Pharmacy Technician Programs in Pennsylvania
Perhaps you have worked in the health care industry before or maybe you are looking for a first step to a career in this growing industry. No matter what has brought you to the world of pharmacy technology, it may be the right fit for you if you are passionate about health care and customer service.
Take some time to request program details from the schools below to learn more about pharmacy tech schools in PA.
Throughout the state of Pennsylvania, health care employers are looking for support staff for pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals. When you become a pharmacy tech, you can help pharmacists balance overflowing workloads and help customers get the prescriptions they need to remain healthy and safe.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Pennsylvania
What do you learn as a pharmacy technician student? By looking at the curriculum and learning outcomes for different schools in your area, you can answer that question quickly and easily. Early in your education, you may learn about the human body and the different classes of medications. This part of your training may include classes like Human Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Structure and Function of the Human Body, and Pharmacology.
Once you have completed these core courses, you may move on to targeted pharmacy technician courses like Pharmacy and the Health Care System, Pharmacy Law and Ethics, Medical Terminology, Pharmacy Operations and Prescription Processing, and Pharmaceutical Calculations.
These classes or those similar to them may be found in a variety of programs in your area. Schools often offer Associate’s degree, diploma, and certificate pharmacy technician programs in PA. To choose the school that is right for you, you may want to look at average graduation times, how much practical experience is included, and certification rates for recent graduating classes.
Hands-on experience should be a part of any pharmacy technician program you consider. Working in a pharmacy builds your skills and tests your knowledge like no classroom experience can. Whether your training comes at the beginning or end of your degree program, it can be an extremely useful tool in your new career.
Working as a Pharmacy Technician in Pennsylvania
Once you are ready to start your career as a pharmacy technician, you may discover the many benefits of working in Pennsylvania, the least of which is not the great job outlook. Per O*Net, job openings for Pennsylvania pharmacy technicians are expected to increase by 12% through 2022. Their estimates indicate a statewide average salary of $28,700 per year (O*Net, 2014).
As is the case in many other health care careers, you have to meet strict licensing standards before you can begin working independently as a pharmacy technician. You must take a certification exam through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, which allows you to obtain your national certification. The final step in this process involves getting your state practice license through the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy.
Becoming involved in the health care field can be extremely rewarding and exciting. Get started today by contacting local schools to learn how to become a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania.