16
Your Future in
Pharmacy Practice
Learning Objectives
1 Give an overview of gaining experience as a pharmacy technician, including externships and internships. (Section 16.1)
2 Describe the preparation and application process for taking the certification examinations.
3 Compare and contrast the format and content of the PTCE and ExCPT certification examinations. (Section 16.2)
4 Identify the criteria for recertification of pharmacy technicians. (Section 16.2)
5 Outline a plan for a successful job search using networking and social media. (Section 16.3)
6 Write an effective résumé and a cover letter. (Section 16.3)
7 Prepare for a job interview. (Section 16.3)
8 Identify desirable characteristics and skills that employers are seeking. (Section 16.3)
9 Describe the performance review process. (Section 16.3)
10 Identify future advanced roles and career paths within pharmacy and other healthcare professions for a technician. (Section 16.4)
11 Discuss the importance of technician involvement in professional organizations and networking with colleagues. (Section 16.5)
ASHP/ACPE Accreditation Standards
To view the ASHP/ACPE Accreditation Standards addressed in this chapter, refer to Appendix B.
The past 50 years have seen dramatic changes in the pharmacy profession, especially as the roles of pharmacists and technicians have expanded. More exciting changes are afoot as states and pharmacies are requiring standardized and more formalized (and ASHP-accredited) education and training of pharmacy technicians along with national certification. State boards of pharmacy, community pharmacies, and hospitals are seeing how necessary these standards are to safely and efficiently fill prescriptions and assist pharmacists in the ASHP’s Practice Advancement Initiative.
Technicians in the field are also finding that they can advance more quickly in their careers if they pursue continuing education, garnering more healthcare certificates, such as for sterile compounding, Basic Life Support (or CPR), or phlebotomy. These certificates lead to greater responsibilities, recognition, pay, and placement opportunities in various employment settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term geriatric care and home healthcare pharmacies, and specialty practices such as sterile infusion and nuclear pharmacies. There are also a variety of advanced roles in management functions for pharmacy technicians to consider.
Continuing education and learning new job-related skills are key to career advancement.
What are the desirable qualities in a pharmacy technician that employers are seeking? You will learn to think from their point of view. Tips for creating an eye-catching cover letter and résumé as well as ways to prepare yourself for a job interview are covered. You will also learn how to get your foot in the door and stay current and active in the pharmacy profession as a whole.