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Pharmacy technicians play a vital part in the drug industry and as such require a precise set of skills that refer to their role within the medical field. Not only ought to they be able to read and translate a doctor's orders, but they must also understand the drugs they are handling as well as the local, state, and federal regulations demanded upon themselves and the medications they are helping to dispense. In order to show that one is qualified to accept such a position and responsibilities, it is quite often necessary to participate in a pharmacy technician certification course and/or go through a certification exam.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Courses
Numerous community and practical college or universities offer classes that will create a scholar for certification. These classes concentrate primarily on the processes of dispensing, arithmetics used within a pharmacy putting, a common summary of drugs (encompassing groupings, drug classes/schedules, and how to handle certain medications), and essential medical terms with focus on "sig", which is the term for a doctor's produced orders within and outside of a pharmacy. Some pharmacy technician programs even require that the student complete other courses containing common computer abilities, English/Language Disciplines, general mathes, algebra or pre-algebra, and human anatomy and physiology. The cost for these courses will change by region and school. Financial aid is obtainable for those who participate in such programs at approved institutions and qualify for financial support.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
Those who complete pharmacy technician certification programs or learn their trade on the job usually take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. Individuals who pass this demanding examination receive a document from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), which gives them an edge in the job market. Certified technicians can also opt to receive e-newsletters from the board as well as updates on new medication, legislature on drugs, and where the pharmacy market is thriving. This certification is accepted throughout the complete United States, allowing a technician who lives in Georgia to accept a position in Virginia, California, Arizona, or any other state in the country. On the other hand, in order to keep this certification a technician have to find a certain amount of continuing degree credits every two years or certification can be revoked.

State Laws Regarding Certification
So far in the United States there are forty-two states that manage pharmacy technicians. Sixteen states require certification and nine will only accept certification by the PTCB. Those who are considering becoming pharmacy technicians or taking a certification exam of any kind should consult with their state's board of pharmacy or visit the PTCB's website for more info.

Certification Costs and Benefits
Certification costs will vary according to state, place, and technician level. National certification by the PTCB will cost about one hundred to one hundred and fifty dollars. However, a technician with such certification will have more freedom, significantly greater hiring potential, and most likely will earn more than a non-certified technician. Earning certification will also give a pharmacy technician a sense of pride and confidence in their abilities. Consequently no end of technicians will make the choice to become certified, as it pays off handsomely in the long run.