethics, calculations, drug concepts and more. By passing the test, pharmacy techs receive the designation of Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPht).

Even after passing the exam, certified pharmacy techs need to maintain their certified status by way of renewal. They are required to complete at least 20 hours of continuing education every two years, of which laws related to pharmacy must be included with the minimum of 1 hour. Continuing education enables the certified pharmacy technician to remain updated with the current trends and innovations related to the work, and in turn, it will prevent the status of stagnation.

As mentioned earlier, acquiring certification is not a requirement for any pharmacy tech to work. However, by obtaining this credential, employers will be able to instantly see the value and competency level of the pharmacy tech and it will greatly improve job seeking opportunities. But with that said, there are also some institutions that require certification, such as in hospitals and pharmaceutical companies that impose strict rules and regulations to its employees and job applicants that are relevant to keeping quality control and patient safety.

The pharmacy technician certification also has its value for those that aspire to further their careers and become pharmacists as it serves as a great foundation in terms of the concepts involve in the profession. That way, pharmacy education would be much easier for a certified pharmacy technician. So if there’s anything to do for a pharmacy technician, then that is getting certified.

The road of a pharmacist doesn’t end after graduating from the Pharm. D. degree program. In fact, it should be continuous process of learning. A degree holder pharmacist should take and pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) and the Multi-State Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MSJE) in order to work in the United States. Even then, they need to participate in pharmacy continuing education by attending seminars, trainings, and workshops in order to keep working as a pharmacist.

Pharmacy continuing education is required by law in the United States so that pharmacist will be updated of the changes and innovations concerning the health care industry. There are always changes, new drugs, new diseases, new interventions, new research studies, new problems, and more being published every day. And pharmacists, being a key player in the patient treatment, need to know those changes because they’re important in the delivery of quality and safe health care.

Aside from the necessity concerning quality and safe health care, the license of a pharmacist also requires Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for its renewal. CEUs can be obtained by attending seminars, trainings and workshops being offered by different schools and organizations. These programs must be accredited by the American Council of Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) or be recognized by the state board of pharmacy for them to be awarded with CEUs. Most states required a certain amount of CEUs which is approximately equal to 15 hours each year. These units can also be secured by attending local or national meetings, engaging in home study certificate courses, thesis writing, and from articles present in professional journals.

The scope of topics in continuing education is broad. It can encompass everything related to pharmacy. Some example topics could be specific changes to drug incompatibilities, newly discovered drug effects on certain diseases, frequent pharmacist errors, and a lot more new interventions and issues. Therefore, pursuing continuing education is never necessarily a hassled dull moment since it will always contain new insights for licensed pharmacists. Pharmacists can also attend continuing education programs of other allied health professions. Since health care is never a singular effort and is geared towards team work, the learning gained from those programs may be applied by the pharmacist in her own work.

The pharmacist continuing education is an important responsibility of a licensed pharmacist as well. In order to avoid becoming stagnant with out-of-date information and prevent unnecessary damages, pharmacists should continually improve themselves, in their knowledge and skills, and not be left out by the times. Take note that obsolete knowledge from yesterday can cause problems that could have been prevented by today’s knowledge.

Pharmacists have existed in the health care world for a very long time, along with physicians and nurses. They are an indispensable group of health care providers, being at the center stage during various pharmacological therapies. But what does it take to become a pharmacist?

In the United States, to become pharmacists, individuals must be able to graduate in a pharmacy school or accredited college with a Pharm. D. (Doctor of Pharmacy) Degree. To be able to enter the Pharm. D. Degree program, students must finish a two-year college coursework and with good grades at that. Although applicants can possibly finish this pre-requisite schooling in two-year’s time, many students take up to 3 or more years. This requirement involves taking courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, social sciences, humanities and even physics. These are required of the students in order for them to have background knowledge about the basics to help them cope with the advanced learning given in Pharm. D. programs.

After completion of the pre-requisite college course, applicants can proceed to enroll for the actual pharmacist education program. Some pharmacy schools need applicants to have passed an entrance exam called the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), while others do not. The purpose of this is basically to determine the intellectual capacity of the applicant concerning the courses taken in the pre-pharmacy course as well as introductory knowledge on pharmacy.

Pharm. D. programs run for 4 years and trains students in the science and art of pharmacy. The program trains the students in all concepts involve in drug therapy, which would also include pharmacological processes in the body, drug indications and contraindications, as well as general health care. The program also teaches future pharmacists on professional ethics, different laws and rights related to drugs, proper communication and even business management. Aside from the typical classroom lectures, the degree course also includes internship opportunities, which is, working in institutions and hospitals under a licensed pharmacist. This allows the student pharmacist to feel and experience actual work and be burdened with the natural responsibilities that a licensed pharmacist carries. Completing and acquiring the Pharm. D. degree qualifies the pharmacist for licensing and grants her great potentials in the career.

Traditional pharmacist education is commonly referred as the Pharm. D. degree program. However, there is also something called the non-traditional pharmacist education which was the trend before Pharm. D. This involves taking the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy program from accredited schools. Although most institutions and organizations in the United States now require Pharm. D. graduates to work as licensed pharmacists, some still accept graduates of this program and in turn, some schools still offer this program. A lot of students still prefer to take this program first, and then take Pharm. D. afterwards. Pharm. D. curriculum is different than that of the BS in pharmacy program in that the Pharm. D. pharmacist education has more extensive clinical preparation and hands-on practice experience.