Final answer:
Pharmacy technicians require formal education, such as a certificate, diploma, or associate degree program. They must pass an exam like the PTCE or ExCPT to become certified and need continuing education to maintain certification and stay updated in the field.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pharmacy Technician Training and Requirements:
To become a pharmacy technician, you typically need to complete a formal education program, which might be a certificate, diploma, or associate degree program. These programs provide a foundation in pharmacology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy law and ethics, and records management. Examination requirements include passing an exam such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) to become certified.
Continuing education (CE) is also required to maintain certification. This can include college courses, continuing education classes, or conferences. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are responsible for keeping up with changes in medication, technology, and the legal aspects of pharmaceutical practice. Most states require pharmacy technicians to complete a certain number of CE hours to renew their certification.
Pharmacy technicians must stay current in their field to ensure they maintain the knowledge and skills necessary to assist pharmacists in providing the best possible care to patients.