3 answers
Ja'Mes
Student
2
Questions
Updated
402 views
I want to be a pharmacy Tech what all do is it take to become one ?
What skills should I have
Login to comment
3 answers
Kathleen Rezek
Laboratory and compliance
126
Answers
Stanwood, Michigan
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
Great question! And great goal.
Pharmacy technician is a good career path and entry into the medical field. One of the most important skills or traits is attention to detail. There are policies, protocols, regulations, and general checks which everyone must follow at every step of the process. And, of course, a friendly yet professional manner, ability to take instruction, handle difficult customers with patience and compassion and understanding of what tasks are not yours and must be referred up the chain of authority. You will learn a lot and likely find a fit within the Healthcare field in Pharmacy or elsewhere. Best to you on your journey.
Pharmacy technician is a good career path and entry into the medical field. One of the most important skills or traits is attention to detail. There are policies, protocols, regulations, and general checks which everyone must follow at every step of the process. And, of course, a friendly yet professional manner, ability to take instruction, handle difficult customers with patience and compassion and understanding of what tasks are not yours and must be referred up the chain of authority. You will learn a lot and likely find a fit within the Healthcare field in Pharmacy or elsewhere. Best to you on your journey.
AZIZUR RAHMAN
Technical Representative in hp and Mathematics Teacher for 7th–10th grade students.
26
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
AZIZUR’s Answer
Hey Ja'Mes,
Becoming a pharmacy technician is mostly about training, certification, and meeting your state's requirements. The day-to-day is mixing meds, handling prescriptions, and supporting the pharmacist, so the path is pretty practical.
Here's what it typically takes:
1. Education & basic requirements
High school diploma or GED is the baseline everywhere.
No college degree required, but you do need to be 18+ and have a clean criminal background check since you’ll be handling controlled substances.
2. Training
You’ve got two main routes:
On-the-job training: Some pharmacies hire you and train you directly. You learn inventory, compounding, labeling, and software while working under a licensed pharmacist.
Formal program: Community colleges and vocational schools offer 6-12 month certificate or associate degree programs. They cover pharmacology, dosage calculations, pharmacy law, and lab work. This route makes you more competitive and prepares you for certification exams.
3. Certification
This is where it gets serious and it varies by country:
In the US: The two main certs are CPhT from PTCB and ExCPT from NHA. Most employers prefer PTCB. To sit for it you need the diploma + either 500 hours of work experience or completion of an accredited training program. You also have to pass a background check and a multiple-choice exam.
In India: You need a Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) which is a 2-year program after 10+2 with Science. That’s registered with the State Pharmacy Council. There’s also B.Pharm for a 4-year degree if you want to be a full pharmacist later. Registration with the Pharmacy Council of India is mandatory to practice.
In the UK/Canada/Australia: You usually need an accredited Level 3 diploma or equivalent, plus registration with the national pharmacy regulatory body.
4. Licensure/Registration
After certification you usually have to register with your state or national pharmacy board and renew it every 1-2 years with continuing education credits. Some states also require you to pass a state-specific law exam.
5. Skills that actually matter on the job
Math: Dosage calculations and conversions come up constantly. You’ll use formulas like
Dose= (Desired×Quantity)/ Available.
Attention to detail: One decimal point error is a big deal.
Tech comfort: You’ll be on pharmacy software, insurance systems, and automated dispensing machines all day.
Communication: You’re the bridge between patients, doctors, and the pharmacist.
Since you’re in Bangalore: You’d need to enroll in a D.Pharm program approved by the Pharmacy Council of India, then register with the Karnataka State Pharmacy Council after passing the exam. Most private hospitals and chains like Apollo Pharmacy also prefer candidates with the D.Pharm over just a certificate course.
The whole process can take anywhere from 3 months if you go straight to certification with experience, to 2 years for a D.Pharm diploma.
What country are you planning to work in? The requirements shift a lot between India and the US, and I can get more specific on the exam fees and colleges near you.
I hope it would be helpful for you.
Becoming a pharmacy technician is mostly about training, certification, and meeting your state's requirements. The day-to-day is mixing meds, handling prescriptions, and supporting the pharmacist, so the path is pretty practical.
Here's what it typically takes:
1. Education & basic requirements
High school diploma or GED is the baseline everywhere.
No college degree required, but you do need to be 18+ and have a clean criminal background check since you’ll be handling controlled substances.
2. Training
You’ve got two main routes:
On-the-job training: Some pharmacies hire you and train you directly. You learn inventory, compounding, labeling, and software while working under a licensed pharmacist.
Formal program: Community colleges and vocational schools offer 6-12 month certificate or associate degree programs. They cover pharmacology, dosage calculations, pharmacy law, and lab work. This route makes you more competitive and prepares you for certification exams.
3. Certification
This is where it gets serious and it varies by country:
In the US: The two main certs are CPhT from PTCB and ExCPT from NHA. Most employers prefer PTCB. To sit for it you need the diploma + either 500 hours of work experience or completion of an accredited training program. You also have to pass a background check and a multiple-choice exam.
In India: You need a Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) which is a 2-year program after 10+2 with Science. That’s registered with the State Pharmacy Council. There’s also B.Pharm for a 4-year degree if you want to be a full pharmacist later. Registration with the Pharmacy Council of India is mandatory to practice.
In the UK/Canada/Australia: You usually need an accredited Level 3 diploma or equivalent, plus registration with the national pharmacy regulatory body.
4. Licensure/Registration
After certification you usually have to register with your state or national pharmacy board and renew it every 1-2 years with continuing education credits. Some states also require you to pass a state-specific law exam.
5. Skills that actually matter on the job
Math: Dosage calculations and conversions come up constantly. You’ll use formulas like
Dose= (Desired×Quantity)/ Available.
Attention to detail: One decimal point error is a big deal.
Tech comfort: You’ll be on pharmacy software, insurance systems, and automated dispensing machines all day.
Communication: You’re the bridge between patients, doctors, and the pharmacist.
Since you’re in Bangalore: You’d need to enroll in a D.Pharm program approved by the Pharmacy Council of India, then register with the Karnataka State Pharmacy Council after passing the exam. Most private hospitals and chains like Apollo Pharmacy also prefer candidates with the D.Pharm over just a certificate course.
The whole process can take anywhere from 3 months if you go straight to certification with experience, to 2 years for a D.Pharm diploma.
What country are you planning to work in? The requirements shift a lot between India and the US, and I can get more specific on the exam fees and colleges near you.
I hope it would be helpful for you.
Sanjeev Mehta
Consulting
16
Answers
McLean, Virginia
Updated
Sanjeev’s Answer
Great question. Becoming a pharmacy tech is a great way to get started with a pharmacy like CVS, Harris Teeter, or a similar company. I know someone who works as a pharmacy tech while also finishing her college degree, and it’s been a really good path for her. To do well in this role, it helps to have a positive attitude, enjoy helping people, and show compassion. You also need to be comfortable standing for long periods and be willing to learn the basics of medicine. At some point, you'll be asked to complete Certified Pharmacy Technician exam. In most states, you'll need to register or get licensed to grant you the legal right to work as a pharmacy tech.
Pharmacy techs are in great demand and your work will involve, stocking medicine, helping walk ins with prescription refills, contacting insurance companies and doctor's office to get clarification and a lot of patience to listen to customers as you help them. Once you've had some experience, you might get training on how to give flu shots or similar responsibilities. This is a solid path to becoming a Lead Pharmacy Technician if you are interested in this field.
Once you get comfortable, you could build into areas like immunization administration, medication history, billing and reimbursement, regulatory compliance, and specialty pharmacy. These are marketable and highly specialized roles with better pay.
You should start by visiting a pharmacy that you are interested in joining and talk to them. Most pharmacies are willing to give a chance to new individuals and train them. I hope this helps.
Pharmacy techs are in great demand and your work will involve, stocking medicine, helping walk ins with prescription refills, contacting insurance companies and doctor's office to get clarification and a lot of patience to listen to customers as you help them. Once you've had some experience, you might get training on how to give flu shots or similar responsibilities. This is a solid path to becoming a Lead Pharmacy Technician if you are interested in this field.
Once you get comfortable, you could build into areas like immunization administration, medication history, billing and reimbursement, regulatory compliance, and specialty pharmacy. These are marketable and highly specialized roles with better pay.
You should start by visiting a pharmacy that you are interested in joining and talk to them. Most pharmacies are willing to give a chance to new individuals and train them. I hope this helps.