How to Be Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is a critical role in the pharmacy operations. Becoming a CPhT requires passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and, upon successful completion, individuals receive the certification. Having a CPhT on staff means that pharmacy technicians are able to legally provide assistance to pharmacists, which increases patient safety and efficiency, as well as saves time for pharmacists to focus on other tasks.

having a CPhT on staff may make a pharmacy more attractive to potential customers, as professionalism and quality of care is a key factor when customers are choosing which pharmacy to use. Furthermore, CPhTs are often eligible for higher pay, which is beneficial for both the individual and the pharmacy.

Steps How to Become

1. Research and complete the educational requirements. Most states require pharmacy technicians to obtain certification in order to legally practice. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association's (NHA) Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) programs are the two most widely recognized and accepted certifications. To be eligible for either of these certifications, you must have a high school diploma or GED and have completed a pharmacy technician training program or have at least one year of related work experience.
2. Apply for and pass a criminal background check. Each state has different requirements for background checks and some may require a drug screening. Make sure to check with your state’s pharmacy board to find out what is needed for your certification.
3. Take and pass the PTCB or NHA certification exam. The PTCB exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. The NHA exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. Both exams cover topics such as medication safety, pharmacy law, patient confidentiality, pharmacology, and more.
4. Apply for certification. Once you have successfully passed the certification exam, you must apply for certification through the PTCB or NHA. This process typically involves submitting an application and paying a fee.
5. Maintain your certification. Once you have been certified, you must keep your certification up to date by renewing it every two years. This involves completing continuing education courses, as well as passing a recertification exam every four years.

Staying ahead and efficient as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) requires dedication and focus on the part of the individual. It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest technology, pharmacy regulations, and relevant news so that one can be knowledgeable when interacting with customers and colleagues. Additionally, having a good understanding of the pharmacy's procedures and protocols, as well as being organized and detail-oriented, will help one remain efficient. By regularly attending continuing education classes, taking advantage of available resources, and utilizing effective time management strategies, one can stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of pharmacy technology.

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Job Description

1. Receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate
2. Prepare medication and other healthcare products for patients
3. Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs
4. Receive, record, and store incoming orders
5. Count, pour, weigh, measure, and mix medications and compounds
6. Package and label medications for dispensing
7. Enter patient and drug information into computer system
8. Answer customers’ questions about medications and their use
9. Process customer payments
10. Provide customer service in a courteous manner
11. Monitor inventory levels for drugs and supplies
12. Prepare insurance claim forms
13. Follow procedures for the proper disposal of expired or unused drugs

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of pharmacology and drug classifications.
2. Knowledge of pharmaceutical calculations.
3. Knowledge of pharmacy law, ethics, and regulations.
4. Ability to accurately read, interpret, and fill prescriptions.
5. Ability to calculate dosages and reconstitute medications.
6. Ability to use pharmacy software and automated dispensing systems.
7. Ability to identify drug interactions and contraindications.
8. Ability to provide patient education and instruction.
9. Ability to understand medical terminology and abbreviations.
10. Ability to accurately count, dispense, and label medications.
11. Ability to maintain patient records and medical charts.
12. Ability to maintain inventory and order supplies.
13. Ability to properly store and dispose of medications.
14. Ability to adhere to safety guidelines and infection control procedures.
15. Ability to communicate effectively with healthcare professionals and patients.

Being a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) requires a certain level of skill and knowledge in order to provide the best possible service to patients. To become a CPhT, one must first complete an accredited program and pass a certification exam. One of the most important skills for a CPhT is communication.

A successful CPhT must be able to listen to, understand, and accurately convey information to patients and other healthcare providers. CPhTs must have a comprehensive understanding of pharmacy regulations, drug classifications, and medical terminology. Furthermore, they must have a keen eye for detail in order to be able to accurately fill prescriptions and detect any potential errors.

Lastly, CPhTs must possess strong interpersonal skills in order to build relationships with patients and other healthcare providers. These skills are essential in providing quality care to people who rely on pharmacy technicians for medication-related assistance.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have as a CPhT?
• What do you think makes a successful pharmacy technician?
• How have you handled difficult customer situations in the past?
• How do you handle pharmacy inventory?
• Describe your experience with medication packaging and labeling.
• What processes do you follow when filling prescriptions?
• What safety protocols do you follow when preparing medications?
• Describe your knowledge of insurance companies and third-party reimbursement.
• How do you stay up-to-date on new medications and health care products?
• What challenges have you faced in the pharmacy setting and how did you address them?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Pharmacy Software. Pharmacy software helps to manage all aspects of a pharmacy, from customer accounts and inventory to prescription processing, billing, and more (eg: Rx Care Plus).
2. Medication Aide Certification. Certification for medication aides allows them to assist pharmacists in tasks such as administering medications, measuring and labeling medications, and preparing medications for patients (eg: CPhT-Certified Medication Aide).
3. Prescription Refills System. A prescription refills system is used to track and process patient requests for prescription refills (eg: RefillRx).
4. Pharmacy Compounding Software. Pharmacy compounding software helps to automate the compounding process, allowing pharmacies to prepare complex and individualized medications accurately and efficiently (eg: CompuScript).
5. Drug Interaction Software. Drug interaction software helps pharmacists identify potential drug interactions and take appropriate action (eg: Lexicomp).
6. Compliance Software. Compliance software helps pharmacies remain compliant with local and federal regulations as well as industry standards (eg: RxAnalyzer).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
2. Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT)
3. Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
4. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
5. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
6. American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
7. American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT)
8. National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA)
9. International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)

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Common Important Terms

1. Medication Therapy Management (MTM). a form of pharmacy practice that focuses on the optimal use of medications to improve the quality of life for patients.
2. Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM). an organization that acts as a third-party administrator of prescription drug programs for insurance companies, employers, and other groups.
3. Pharmaceutical Care. a patient-focused approach to medication management that involves the pharmacist and other healthcare professionals in assessing, monitoring, and optimizing patient drug therapy.
4. Compounding. the process of customizing medications to meet individual patient needs, such as altering the dosage form or strength of a medication.
5. Drug Information. the research and analysis of drug information, including safety, efficacy, side effects, and interactions.
6. Drug Distribution. the process of supplying medications from manufacturers to pharmacies or other healthcare facilities.
7. Clinical Pharmacy. a specialized area of pharmacy practice that focuses on patient-specific care and includes activities such as disease state management, drug therapy optimization, and patient monitoring.
8. Patient Education. the process of providing information to patients about their medications and health conditions to help them make informed decisions about their care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What qualifications are needed to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)? A1: To become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), individuals must meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), which include a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of a formal pharmacy technician training program, and passing the PTCB’s Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). Q2: What is the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)? A2: The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is a computer-based exam administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and is designed to assess an individual’s knowledge and competency in pharmacy-related topics such as drug distribution, inventory management, and patient safety. Q3: How long is a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification valid? A3: A Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification is valid for two years. To maintain certification, individuals must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years. Q4: What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)? A4: Becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) offers numerous benefits, including increased job opportunities, higher salary potential, and greater recognition from employers and colleagues. Q5: What is the cost to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)? A5: The cost to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is $129.00 for PTCB Members and $189.00 for non-members.

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Web Resources

• Certified Pharmacy Technician - Delaware Technical Community … www.dtcc.edu
• Certified Pharmacy Technician Program - OTC Center for … workforce.otc.edu
• Understanding the Difference Between a Licensed and Certified www.ultimatemedical.edu