How to Be Registered Pharmacy Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 25, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Becoming a registered pharmacy technician can have a significant impact on the career of an individual in the healthcare field. It can lead to increased job security, greater earning potential, and more opportunities for professional growth. With the increasing demand for qualified health care professionals, a registered pharmacy technician is a valuable asset to any organization.

Not only will they have knowledge of prescription drug processes and management, but they will also be able to work closely with pharmacists to dispense medications and counsel patients. In addition, they will be able to provide assistance with inventory control, ordering and stocking supplies, and providing customer service. Becoming a registered pharmacy technician can open many doors for those looking to expand their career in the healthcare industry.

Steps How to Become

Research State Requirements. Research the requirements to become a pharmacy technician in your state. Each state has its own laws and regulations governing the practice of pharmacy technicians, so the requirements may vary from state to state.
Earn a High School Diploma or GED. All states require pharmacy technicians to have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
Complete a Formal Training Program. Many states require pharmacy technicians to complete a formal training program in order to be eligible for registration or certification. Programs typically last between 6 months and 1 year, and may be offered at vocational schools or community colleges.
Pass the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. To become a Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPT), you must pass the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. This exam is offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and is available at Pearson VUE testing centers around the country.
Apply for Registration. Once you have passed the certification exam, you must apply for registration in your state. Requirements vary by state, but typically include providing proof of completion of a formal training program, submitting an application, paying a fee and passing a criminal background check.
Maintain Certification. Once registered, you must maintain your certification by completing continuing education courses and renewing your registration every 2 or 3 years (depending on your state).

Staying ahead and competent as a Registered Pharmacy Technician requires dedication and drive. To stay competitive, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the field of pharmacy technology and its related areas by pursuing continuing education opportunities and attending professional development conferences. It is also important to keep abreast of changes to industry regulations and laws, as well as any new developments in drug safety and patient safety.

it is beneficial to maintain good relationships with colleagues in the pharmacy industry, as well as cultivate relationships with health care professionals in order to stay informed about new products, services, and best practices. By taking the time to stay informed and up-to-date, a Registered Pharmacy Technician will be able to stay ahead and remain a valuable asset to their employers.

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Job Description

Prepare prescription medications by reviewing and interpreting physician orders and detecting therapeutic incompatibilities.
Maintain pharmacy inventory by checking pharmaceutical stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed medications and supplies; placing and expediting orders; verifying receipt; removing outdated drugs.
Provide pharmaceutical care by administering medications and monitoring patient drug therapies.
Dispense medications by compounding, packaging, and labeling pharmaceuticals.
Prepare reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information.
Protect patients and technicians by adhering to infection-control protocols.
Answer questions and provide information to customers regarding drug interactions, side effects, dosage, storage, and prescription renewals.
Maintain records by recording and filing physicians orders, charges, and prescriptions.
Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
Comply with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of customer service principles
Knowledge of pharmacy laws, regulations, and ethical standards
Knowledge of pharmaceutical terminology, abbreviations, and symbols
Knowledge of medication safety and storage procedures
Ability to accurately measure, weigh, and count medications
Ability to accurately enter data into a computer system
Ability to accurately interpret and enter physician orders
Ability to accurately calculate dosages and deliver medications
Ability to maintain accurate records, including patient profiles
Ability to identify and report potential medication errors
Ability to communicate effectively with customers, patients, and other healthcare professionals
Ability to provide medication information to customers and answer customer questions
Ability to resolve customer complaints in a professional manner
Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time, and work independently
Ability to work with a variety of tools, equipment, and machines

Being a registered pharmacy technician requires many skills to be successful. One of the most important skills is the ability to be organized. Pharmacy technicians must be able to keep track of a large number of products, orders and customer information.

They must also be able to manage their own time effectively in order to meet deadlines. they must be detail-oriented in order to accurately fill prescriptions and accurately record information. Furthermore, pharmacy technicians need excellent communication skills in order to effectively communicate with customers and medical professionals.

Finally, they must possess strong problem solving skills in order to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. These skills are essential to ensure the safety of customers and their medication. By having these skills, a registered pharmacy technician can provide excellent quality service to customers and ensure the accuracy of the pharmacy's operations.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a Registered Pharmacy Technician?
How would you handle a difficult customer?
What do you know about drug interactions and their implications?
Describe a time when you had to work under pressure to meet a deadline.
What strategies do you use to stay organized in a busy pharmacy?
How do you handle complex pharmacy calculations?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest changes in pharmacy regulations?
How do you ensure accuracy when filling and labeling prescriptions?
What challenges have you faced working as a Registered Pharmacy Technician?
What do you think sets you apart from other Registered Pharmacy Technicians?

Common Tools in Industry

Pharmacy Inventory Management Software. Used to track and manage pharmacy inventory levels and orders. (Eg: Rx-Inventory)
Automated Dispensing Machines. Machines that automatically dispense medications and store them in a secure location. (Eg: Omnicell)
Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Software. Used to store patient information and facilitate communication between healthcare professionals. (Eg: Epic)
Drug Interaction Databases. Databases that provide information about potential drug interactions. (Eg: Lexicomp)
Medication Administration Record (MAR) Software. Used to keep track of medications given to patients and ensure accuracy. (Eg: Pyxis MedStation)
Pharmacy Compounding Software. Used to create custom medications for patients. (Eg: CompuCom)
Prescription Verification Software. Used to verify a patients prescription before dispensing medications. (Eg: VeriMed)
Billing and Reimbursement Software. Used to process payments and reimbursements for prescriptions. (Eg: MediSpan)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Pharmacists Association
National Pharmacy Technician Association
Pharmacy Technicians Certification Board
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
National Alliance for Pharmacy Education and Training
International Society of Pharmacy Technicians
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
National Council for Prescription Drug Programs
American Society of Consultant Pharmacists
American College of Clinical Pharmacy

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Common Important Terms

Drug Information. Information about medications and their uses, side effects, and interactions with other drugs.
Compounding. Combining, mixing, or altering ingredients to create a medication tailored to the patient's needs.
Dispensing. Distributing medication to patients or other healthcare providers.
Medication Therapy Management. A review of a patient's medications to assess appropriateness, effectiveness, and safety.
Pharmacology. The science of drugs and their effects on the body.
Prescription Order Entry. Entering and processing prescriptions for medication.
Pharmacy Law. Understanding the legal regulations related to pharmacy and drug distribution.
Pharmacy Calculations. Knowledge of basic math and calculations to accurately measure and prepare medications.
Quality Assurance. Ensuring that prescriptions are being filled and medications are prepared in a safe and accurate manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPhT)?

A Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPhT) is a healthcare professional who assists licensed pharmacists in providing medications and other healthcare products to patients. They are responsible for preparing and dispensing prescriptions, maintaining pharmacy inventory, and providing customer service.

What qualifications are needed to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician?

To become a Registered Pharmacy Technician, one must complete an accredited pharmacy technician program and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). Additionally, some states require RPhTs to obtain licensure or registration.

What is the job outlook for Registered Pharmacy Technicians?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Registered Pharmacy Technicians is projected to grow 7% from 2019 to 2029.

What is the average salary of a Registered Pharmacy Technician?

The average salary of a Registered Pharmacy Technician is approximately $35,000 per year, according to PayScale.com.

How can I find more information about becoming a Registered Pharmacy Technician?

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists provides detailed information about the qualifications and job outlook for Registered Pharmacy Technicians on their website. Additionally, local pharmacies, community colleges, and technical schools may also offer additional resources for aspiring RPhTs.