Is Pharmacy Tech School Hard?
Have you ever heard the phrase “no pain, no gain”? Oftentimes, the most worthwhile moments in life are the ones that feel challenging initially. Yet, the difficulties give you the chance to learn and grow as you push through and come out on the other side stronger and more appreciative of what you learned through the process.
Education is no different. When it comes to pursuing your goals and career dreams, it will take dedication and effort to finish strong. Whether it’s implementing good study habits, strengthening your soft skills, or simply studying and applying the material in your classes, work must be put in.
But your efforts are not in vain, and in the long run, you will see yourself grow with qualities that will be valuable in the workforce and knowledge that will set you apart from your peers in the industry.
Pursuing a career in the medical field requires compassion and grit, and deciding to attend pharmacy tech school is a big step toward achieving your goals. While you may be concerned that pharmacy tech school is too hard, we’re here to encourage you in your endeavors so you know exactly what you are signing up for.
We’ll highlight the topics covered in our pharmacy tech school curriculum, what to expect with your externship, and how to best prepare for certification.
When you finish your pharmacy tech schooling with Blackstone, you will come out on the other side prepared to enter the workforce, thanks to our online, PTCB® aligned Pharmacy Technician Program.
Topics Covered in Blackstone’s Pharmacy Technician Program
The average student can complete Blackstone’s online program within 4 – 12 months! Throughout your studies, you will gain valuable knowledge on how to fill a prescription from patients or health professionals, ensure accurate measurements of medications, package and label prescriptions correctly, organize inventory to prevent shortages of necessary medications, and process insurance claims.
Enrolling in pharmacy tech school can help you gain confidence in basic pharmacy technician practices such as drug code classifications, medical ethics, abbreviations and terminology, and the differences between pediatric and geriatric patients.
Each lesson in our online Pharmacy Technician Program is designed to give you practical skills to help you in your externship and future career.
All About the Externship
A student in a pharmacy tech school externship position can learn the inner workings of the field such as how daily procedures and operations are conducted, what the work atmosphere is like among co-workers, and how to best handle situations that arise and serve clients while also utilizing their skill set and knowledge.
Once your online studies are complete with Blackstone, you get to be a student in the field through completing an externship! This is your time to put into practice what you learned while receiving guidance and asking questions.
This mentality will highlight your soft skills, which are valuable assets that go beyond your comprehension of textbook knowledge and show employers you are a marketable candidate for a position. Each day should be treated as if the position was a real job.
Employers also take advantage of externships because it allows them a chance to observe how a potential employee, which is you, would conduct themselves in the work environment while also providing a fresh set of eyes.
In addition, externships can be a major asset for you, providing opportunities for networking and meeting people in the industry as a pharmacy technician. It allows you to build relationships with others in the field, learn from experts, and continue to enhance your professional development.
Blackstone students are required to complete a 160-hour externship after completing the pharmacy tech school curriculum:
To locate a Walgreens near you, visit this link.
To locate a CVS Pharmacy near you, visit this link.
Prepare for Certification
Once you have completed all the hard work of your online Blackstone program and finished your in-person externship, you are equipped to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE).
One of the benefits of Blackstone’s Pharmacy Technician Program is the practice tests that are available to prepare for your certification exam. These sample questions will help clarify what you already understand and what you need to practice.
After completing and passing your exam, you can look back and see how all the hard work you put into the program was worth it! Becoming a CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician) can help give you more opportunities for career growth and development.
Get Started Today in Pharmacy Tech School
Now is the time to start pharmacy tech school. Enroll today in our Pharmacy Technician Program which includes a 160-hour externship to prepare you for your next steps.
If you have any questions, know the Blackstone Student Service department is available to provide assistance. To request more information, fill out this form.
Written By Laura Conaway
Disclaimer: Blackstone Career Institute, an accredited school, cannot guarantee employment, passing exam performance, job promotion prospects, or income increases.
