As you make your way through pharmacy technology school, there’s always one goal that you keep in mind: having a successful career as a pharmacy technician. While school is definitely a time to focus on your studies, it’s also a good idea to think about what organizations you can join to network and make connections that will improve your hireability. There are a ton of pharmacy technician organizations out there, but there are a few that every pharmacy tech should be aware of:
Institute of Certification of Pharmacy Technicians
The ICPT administers the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians. By giving this exam, its goal is to recognize pharmacy technicians who have demonstrated that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely, accurately and efficiently assist pharmacists. The organization also promotes high standards of practice for pharmacy technicians and is now a part of the National Healthcareer Association. Earning your certification from ICPT will allow you to work alongside licensed pharmacists.1
National Pharmacy Technician Association
NPTA is the world’s largest professional organization for pharmacy technicians. Its mission is to advance the value of pharmacy techs and to help them meet their personal and professional goals. Pharmacy technicians from a variety of backgrounds are members of the organization, and use the benefits that come from membership to find job opportunities, take part in training and career development and become certified in a variety of specializations. NPTA also offers volunteer opportunities and advocates on behalf of pharmacy technicians around the country.2
American Association of Pharmacy Technicians
This not-for-profit was the first pharmacy technician organization and is run by pharmacy technician volunteers. AAPT promotes the safe dispensing and distribution of medications, provides continuing education programs, and promotes the belief that pharmacy technicians are an integral part of the patient care team. You can use AAPT’s career center to search for jobs or post your resume. AAPT holds an annual convention and releases seasonal newsletters that contains important information that’s relevant to pharmacy technicians.3
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
PTCB is a nonprofit organization that advocates for a single national standard for the certification of pharmacy technicians. PTCB develops and administers exams for pharmacy technology certification in an effort to support patient safety. Earning your certification from PTCB is a clear sign to pharmacists that you have the skills necessary to support them in their work.4 1 National Healthcareer Association, ‘Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT),’ 2013 – http://www.nhanow.com/pharmacy-technician.aspx 2 National Pharmacy Technician Association, ‘About NPTA,’ 2013 – http://www.pharmacytechnician.org/en/cms/?443 3 American Association of Pharmacy Technicians, ‘About AAPT,’ 2013 – http://www.pharmacytechnician.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=2 4 Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, ‘About PTCB,’ 2013 – http://www.ptcb.org/about-ptcb#.Ug0MNZI4tS4
