Fast-track your Pharmacy Technician Certification in 2 weeks!
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Getting Started as a Pharmacy Technician
- Starting at Walgreens
- Working Part-Time
- The Importance of Certification
- Advantages of Certification
- Working in the Hospital
- Study Resources
- YouTube University
- Recommended Channels and Videos
- Quizlet for Drug Memorization
- Top 200 Drugs to Know
- Common Drug Endings
- Link to Study Resource
- Exam Results and Analysis
- Breaking Down Score Sections
- Areas of Strength and Weakness
- Additional Exam Preparation
- Pharmacy Law and Regulations
- Medication Order Entry and Processing
- Final Thoughts and Tips
- Balancing Math Skills
- Learning and Self-Motivation
- Conclusion
💊 How I Got Certified As A Pharmacy Technician in Two Weeks
Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare industry, supporting pharmacists and ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of medications. If you're interested in becoming a certified pharmacy technician, you may be wondering how to fast-track the certification process. In this article, I will share my personal journey of getting certified in just two weeks and provide helpful tips and resources along the way.
🏢 Getting Started as a Pharmacy Technician
When I graduated from college in June 2019, I began my journey towards becoming a pharmacy technician at Walgreens. Starting at Walgreens allowed me to gain valuable experience in the field while working part-time. Although the hours were limited and it was a bit out of my way, it provided the necessary foundation for my certification journey.
🎖️ The Importance of Certification
Although certification is not always required to work as a pharmacy technician, obtaining it can open doors to better opportunities, including working in a hospital setting. Certification also demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and pharmaceutical knowledge. While it's possible to land a job without certification, becoming certified can give you a competitive edge in the job market.
Pros:
- Opens doors to better job opportunities
- Demonstrates professionalism and commitment
- Competitive advantage in the job market
Cons:
- Certification is not always mandatory
- Cost and time investment for certification process
📚 Study Resources
To kickstart my certification journey, I turned to the wealth of knowledge available on YouTube. YouTube University, as I like to call it, became my go-to source for study materials. One particular channel that greatly assisted me was Kristin Vu's channel. She shared her experience of passing the PTCB exam in just one week, which was inspirational and helpful.
Other than YouTube, I also relied on Quizlet for drug memorization. This online platform provided extensive flashcards and practice questions to aid my learning process. I highly recommend utilizing Quizlet to reinforce your understanding of the top 200 drugs that every pharmacy technician should know.
🔝 Top 200 Drugs to Know
As a pharmacy technician, familiarizing yourself with the top 200 drugs is essential. These medications are commonly prescribed and cover a wide range of conditions. By recognizing the common drug endings, such as -prazole for GERD and acid reflux medications, you can easily identify and categorize drugs. Learning these drugs will not only benefit your certification exam but also enhance your overall knowledge in the field of pharmacy.
🧪 Exam Results and Analysis
After diligently studying for two weeks, the long-awaited exam day arrived. The PTCB exam covers various sections, including pharmacology, pharmacy law and regulations, sterile and non-sterile compounding, medication safety, and more. My results reflected my strengths and weaknesses, with pharmacology and pharmacy information systems usage being my top-scoring areas.
However, I struggled with pharmacy law and regulation as well as medication order entry and processing. These sections took me by surprise, indicating the importance of comprehensive preparation and further study in those areas.
📚 Additional Exam Preparation
To further strengthen your knowledge and improve exam performance, additional resources for pharmacy law and regulations and medication order entry are recommended. Although my personal experience in those sections was challenging, I have found a helpful link that delves into the laws and regulations of pharmacy. This resource can provide the necessary insights and understanding to tackle those tricky questions.
✨ Final Thoughts and Tips
Becoming a certified pharmacy technician in just two weeks is an ambitious goal but can be achieved with dedication and the right resources. It is important to strike a balance between your math skills, knowledge of pharmaceuticals, and understanding of laws and regulations. Remember, it's not just about passing the exam, but also about developing a strong foundation for your future career in the field of pharmacy.
By immersing yourself in study materials, leveraging online resources, and staying motivated, you can successfully navigate the certification process and excel as a pharmacy technician.
If you're ready to take the first step towards a rewarding career as a certified pharmacy technician, I encourage you to begin your journey with determination and enthusiasm.
🙋 FAQs
Q: Do I need to be certified to work as a pharmacy technician?
A: Certification is not always required, but it offers several advantages such as better job opportunities and a higher chance of working in a hospital setting. However, networking and experience can also be vital in securing a job without certification.
Q: How can I improve my knowledge of pharmacy law and regulations?
A: To strengthen your understanding of pharmacy law and regulations, utilize online resources, such as the one provided in this article. Reviewing relevant materials and seeking hands-on experience in a pharmacy setting can also enhance your knowledge in this area.
Q: Are there study resources specifically for medication order entry and processing?
A: While specific resources solely focused on medication order entry and processing may be limited, comprehensive exam preparation materials often cover this section extensively. Utilize practice exams, flashcards, and online forums to improve your skills in this area.
Q: What is the passing score for the PTCB exam?
A: The passing score for the PTCB exam is typically 1400 out of 1600. However, it's essential to check the official guidelines and requirements set by the certification board.
Q: Can you provide additional suggestions for improving pharmacy technician skills?
A: Constantly expanding your knowledge by staying updated with the latest pharmaceutical advancements, participating in professional development courses, and seeking mentorship opportunities are all valuable ways to enhance your skills as a pharmacy technician.
Resources:
- Kristen Vu's YouTube Channel: Link
- Link to Top 200 Drugs Study Resource: Link
- Link to Pharmacy Law and Regulations Resource: Link
