5 Ways To Get Pharmacy Tech Training On The Job

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Are you interested in pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician, but don't know where to start? While formal education and certification are essential for success in this field, on-the-job training can be a great way to gain hands-on experience and build your skills. In this article, we'll explore five ways to get pharmacy tech training on the job.

Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in healthcare, assisting licensed pharmacists with dispensing medication, processing prescriptions, and providing customer service. As the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, the need for skilled pharmacy technicians is on the rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 4% from 2020 to 2030, which is as fast as the average for all occupations.

Benefits of On-the-Job Training for Pharmacy Technicians

On-the-job training is an excellent way for pharmacy technicians to gain practical experience and develop the skills they need to succeed in this field. Some benefits of on-the-job training include:

• Hands-on experience: On-the-job training provides pharmacy technicians with hands-on experience, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting.
• Mentorship: Experienced pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can provide guidance and mentorship, helping new technicians to develop their skills and build confidence.
• Adaptability: On-the-job training allows pharmacy technicians to adapt to different work environments, systems, and procedures, making them more versatile and valuable employees.
• Cost-effective: On-the-job training is often less expensive than formal education programs, making it a cost-effective option for individuals who want to pursue a career as a pharmacy technician.

1. Pharmacy Technician Externships

Pharmacy technician externships are a great way to gain on-the-job training and experience. These programs typically last several weeks or months and provide students with hands-on training in a pharmacy setting. During an externship, students work alongside experienced pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, assisting with tasks such as dispensing medication, processing prescriptions, and providing customer service.

2. On-the-Job Training Programs

Many pharmacies and healthcare organizations offer on-the-job training programs for pharmacy technicians. These programs typically last several weeks or months and provide new technicians with comprehensive training on pharmacy operations, medication management, and customer service.

On-the-job training programs often include a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training, allowing new technicians to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this field. Some programs may also include certification preparation, helping new technicians to prepare for certification exams.

3. Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are another way to gain on-the-job training and experience as a pharmacy technician. These programs typically last one to two years and provide apprentices with comprehensive training on pharmacy operations, medication management, and customer service.

During an apprenticeship, pharmacy technicians work alongside experienced pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, assisting with tasks such as dispensing medication, processing prescriptions, and providing customer service. Apprenticeships may also include classroom instruction and certification preparation, helping new technicians to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this field.

4. Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities are a great way to gain on-the-job training and experience as a pharmacy technician. Many pharmacies and healthcare organizations offer volunteer programs for individuals who want to gain experience and build their skills.

Volunteer opportunities may include assisting with tasks such as dispensing medication, processing prescriptions, and providing customer service. These programs can provide valuable hands-on experience and help new technicians to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this field.

5. Cross-Training Programs

Cross-training programs are another way to gain on-the-job training and experience as a pharmacy technician. These programs typically involve training in multiple areas of pharmacy operations, such as medication management, customer service, and inventory management.

Cross-training programs can help pharmacy technicians to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this field, while also increasing their versatility and value as employees. Some programs may also include certification preparation, helping new technicians to prepare for certification exams.

Gallery of Pharmacy Technician On-the-Job Training

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

On-the-job training is an excellent way for pharmacy technicians to gain hands-on experience and develop the skills they need to succeed in this field. Whether through externships, on-the-job training programs, apprenticeships, volunteer opportunities, or cross-training programs, there are many ways to gain on-the-job training and experience as a pharmacy technician.

As the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, the need for skilled pharmacy technicians is on the rise. By pursuing on-the-job training and experience, individuals can develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this field, while also increasing their versatility and value as employees.

We hope this article has provided you with valuable information and insights into the world of pharmacy technician on-the-job training. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, we encourage you to explore the many opportunities available for pharmacy technician on-the-job training.