How to Become a Pharmacy Technician

In a separate article, we talked about ‘what is required to become a pharmacy technician’ which outlined the pre-requisites, education and certification you will need to to work in this field, and now in this article, we will discuss the step-by-step process required to begin your education and secure a job as a pharmacy technician.

 

1. Have a genuine interest in the field

2. Research the program that’s right for you

3. Successfully complete a pharmacy technician program

4. Complete a work placement

5. Establish industry connections

6. Begin your job hunt

 

Have a genuine interest in the field

 

A pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional that performs administrative tasks and engages with patients to ensure the smooth operation of a pharmaceutical environment. Because the job is highly technical and patient-oriented, pharmacy technicians must be detail-oriented individuals with a keen interest in the healthcare system and the well-being of patients. Before beginning training to become a pharmacy technician, ask yourself if you possess a few of the following skill sets: Organization, helpful-nature, strong at basic math calculations, interest in socializing and meeting new people, among other attributes.

 

Research the program that’s right for you

 

Pharmacy technician programs can be found in most major cities across Canada. The right program for you depends on a number of factors including where you’re currently living, the start-time of the program, the length of time it will take to complete the program, the quality of instructors teaching in the program, tuition costs, as well as other factors such as the program’s ability to prepare you for the required certification exam. Any reputable program will have all of these details on their website, along with specific information regarding the topic units instructed throughout the course. As a reminder, our article on ‘what is required to become a pharmacy technician’ outlines, in detail, the education required to become a pharmacy technician including the necessary high school prerequisites.

 

Successfully complete a pharmacy technician program

 

Reputable pharmacy technicians complete a one to two year diploma or certificate program that includes a four to eight-week diploma program. After you complete this schooling, you will be required to pass the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada’s Qualifying Exam.

 

Complete a work placement

 

One of the many exciting prospects of a career as a pharmacy technician is that you will have the opportunity to work in a number of settings including hospitals, box-retail stores, community pharmacies, and even prisons. Typically, work placements for pharmacy technicians will take place in at least one of these settings and provide students with the opportunity to learn from practicing pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. This is also a great opportunity to establish yourself within the industry and from important connections with other healthcare professionals.

 

Establish industry connections

 

The first point in this article details some of the personality traits pharmacy technicians should have. Establishing industry connections is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your social skills and outgoing nature. Throughout your pharmacy technician education you will meet healthcare professionals that you should aim to make an impression on, and stay in touch with after you graduate. One helpful tip is to keep an address book of all the people you meet over your training so you can reach out to them once you graduate.

 

Begin your job hunt

 

The good news for grads of pharmacy technician programs is that their skill sets are in high demand across the country. The pharmacy technician program you complete should have resources to help you find work within your industry once you graduate. You might also consider visiting our list of the 15 best career and job search blogs for additional support.  

 

After reading this list you should have a better idea of the steps you need to take to become a pharmacy technician. Robertson’s Pharmacy Technician Diploma Program is an excellent option for Winnipeg and Calgary residents looking to find a meaningful career in the healthcare sector. Connect with one of our Student Admissions Advisors today for more information.