5 Ways To Become An Army Pharmacy Tech

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Becoming an Army pharmacy technician can be a rewarding and challenging career path for those who are passionate about healthcare and serving their country. Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare system, assisting pharmacists with dispensing medication, managing inventory, and providing patient care. If you're interested in becoming an Army pharmacy technician, here are five ways to pursue this career path.

Meet the Basic Requirements

To become an Army pharmacy technician, you must meet certain basic requirements. These include:

• Being a U.S. citizen
• Being between the ages of 17 and 35 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent
• Scoring a minimum of 91 on the Army's Pharmacy Technician Training Program (PTTP) test
• Passing a physical fitness test and meeting the Army's medical standards
• Completing a background check

Education and Training

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you'll need to complete a training program approved by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). The Army offers a Pharmacy Technician Training Program (PTTP) that provides comprehensive training in pharmacy operations, medication management, and patient care.

The PTTP program typically lasts for 24 weeks and covers topics such as:

• Pharmacy operations and management
• Medication safety and inventory management
• Patient assessment and education
• Pharmacology and pharmacy law

Enlist in the Army

To become an Army pharmacy technician, you'll need to enlist in the Army. You can do this by visiting an Army recruiter and completing the enlistment process. You'll need to provide documentation, such as your birth certificate, high school diploma, and social security card, and complete a physical fitness test.

Once you've enlisted, you'll attend Basic Combat Training (BCT) and then attend the PTTP program.

PTTP Program

The PTTP program is a comprehensive training program that provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful pharmacy technician. The program includes both classroom and clinical training, and covers topics such as:

• Pharmacy operations and management
• Medication safety and inventory management
• Patient assessment and education
• Pharmacology and pharmacy law

Obtain Certification

While certification is not required to become an Army pharmacy technician, it's highly recommended. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) offers a certification exam that demonstrates your knowledge and skills as a pharmacy technician.

To become certified, you'll need to meet the PTCB's eligibility requirements and pass the certification exam. Certification can help you advance your career and increase your earning potential.

PTCB Certification

The PTCB certification is a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates your expertise as a pharmacy technician. To become certified, you'll need to:

• Meet the PTCB's eligibility requirements
• Pass the certification exam
• Complete continuing education requirements to maintain certification

Advance Your Career

Once you've become an Army pharmacy technician, you can advance your career by completing additional training and education. The Army offers several career advancement opportunities, including:

• Specialized training in areas such as pharmacy informatics and medication therapy management
• Advanced degrees in pharmacy or a related field
• Leadership positions, such as pharmacy supervisor or pharmacy officer

Leadership Opportunities

As an Army pharmacy technician, you'll have opportunities to advance to leadership positions, such as pharmacy supervisor or pharmacy officer. These positions require additional training and education, but offer increased responsibility and earning potential.

If you're interested in becoming an Army pharmacy technician, follow these five steps: meet the basic requirements, complete a training program, enlist in the Army, obtain certification, and advance your career. With hard work and dedication, you can have a successful and rewarding career as an Army pharmacy technician.