1. Find out the grades you need to achieve.

Its always helpful if you know the passing mark, and the marks that are considered average, or extra ordinary. By knowing this you can target your achievements and decide which group you would like to belong. It sounds simple, but sometimes students overlook this thinking the same percentage and score applies. Maybe it does, but in a competitive market, why settle for average when you can be better?

2. Understand your role

You should at least make an effort to find out what your role as pharmacy technician would be. Most of your tests will be based on your knowledge of your role in assisting your superiors.

3. Get into the habit of taking practice tests.

Trying finding all the test questions of the pass years, either online or offline. By taking these tests, you can have an idea of the types of questions you will be facing and you will get to better understand your weaknesses and will have time to correct them.

4. Know the law

There are many rules and regulations that govern the distribution of medicine. As a Pharmacy Technician, you should be aware of these laws and abide by them. Some test questions will also question you of these laws, so taking a practice exam will definitely help you.

5. Review old books

Use your old books as review material. You could also use the information in these books to prepare for your practice exams.

6. Form a study group

Get together with some other like minded students and create a study group. Discussions and creating diagrams in groups will help the memorization and understanding the subject further.

7. Talk to your seniors

Try and talk to those who have taken these tests to further understand the types of the questions that would be asked and the techniques employed to prepare for the exams.

The best way to prepare for any exams is to take things seriously, and be diligent. You also need to have a genuine interest in this field as that will serve you better than if you were forced into this profession.

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Why should you be a pharmacy technician? Well, here are the top five reasons:

1. Good employment trend with high demand in job market. According to the statistics currently, 82% of the graduates who have passed through the pharmacy technician certification exam are able to get a job right after they complete their education in either government sector or private sector.
2. Better business opportunities. You will have the chance to gain wide working experience and learn A to Z in operating drug stores and pharmacies; they can venture into pharmaceutical business to be their own boss.
3. Contribute to the society. Pharmacy technicians can enjoy the good feeling of assisting people in need in health care and make their contribution to the community.
4. Certified pharmacy technicians are recognized internationally. For those who possess the qualification of certified pharmacy technicians from internationally recognized universities and colleges and those who have gone through the pharmacy technician certification exam are able to get a job easily in any country in the world with good pay.
5. Ideal income. Currently the average salary of pharmacy technicians ranges from USD$8.50 per hour (junior position) to USD$17.65 per hour (senior position) and the salary is expected to increase another 15% to 30% by the year of 2012. The average annual salary for a fresh graduates starts from USD$35, 000. It shows that this profession generates lucrative income.

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Lately, the role of pharmacy technicians had changed from what they are previously. With the existence of these workers, it helps to minimize health care costs and because of these assistant who manages all the routine work, the pharmacist are able to focus more on supervisory duties and patient care.

However, the duties may vary depending on your seniority, experience, type, and the size of your employer. In general you may be responsible for counting tablets, measuring, labeling and ordering supplies.

In retail and online pharmacies, a certified pharmacy technician is an assistant to a licensed pharmacist who are responsible to take care of all computer related work such as sorting and storing data, labeling bottles, filling prescriptions, distributing medication, measuring liquids, counting pills as necessary.

They are also responsible for maintaining stock and keep an accurate inventory of the prescriptions and the over the counter medications. Other duties may include filing out insurance claim forms and stocking shelves, answering calls as deem necessary.

In hospitals and nursing homes, these technicians have added responsibilities. They read the physician orders on patient’s charts and prepare and deliver medication after it is checked by a pharmacist. They will then enter the prescribed medications into patients’ medical records. Some of their duties include assembling of 24-hour supply of medicine for every patient, packaging and labeling for each dose accordingly. Some of the hospitals and care homes may even require the pharmacy technicians to give advice for minor ailments and sickness.

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Step 1: Scout formal pharmacy technician training programs.

Many community colleges offer formal education and hands on training to prepare for a pharmacy technician. Although it is not required to have a formal education to be a pharmacy technician, many feel that, give the formal education strong consideration, as it will surely bring lots of benefits.

Step 2: Choose the right institution for the course

Formal training is most valuable if it comes from an institution recognized by an accrediting board such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Time span of course is six months to two years. Courses that can be selected are pharmacology, technical math, and pharmacy operations.

Step 3: Get hands-on-training.

Once registered with the board of pharmacy and employed by a pharmacy, you will receive hands-on or on-the-job training. However, if you choose to get a formal education and then become certified, choose a program that provides internship.

You can also find pharmacy technician training programs at junior and community colleges, trade schools, and some hospitals. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists offers accreditation to programs that meet high standards of academic excellence.

Step 4: Take the pharmacy technician certification exam

Take the exam to become a certified pharmacy technician.

Step 5 Ease your transition into the job market.

Enroll in a program that can find an internship, which offers invaluable on-the-job training and insight to what to be expected in the real world in a hospital or clinic. This serves as a stepping-stone to a more advanced education.

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