Formal education programs emphasize the technicians' interest and dedication to the work to potential employers. Some hospitals, proprietary schools, vocational or technical colleges, and community colleges offer formal education programs. Formal pharmacy technician education programs require classroom and laboratory work in a variety of areas, including medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy record keeping, pharmaceutical techniques, and pharmacy law and ethics. Technicians are also required to learn medication names, actions, uses, and doses. Many training programs include clerkship or internships, where students gain hands-on experience in actual pharmacies.
Students receive a diploma, certificate, or an associate degree, depending on the program.
Prospective pharmacy technicians with experience working as an assistant in a community pharmacy or volunteering in a hospital may have an advantage. Employers also prefer applicants with strong customer service and communication skills and experience managing inventories, counting, measuring, and using a computer. Technicians entering the field need strong spelling and reading skills. A background in mathematics, chemistry, English, and health education may also be beneficial. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board administers the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination.