Pharmacy Technician Associations
Pharmacy Technician Organization - NPTA, AAPT
Pharmacy technician associations help pharmacy technicians and students learn about and improve their knowledge of responsibilities in the work in pharmacies, hospitals and senior homes. While there are a few different associations, each has the common goal of promoting the career of pharmacy techs and assisting in continuing education.
As a member of one of the associations, you will have access to the network of other members, choices for continuing education and informative newsletters.
The National Pharmacy Technician Association
The National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA), claims to be the largest organization for pharmacy techs. Members practice in retail pharmacies, long term care settings, hospitals and many other facilities. NPTA states that they exist to help pharmacy techs reach their full potential at both professional and personal levels.
Membership benefits include bi-monthly issues of the Today's Technician magazine, monthly email newsletters containing information about industry trends and news pertinent to pharmacy technicians, access to a support network of professionals at the state and national level, discounts for regional and national events and access to a wide range of continuing education programs and courses.
To apply to be a member, click here. You will need to complete an online form asking for your personal information including details such as are you nationally certified, were you referred by a NPTA member, what type of practice setting do you work in and so on. Membership for one year is $69, you can save $10 on a two year membership for $128.
The American Association of Pharmacy Technicians
The American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT), claims to have been the first Pharmacy Technician Association, having been formed in 1979. It's run by volunteer pharmacy techs and also provides a variety of continuing education courses so that members can stay on top of the constant changes in pharmacy services.
The association also offers a career center with job opportunities. You may search jobs by various criteria as well as receive job alerts via email.
You may register to become a member as an active member, student member, retired member or corporate member. The fee for one year for an active membership is $50. There is an additional $25 fee if you would like a hardcopy of their newsletter.
To apply, click here.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) administers the nationally accredited certification program for pharmacy techs, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). You can find alot of good information about the PTCE such as how to apply for the exam, how to prepare before taking the exam and what to expect on test day on their website. You can also take a complete PTCB practice exam for $29.
Find out more about the practice exam
here.
Pharmacy Technician Educator's Council
The Pharmacy Technician Educator's Council (PTEC) also exists to promote quality education of pharmacy technician students and professionals. They offer resources for "early stage" pharmacy techs as well as veteran professionals.
An individual membership is $55 or for $80 you will also receive a subscription to The Journal of Pharmacy Technology.
Pharmacy Technician Job Description
Learn more about a Pharmacy Technician Job Description