Are you currently wondering if becoming a pharmacist is a realistic goal? The answer is yes—many successful pharmacists began their careers as pharmacy technicians. This career progression not only provides valuable experience but can also help you confirm your passion for pharmacy before committing to the additional education required.
Understanding the Path from Technician to Pharmacist
Working as a pharmacy technician gives you firsthand experience in the pharmacy environment. You become familiar with medications, understand workflow processes, and gain valuable patient interaction skills. This experience can be tremendously beneficial when pursuing a pharmacist role.
However, it is important to understand that becoming a pharmacist requires significant additional education beyond technician training:
- You will need to complete prerequisite undergraduate coursework (typically 2-4 years)
- Attend pharmacy school to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree (4 years)
- Pass licensing exams including the NAPLEX and state-specific tests
Why Starting as a Certified Pharmacy Technician Makes Sense
Before embarking on the lengthy and costly journey to become a pharmacist, obtaining your pharmacy technician certification through ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians) provides several advantages:
- Confirm your interest: Experience pharmacy work firsthand before investing in pharmacy school
- Earn while you learn: Work as a technician while completing prerequisite courses
- Build professional connections: Develop relationships with pharmacists who can provide mentorship
- Gain competitive advantage: Your practical experience may strengthen your pharmacy school application
National Science College’s Online ExCPT Prep Program
If you are serious about starting your pharmacy career journey, the first step is becoming a certified pharmacy technician. National Science College offers a fully-online ExCPT preparation program designed for busy adults.
Our program includes:
- Comprehensive ExCPT exam preparation focused on what you need to know to pass
- Flexible online format allowing you to study around your existing commitments
- Practice exams that simulate the actual testing experience
Take the First Step Today
While becoming a pharmacist requires years of additional education beyond technician certification, that journey begins with a single step. Becoming a certified pharmacy technician through National Science College’s ExCPT prep program allows you to enter the pharmacy field quickly while keeping your future options open.
Whether you ultimately decide to pursue a PharmD degree or find fulfillment in an advancing technician career, certification provides the foundation you need.
Ready to begin your pharmacy career journey? Click here to learn more about enrollment in our online ExCPT preparation program.