If you’re interested in becoming a Pharmacy Technician and want a more affordable way to do so, consider taking online courses for Pharmacy Technicians. These courses can quickly teach you everything you need to know about the profession.
Pharmacy Technicians are important medical professionals whose services are always in demand. Also, as more people express interest in the field, online classes can help those who are currently employed or have financial limitations pursue this career.
Before we list some of the available courses, let’s briefly explore the duties of Pharmacy Technicians and the importance of pharmacy technicians.
Who Is a Pharmacy Technician?
Pharmacy technicians are healthcare workers who collaborate with pharmacists to provide assistance and care to patients.
They may be employed in a variety of settings, such as community drugstores, hospital pharmacies, manufacturing or marketing in the pharmaceutical industry, correctional facilities, and primary care, education, military, or veterinary practices.
The duties of pharmacy technicians vary depending on the workplace, and each state has its own standards for their responsibilities.
Why become a pharmacy technician?
As a Pharmacy Technician, you will work with diverse individuals, from infants to seniors, and interact with customers and healthcare professionals. You will gain customer service skills and work with your hands, avoiding the monotony of an office job. Starting from basic tasks, you can work your way up to more advanced positions such as a Community Store Manager, Pharmacy Technician Supervisor, or an Intravenous Pharmacy Technician in a hospital.
Also, you can even use this job as a stepping stone to pursue a different healthcare career. Becoming certified as a Pharmacy Technician is a fast process that takes only nine months, including the externship at an actual pharmacy. The certification is flexible and can be scheduled to fit around your current schedule. After completion of the certification, you can take the Pharmacy Technician National Certification Exam, which increases your pay and opens doors to work in different states.
12 Importance of Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy technicians are essential personnel in pharmacies, responsible for a variety of tasks. The following are some of the key roles they perform:
#1. Gather Prescription Information
Firstly, As frontline workers in the pharmacy, pharmacy technicians collect essential information from patients and healthcare professionals to fill prescriptions accurately. They must gather the correct data to ensure the pharmacist can provide the correct medications.
#2. Measure Medication Amounts
Under a pharmacist’s supervision, pharmacy technicians may measure the amount of medication in each prescription, requiring meticulous attention to detail.
#3. Package Prescriptions
After checking the prescription’s accuracy, pharmacy technicians package and label it properly with relevant information on usage and side effects.
#4. Organize Medication Inventory
Pharmacy technicians manage the pharmacy’s inventory, ensuring that common medications are always in stock and that supplies are ordered immediately in the case of shortages. They also need to anticipate future needs and place orders for new drugs, verifying receipt and disposing of outdated medication.
#5. Manage Payments
Pharmacy technicians manage payments and process insurance claims for patients.
#6. Enter Customer Information
Accurate entry of customer and patient data into the pharmacy computer system is vital for preventing medical errors.
#7. Answer Phones
Pharmacy technicians spend a considerable amount of their time on the phone with customers, providing information on their medications.
#8. Generate Revenue
Pharmacy technicians are responsible for recording and issuing charges to customers and healthcare providers, contributing to the pharmacy’s revenue.
#9. Prepare Reports
Pharmacy technicians may help generate reports detailing transaction numbers and other important data for the pharmacy.
#10. Maintain the Pharmacy
Pharmacy technicians are responsible for keeping the pharmacy clean and orderly, adhering to the company’s established procedures and rules.
#11. Adhere to Safety Policies
Ensuring that patients and employees are following infection control policies and protocols is crucial for pharmacy technicians dealing with prescription drugs.
#12. Refer Patients to Pharmacists
Lastly, Pharmacy technicians cannot provide medical advice or discuss medication interactions. However, they should have a good understanding of commonly prescribed drugs and their potential side effects to answer basic patient questions
Top 15 Online courses for Pharmacy Technicians
#1. Become a Pharmacy Technician and Assistant
This course covers everything you need to know to become a successful Pharmacy Technician. By taking this course, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a pharmacy technician, as well as communication techniques that are essential when interacting with customers.
Throughout the course, you will learn about the duties and regulations that pharmacy assistants are expected to follow. You will also discover effective communication strategies that can be applied in various pharmacy settings. Additionally, you will receive instruction on prescription and dispensing procedures in pharmacies, gain knowledge about different types of pharmacies and their business models, and learn how to maintain hygiene in the workplace
#2. Become a Pharmacy Technician – Udemy
This course aims to enhance your comprehension of pharmacy mathematics and commonly used laws in the pharmacy industry. So, by the end of the course, students will be well-equipped to prepare for the certification exam required to become a pharmacy technician.
#3. How To Become A Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
This is one of the online courses for pharmacy technicians designed to equip aspiring Pharmacy Technicians with the latest knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in the field. With a nominal fee of $13, this course is an affordable and effective way to start your journey towards becoming a Pharmacy Technician.
Upon completing the course, you will have a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a Pharmacy Technician. Furthermore, you will have a clear idea of the specific topics and areas that you need to focus on in order to succeed in this profession. Additionally, this course covers a wide range of topics related to Pharmacy practice, including pharmacology, pharmacy law and ethics, drug interactions, compounding, and medication management
#4. PTCB: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam
It’s essential to note that all the time and effort spent preparing for your career as a Pharmacy Technician may go to waste if you fail to pass the PTCB exam. Thus, investing in this course is an important step towards achieving your career goals.
With a cost of $12.99, this course is an affordable way to enhance your knowledge and test-taking skills. Furthermore, By taking the practice test included in the course, you can assess your preparedness for the official exam. A good score on the practice test is an indication that you are ready to take the official exam.
