4 answers
Kaelyn
Student
Marksville, Louisiana
1
Question
Asked
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How do you become a Pharmacy Technician?
Hello, I enrolled in a 6 month online course through NHA at Central Louisiana Technical Community College in January 2024 and finished August 2024. I passed my exam & received my candidate credentials in October. Since, I have been on a job hunt to work as a Pharmacy Technician. Many jobs I’ve applied to denied my application without cause. I need help with finding jobs in my career.
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4 answers
Antoinette Aceto
Hospital Pharmacist
1
Answer
Updated
Antoinette’s Answer
Requirement for pharmacy technicians vary widely from state to state and even within a state, can vary depending upon locations and needs. Does your state require you to be a certified technician? Find out what the requirements are for your state and then proceed from there. Some states allow training on the job and employers will encourage you or require you to become certified during your employment. Other states may require certification prior to employment. Employers may also be seeking candidates with experience specific to the area of practice. I suggest applying for entry level positions to gain experience if you are being rejected routinely, or possibly you may need to revise your application or résumé
Michael Trocchia
Supply Chain Director
73
Answers
Mine Hill Township, New Jersey
Updated
Michael’s Answer
You should ask the pharmacy where you applied for any feedback on your resume and qualifications. If there is a pharmacist you know ask him/her for some advice.
Godfrey Magawe
Clinical officer nephrology
121
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Godfrey’s Answer
Good question for career seekers.
For pharmaceutical technician.
One needs to have completed senior grade high school and excelled well in science courses like mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology.
Then one can proceed to a medical college that offers pharmaceutical technician course which can be an associate degree that takes about 3 years then after completion,you may proceed for a one year internship then thereafter get registered to practice as a pharmaceutical technician.
For pharmaceutical technician.
One needs to have completed senior grade high school and excelled well in science courses like mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology.
Then one can proceed to a medical college that offers pharmaceutical technician course which can be an associate degree that takes about 3 years then after completion,you may proceed for a one year internship then thereafter get registered to practice as a pharmaceutical technician.
Julia Balakleenko
Student Pharmacist
12
Answers
Bradenton, Florida
Updated
Julia’s Answer
Hi Kaelyn,
First of all, congratulations on completing your course and getting certified! I'm sorry to hear that you are not having luck with applying to places, but where all have you applied to? Also, with this program, do you have your national certification or do you have state licensure as well? I'm not sure about Louisiana state laws with their board of pharmacy.
I know that retail pharmacies are always hiring as they face shortages quite often. Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, etc. Hospitals are looking for technicians with national certification (or within a certain amount of time after hire) but they may be more preferential to candidates with previous employment experience, which is frustrating if that's what you are trying to get now that you are certified. Check out facilities that may be hiring for pharmacy technicians in "closed door" settings, which would mean the pharmacy is not open to the public like a CVS or Walgreens, for example. This could be a long term care facility for example. I would also recommend looking into independent pharmacies in your area and see if they are hiring, or ask them in person if they are.
I know some places have pharmacy technician trainee or pharmacy customer service associate jobs that may be good starting points for experience before you can actually start working in the pharmacy as a cashier. This could be a cross training opportunity to work front store and pharmacy register and slowly integrate your training into that specific pharmacy setting as a technician. Another suggestion would have to be to look in cities nearby for jobs if you are not having luck within your city.
Either way, don't give up, and keep reapplying. Sometimes rejection is redirection and the places that could have denied your application some time ago may give you the opportunity to interview and get hired.
I hope this helps, good luck!
First of all, congratulations on completing your course and getting certified! I'm sorry to hear that you are not having luck with applying to places, but where all have you applied to? Also, with this program, do you have your national certification or do you have state licensure as well? I'm not sure about Louisiana state laws with their board of pharmacy.
I know that retail pharmacies are always hiring as they face shortages quite often. Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, etc. Hospitals are looking for technicians with national certification (or within a certain amount of time after hire) but they may be more preferential to candidates with previous employment experience, which is frustrating if that's what you are trying to get now that you are certified. Check out facilities that may be hiring for pharmacy technicians in "closed door" settings, which would mean the pharmacy is not open to the public like a CVS or Walgreens, for example. This could be a long term care facility for example. I would also recommend looking into independent pharmacies in your area and see if they are hiring, or ask them in person if they are.
I know some places have pharmacy technician trainee or pharmacy customer service associate jobs that may be good starting points for experience before you can actually start working in the pharmacy as a cashier. This could be a cross training opportunity to work front store and pharmacy register and slowly integrate your training into that specific pharmacy setting as a technician. Another suggestion would have to be to look in cities nearby for jobs if you are not having luck within your city.
Either way, don't give up, and keep reapplying. Sometimes rejection is redirection and the places that could have denied your application some time ago may give you the opportunity to interview and get hired.
I hope this helps, good luck!