School and Career Counselor Information
What is the PTCB Advantage?
The PTCB CPhT is the gold standard of credentialing for pharmacy technicians. Most employers prefer, and many require, that their pharmacy technicians be PTCB-Certified Pharmacy Technicians ( CPhTs).Learn about the certification process and the steps new graduates can follow to become a CPhT.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent educational diploma (e.g., a GED or foreign diploma)*
- Passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
- Full disclosure of all criminal and State Board of Pharmacy registration or licensure actions
- Compliance with all applicable PTCB certification policies
*Candidates who are within 60 days of acquiring their high school diploma or equivalent will be eligible to take the PTCE. For more information, see
Education Verification.
PTCB Certification Benefits
- Respected credential
- Validated achievement and knowledge
- Improved employment opportunities
- Potential for higher salary
- Career growth
- Understanding of pharmacy law
- Prestige among coworkers
Pharmacy Technician's Role in the Pharmacy
Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists prepare prescription medications, provide customer service, and perform administrative duties within a variety of practice settings, including community, health-system, and federal pharmacy. They are generally responsible for receiving prescription requests, counting medications, preparing medication compounds, labeling bottles, maintaining patient profiles, preparing insurance claim forms, and performing administrative functions such as answering phones, stocking shelves, and operating cash registers.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to increase by 20% from 2012 to 2022. The BLS also suggests that pharmacy technicians with formal education or training, previous work experience, and national certification will be specifically sought after to meet these demands.
Certification
Certification is the process by which a non-governmental association or agency grants recognition to an individual who has met predetermined qualifications specified by that association or agency. The PTCE is recognized in all 50 states even though regulations to work as a pharmacy technician vary from state to state. Contact the specific State Board of Pharmacy for more information. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy is an additional resource.
Wages
Pharmacy technician wages are often dependent on experience, qualifications, work environment, geographic location and employer. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook 2012 Edition, the median hourly wage of pharmacy technicians in May 2012 was $14.10, and the annual median pay was $29,320. The lowest 10% earned less than $20,580, and the highest 10% earned more than $42,400.
Employment Resources
The American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT) and the National Association of Pharmacy Technicians (NPTA) have developed free Career Centers to assist pharmacy technicians in their job search. The Career Centers are available to both job seekers and employers.