Do you wish to distinguish yourself in the pharmacy technician field, but are confused about the pharmacy technician certifications that you should get? Are you planning on improving your career? Then you are at the right place. In this article, you will learn about the pharmacy technician certifications available and the ones that may best suit you.
Pursuing a certificate as a pharmacy technician can benefit you in many ways. It is always good to advance your knowledge in the field you work in. Pursuing new certifications can help you strengthen your career as a pharmacy technician.
You get the opportunity to gain knowledge and stand out, which also helps to upgrade and establish your career as a pharmacy technician.
Benefits of Pharmacy Technician Certifications in Your Career
When you learn and specialize in certain or required skills in the field of a pharmacy technician, it can make a great impact on your career. Here are a few of the benefits that a pharmacy technician certification could have on your career.
- You get to build a strong knowledge base of pharmaceuticals.
- You learn and improve the mathematical skills you use in pharmacy practices.
- You get the opportunity to learn from the professionals in the field.
- You become a specialist in a particular field.
- You get to learn the process and manage medications using software programs.
- You have the opportunity to quickly advance in your career.
Certification Options for a Pharmacy Technician
Here are some courses you can consider taking for pharmacy technician certifications.
Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
The Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification is the technician credential pharmacist trust. Employers might prefer to employ pharmacy technicians that are PTCB or CPhT certified. Pharmacy technicians with CPhT credentials can exhibit their skills and knowledge in medication safety and patient care in pharmacy settings.
The exam fee for a Certified Pharmacy Technician Certificate is $129.
For further details, you may visit their official website.
Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT)
The Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) prepares medications in a sterile environment to prevent any sort of contamination. Many pharmacy technicians work in sterile compounding. Earning a Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) certification can offer you recognition from your employer and colleagues.
The exam fee for a Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician Certificate is a fee of $149 + a CSPT application fee of $50 with a total of $199.
For further details, you may visit their official website.
Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT -Adv)
The Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT- Adv) is the advanced certification of the technician credential pharmacist trust. It helps the pharmacy technicians to work towards medication safety.
Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) will have to submit an application in order to receive the CPhT-Adv credential. The candidates don’t have to pay additional fees or take any other exams along with the application.
For further information, you may visit their official website.
Medication History Background
The Medication History Background certificate is having an in-depth and accurate knowledge of medication histories. This role allows you to engage directly in inpatient care. In this role, you will identify the possible medication errors and perform administrative duties related to medication reconciliation.
The exam fee for Medication History Background Certificate is $89.
For further information, you may visit their official website.
Technician Product Verification Certificate
The Technician Product Verification Certificate (TPV) program offers pharmacy technicians an opportunity to learn about completing final verification duties, managing administrative tasks and other detail-oriented work, and checking accuracy in dispensing medications. The role offers the opportunity to work in direct patient care.
The exam fee for the Technician Product Verification (TPV) Certificate is $89.
For further information, you may visit their official website.
Hazardous Drug Management Certificate
The Hazardous Drug Management Certificate offers you the opportunity to improve in your career and take on advanced levels of responsibilities in handling hazardous drugs. The programs help you enhance your knowledge to manage hazardous drugs and the required guidelines.
The exam fee for Hazardous Drug Management Certificate is $89.
For further information, you may visit their official website.
Billing and Reimbursement Certificate
The Billing and Reimbursement Certificate provides you the opportunity to gain experience in managing billing and reimbursement in the pharmacy setting. The program offers the necessary knowledge and also makes you capable of playing a leadership role in the pharmacy administrative function, which can help in accessing the medications of the patients.
The exam fee for the Billing and Reimbursement Certificate is $89.
For further information, you may visit their official website.
Controlled Substances Diversion Prevention Certificate
The Controlled Substances Diversion Prevention Certificate (CSDP) can help you gain knowledge in knowing how to prevent the diversion of controlled substances, which can lead to having safer patient care. The CSDP program requires you to first complete formal training. Earning this certification can help you have advanced knowledge and commitment towards the pharmacy, patients, and the safety of the community.
The exam fee for the Controlled Substances Diversion Prevention Certificate is $89.
For further information, you may visit their official website.
Immunization Administration Certificate
The Immunization Administration Certificate can help you understand how to deliver immunizations safely and perform other related tasks. The program also addresses the need to protect communities from the spreading of diseases. Earning this certification helps you attain advanced skills and commitment towards the patients while minimizing the spreading of diseases in your community.
The exam fee for Immunization Administration Certificate is $89.
For further information, you may visit their official website.
Point of Care Testing Certificate
The Point of Care Testing Certificate helps pharmacy technicians demonstrate their ability to take the point of care testing responsibilities in the pharmacy. Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in point of care testing to ensure the public health and community safety.
The exam fee for the Point of Care Testing Certificate is $89.
For further information, you may visit their official website.
Medication Therapy Management Certificate
The Medication Therapy Management Certificate helps pharmacy technicians gain skills and knowledge to indirectly support patient care in the pharmacy. When you master Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Certificate roles, the pharmacy technicians become a trusted part of the patient care team and play a role in serving their community.
The exam fee for Medication Therapy Management Certificate is $89.
For further information, you may visit their official website.
Wrapping Up
It is always a good choice to take steps to strengthen your career as a pharmacy technician by getting your pharmacy technician certifications. These certifications can help you stand out from your colleagues and also establish your career quickly. These PTCB guides will help you prepare for these certification exams. Go ahead and take up this free PTCB Practice Test to assess whether you are ready.
Here is a guide to help you know about a day in the life of a pharmacy technician and tips and tricks to remember drug names for your PTCB exam. The article about tips and tricks that will help you prepare for the PTCB exam can help you better prepare for your exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following pay the highest pharmacy technician salary:
- San Francisco, CA.
- Sacramento, CA.
- Seattle, WA.
- Los Angeles, CA.
- San Diego, CA.
How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician?
Most pharmacy technicians take a few months to a year to complete the program.
How do I get my pharmacy technician license?
Here is a guide for you in getting your pharmacy technician license (any one of the following):
- You must complete a training program within 180 days of being employed in a pharmacy.
- You must complete a pharmacy technician training program approved by the board and conducted by an accredited college or institution.
- Opt to become a nationally certified pharmacy technician through the PTCB exam or any other board-approved certifying agency.
What are the main roles of a pharmacy technician?
A few of the main roles of a pharmacy technician are:
- Perform calculations of medications.
- Collect patient information accurately.
- Prepare patient medications accurately and distribute them.
- Obtain medication history and reconciliation from patients directly.
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9 Common Pharmacy Technician Mistakes
Top 8 PTCB Exam Facts You Should Know
