Chapter One: Introduction

Welcome to this audio course on preparing for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, or PTCE. I will be your guide throughout this course. If you are listening to me right now, I assume that you may be considering a career as a Pharmacist. Becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician is a great and necessary first step towards that end. You might also be in the middle of your preparations for the written Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam among other requirements. Whatever the reason, I want to extend my congratulations to you for choosing such a potentially rewarding career path.

When you are done listening to this course, you will be well prepared to take the written PTCE. You will also develop a solid understanding of the steps you'll need to take to secure credentials from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

Pharmacy technicians play a vital role within the healthcare system. They work together with pharmacists, other members of the healthcare field, and, of course, patients. They can work in diverse settings, such as clinics, hospitals, and community pharmacies. They perform important functions for supporting patient care efforts and are invaluable to the pharmacist.

Pharmacy technicians help the pharmacist fill prescriptions and distribute medications. They prepare product labeling and communicate with both patients and doctors among other duties.

Technicians help with the management of investigational drug studies and ensure that everything complies with regulatory requirements. They use modern technology to maintain patient records, medication orders, and medication inventories.

If you are not sure about becoming a pharmacy technician, allow me to discuss the benefits of following this career path. For starters, it is a diverse career with multiple opportunities for both part time and full time work. Health services, including jobs as pharmacy technicians, form one of the largest industries employing millions of people. The health care industry is expected to generate more jobs than any other occupation in