#5. Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
By taking this course, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the exam format, the types of questions that you can expect, and the key topics that you need to focus on. This knowledge will help you feel more confident and prepared when taking the board exam.
At a cost of $12.99, this course is an affordable investment in your career as a Pharmacy Technician. By taking this course, you will be better equipped to pass the board exam and take the next step in your career.
#6. Diploma in Pharmacy Technician
This course offers valuable training on the principles of pharmacy practice and common human body disorders, essential knowledge for any Pharmacy Technician. Also, the course will provide you with a solid foundation in these key areas, allowing you to perform your job duties with greater proficiency and confidence.
One of the best things about this course is that it is completely free, making it accessible to everyone who is interested in furthering their career as a Pharmacy Technician. Also, By taking advantage of this opportunity, you can enhance your knowledge and skills without any financial burden.
#7. Introduction To Pharmacy
The online courses for pharmacy technician covers a wide range of topics related to pharmacy practice, including medication dispensing, drug interactions, prescription interpretation, and more. By taking this course, you will gain a solid understanding of these key principles, allowing you to perform your job duties with greater efficiency and accuracy.
The best part is that this course is completely free, making it accessible to everyone interested in furthering their career as a Pharmacy Technician. Investing your time in this course will undoubtedly lead to improved job performance and greater success in your career.
#8. Top Drugs 1 – Medications you NEED to Know – Pharmacy
As a Pharmacy Technician, one of your primary responsibilities is to support the pharmacist in the process of refilling prescriptions and fulfilling new orders. This is a crucial part of the job, as it directly impacts the health and wellbeing of patients.
By taking this course, you will be provided with a comprehensive overview of the medications that you will encounter as a Pharmacy Technician. Also, This will include information about common drug classes, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain relievers, as well as an understanding of their respective mechanisms of action.
#9. Top Drugs 2 – Medications you NEED to Know – Pharmacy
This online courses for pharmacy technician serves as an extension of the previous course and offers an even more extensive knowledge base of the medications that a Pharmacy Technician should be familiar with. Additionally, By taking this course, you will receive a more in-depth understanding of drug interactions, side effects, and contraindications, enabling you to provide better care for your patients.
To enroll in this course and gain access to this wealth of knowledge, simply click the button below. The course fee is $13.99, which is a small investment for the invaluable knowledge you will acquire.
#10. Top Drugs 3 – Medications You NEED to Know – Pharmacy
This course is designed to provide Pharmacy Technicians with a more comprehensive understanding of the medications they will encounter in their profession. Also, It builds upon the knowledge gained in the previous course and covers a wider range of topics related to medication dispensation.
Furthermore, By enrolling in this course, you will gain a deeper understanding of drug interactions, side effects, and contraindications, as well as the proper administration of medications through various routes, such as oral, topical, and parenteral.
#11. Dosage Calculations Mastery for Nursing & Pharmacy Students
This online courses for pharmacy technician is designed to take you through the processes of dosage calculation, from understanding the different measurement systems used in medication administration to converting units of measurement and calculating dosages based on patient characteristics such as weight and age.
This is a five hours course and provide enough time to cover all the topic, and costs $13.99 to access.
#12. The Complete Pharmacy Assistant Preparation Course in Canada
This online courses for pharmacy technician is tailored specifically for individuals residing in Canada who are interested in becoming Pharmacy Assistants or Technicians. The course provides a complete overview of the skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in a pharmacy setting, from understanding drug classifications to medication dispensation and dosage calculation.
However, the course is also suitable for residents of the USA who aspire to become Pharmacy Technicians. Furthermore, By taking this course, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s best practices and regulations, making you well-prepared for life as a Pharmacy Technician.
The course fee is $19.99, which is a reasonable investment considering the comprehensive knowledge and skills you will acquire.
#13. Pharmacy Technician Course
Through this Online courses for pharmacy technician, you have the opportunity to acquire knowledge regarding the responsibilities and tasks of a pharmacy technician. Such professionals hold a significant position in ensuring that the appropriate medication is dispensed to patients in need
#14. Top Drugs 5 – Medications you NEED to Know – Pharmacy
This course follows which conditions are most prevalent, and which drugs are most popular. This way, the student learns which drugs are used in practice. Which drugs are fast movers in every pharmacy? The gold standard drugs for each condition.
#15. Pharmacy Technician (CpHT) – 4 Practice Exams
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE®) is designed as a computer-based assessment that aims to evaluate the knowledge and skills of aspiring pharmacy technicians. Additionally, the PTCE® aims to ensure that individuals who pass the exam have demonstrated the necessary competencies to function effectively in a pharmacy technician role.
By taking online courses for pharmacy technician practice tests, individuals can gain an understanding of the exam format, types of questions asked, and level of difficulty. In addition, can help them identify areas in which they may need to focus their study efforts to achieve success on the PTCE®.
FAQs on Online courses for Pharmacy Technician
Are there free online courses for pharmacy technician?
Yes, there are free online courses for pharmacy technician
How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician?
It takes on average a year to become a pharmacy technician
Where can I take online courses for pharmacy technician?
Udemy, Coursera, Alison, Edx
Conclusion
Online courses for pharmacy technicians provide a convenient and flexible way for individuals to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry. Also, the Online courses for pharmacy technicians in this article offer a wide range of learning opportunities, from basic concepts to advanced skills, and cater to various learning styles.
Additionally, With dedication and commitment, individuals can complete these classes and become certified pharmacy technicians, making a valuable contribution to the healthcare industry.
Editor’s Recommendation
Reference
UDEMY – https://www.udemy.com
COURSES – https://www.coursera.org/
Alison – https://alison.com/