8-Dec-09 2:00 PM CST

Pharmacy Technician Employment Increasing

A career as a pharmacy technician is proving to be a wise choice in today’s economy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2008-09 report estimates employment for pharmacy technicians will grow much faster than for the average occupation—up to a 32 percent increase by 2016. Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT) are an integral part of the pharmacy team and are relied upon to deliver vital services from assisting with the medication dispensing process, to making IV sterile products, to working in a pharmacist-run specialty clinic. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for certification in this recession-proof field having certified over 355,000 pharmacy technicians since 1995.

A trusted pioneer in the industry, PTCB’s Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) program is the only program endorsed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Over 40 states now regulate pharmacy technicians—and more than 70 percent of those have endorsed PTCB.

As the demand for pharmacy technicians continues to grow, certification is expected to play an increasingly more important role in assuring the public of safe, accurate and efficient patient care and service. In fact, many national pharmacy chains including Walgreens, CVS/Pharmacy, and Target Pharmacy currently recognize the importance of PTCB certification and even pay for the examination fee. Technicians who earn this credential often benefit from increased job opportunities, such as a larger salary, expanded responsibilities and greater job security.

“PTCB certification shows a commitment to excellence on the part of the Certified Pharmacy Technician and the employers who require PTCB certification,” says Melissa Murer Corrigan, RPh, Executive Director and CEO of PTCB. “We applaud the efforts of CPhTs who are dedicated to being trained, tested and trusted.”

PTCB has recently made several enhancements to its program making it easier than ever for pharmacy technicians to become certified. Exams are available at more than 200 Pearson Professional Centers nationwide and pass/fail results are given immediately after completing the PTCB Exam. Candidates are able to schedule their PTCB Examination Monday thru Friday and should check with their local Pearson Professional Center for hours and possible Saturday availability. PTCB offers testing flexibility, meeting the needs of pharmacy technicians, educators, employers, and state boards of pharmacy.

About the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

PTCB was established in January 1995 and is governed by five pharmacy organizations - the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists (ICHP), the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). The goal of the PTCB national certification program is to enable pharmacy technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. PTCB contracts with Pearson VUE, the industry’s technology leader, as its computer-based testing vendor. PTCB draws upon the experience and expertise of its 13-year partner, Professional Examination Service (PES) for test development. Visit PTCB online at www.ptcb.org.

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Comments:

Total Comments: 10

Marisa on 28-Jan-10 10:26 AM (42 days ago) permalink
I am surprised at the low wages for a CphT...this came as quite a shock to me. We are not in the fast food business so why do we get the same wages? Very sad.
WANDA on 23-Jan-10 9:40 PM (47 days ago) permalink
I am a nationally certified pharmacy technician with Walgreens since July 2001. With the help of Ntpa, Rite Aid, and Walgreens training sources, I am helping others become pharmacy technicians. Since I became a tech and shared my notes. I have 2 sisters and a niece that are now certified pharmacy technicians. One at a hospital, one at a independent pharmacy that is growing, and my niece went from retail to hospital technician. Others at walgreens first became a technician, then assist
Beth on 21-Jan-10 6:39 PM (49 days ago) permalink
I am a certified pharmacy technician with over 10 years of experience and moved to the state of Kansas-they need to recognize certified pharmacy technicians and acknowledge this skill and achievement-instead they dont and they pay people at minimum wage and less and dont want techs to be licensed nor certified-this is a disservice to the job and to all certified pharmacy technicians out there-this needs to change.
ajith on 20-Jan-10 6:37 PM (50 days ago) permalink
I passed PTCB Exam on 01-09-2010 and am looking for the job in this line .Is there any registration fee or subscription fee monthly or yearly.What are the formalities I have to come across if I want to join the association
Myrtha on 19-Jan-10 9:15 AM (51 days ago) permalink
Hi. Im My name is Myrtha Ferace, I complete my pharamacy technician course in Puerto Rico 1994. and pass the test and I have license from Puerto Rico CPTB, I would like to know if i have to take the test again. PLese request soon as posible. Thank you.
Tye on 10-Jan-10 8:52 AM (60 days ago) permalink
As A CA licensed Pharm Tech since 2001, The industry in Central CA is expanding into a retail race of sorts with CVS aquiring ALL of the previous Long's Drug's AND tripling NEW CVS outlet's as well! Walgreen's continues to expand w/ no end in sight. They are ALL hiring Techs! Not to mention the hospitals and other retail pharmacies. If someone tell's you-there just aren't any good careers out there, consider being a Tech....It's just what the Dr ordered!
bianca on 4-Jan-10 5:22 PM (66 days ago) permalink
how can i receive a pharmacy tech magazine. i am going to school right now and will be done in sept please let me know
Esther L.C. on 19-Dec-09 10:59 AM (82 days ago) permalink
I am a certified technician since November 30, 2009 and I am still working. I would like to know if I have to register again with the State of Florida. I just renewed my certification. Thank you. Esther
DON on 13-Dec-09 7:42 PM (88 days ago) permalink
HI I HAVE BEEN WITH THE NAPT FOR A WHILE ONLINE BUT I HAVE NOT BEEN RECEIVING THE TODAYS TECHNICIAN MAGAZINE IN THE MAIL. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT I AM TO RECEIVE THE ENTIRE MAGAZINE ONLINE. IT SEEMS THAT I AM ONLY RECEIVING CERTAIN ARTICLES FROM THE MAGAZINE. COULD YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY I AM NOT RECEIVING THE ENTIRE MAGAZINE THANK YOU
Melissa on 11-Dec-09 7:46 PM (90 days ago) permalink
Hello. My name is Melissa Bonham. I just recently completed my Pharmacy Technician course in Springdale, AR. I am nationally certified through American Allied Health. I am recently divorced, trying to raise two minor children- with no income, and virtually no resources; (vehicle, money, even our own home-as we live with my mother temporarily). I would absolutely be thrilled if you or someone in your organization could be helpful enough to point me in the direction of Any type of Pharmacy Technic