The ExCPT Fast-Track to a Flexible Career
Considering a career as a pharmacy technician? This in-demand healthcare role offers considerable flexibility, stable employment, and the satisfaction of helping patients—all without spending years in school. Let’s explore how quickly you can enter this field, with special focus on the ExCPT certification path and flexible working hours.
Pharmacy Technician Timeline: Faster Than You Might Think
Unlike pharmacists who require 6-8 years of education, pharmacy technicians can enter the workforce much more rapidly. Here’s a breakdown of the typical timeline:
Traditional Education Route: 4-24 Months
- Certificate programs: 4-12 months
- Associate degree programs: 18-24 months
ExCPT Certification Fast-Track: As Little as 2-3 Months
- Self-study preparation: 2-3 months
- Online accelerated courses: 4-12 weeks
- Exam preparation and testing: 1-2 weeks
The ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians) offers one of the quickest paths to becoming a certified pharmacy technician. This nationally recognized credential is accepted in most states and allows you to bypass lengthy traditional education in many cases.
ExCPT Requirements Through National Science College
To qualify for the ExCPT certification through National Science College’s preparation program, candidates must meet these specific requirements:
- Possess a high school diploma or GED/high school equivalency
- Have 1 year of work experience with at least 1,200 hours of supervised pharmacy-related work completed within the last 3 years
These requirements ensure candidates have the necessary educational foundation and practical experience to succeed on the exam and in the workplace. National Science College’s program is specifically designed to build upon this foundation and prepare you thoroughly for the certification exam.
ExCPT: Your Express Route to Certification
The ExCPT certification is increasingly preferred by employers for several reasons:
- Nationally recognized credential
- Tests practical knowledge needed on the job
- Often requires less preparation time than alternatives
- Can be scheduled at your convenience at testing centers nationwide
National Science College offers a comprehensive online ExCPT preparation course that can dramatically reduce your time to certification. Their program allows you to:
- Study entirely online at your own pace
- Complete coursework in as little as 4-12 weeks
- Access targeted exam preparation materials
- Benefit from instructor support without commuting to campus
Flexible Working Hours: A Major Career Advantage
One of the most appealing aspects of a pharmacy technician career is the flexibility in working arrangements:
Diverse Scheduling Options:
- Traditional 9-5 positions in retail pharmacies
- Evening and overnight shifts in 24-hour facilities
- Weekend-only positions
- Part-time opportunities (20-30 hours/week)
- PRN (as-needed) positions for maximum flexibility
Workplace Variety:
- Retail pharmacies (often with extended hours)
- Hospital pharmacies (round-the-clock staffing)
- Mail-order pharmacies (regular business hours)
- Long-term care facilities (various shifts)
- Specialty pharmacies (often standard business hours)
This flexibility makes pharmacy technology an excellent career for:
- Parents balancing childcare responsibilities
- Students pursuing further education
- Individuals seeking supplemental income
- Those transitioning from other careers
- Anyone wanting work-life balance
National Science College: Your Partner in Accelerated Certification
National Science College’s ExCPT prep course is specifically designed for professionals who already have pharmacy experience and want to formalize their credentials quickly. Their completely online program offers:
- Curriculum precisely aligned with ExCPT exam content
- Self-paced learning you can fit around existing commitments
- Comprehensive pharmaceutical calculations practice
- Simulated pharmacy scenarios
- Direct instructor support throughout your studies
- Exam preparation materials with practice questions
Most students with the required 1,200 hours of pharmacy experience can complete the course in 8-12 weeks while studying part-time, making it possible to prepare for certification without disrupting your current responsibilities.
State Requirements: An Important Consideration
While the ExCPT certification is nationally recognized, state requirements for pharmacy technicians vary. Most states accept the ExCPT credential, but some have additional requirements such as:
- Background checks
- Registration with the state board of pharmacy
- Specific training hours
- Continuing education requirements
National Science College’s advisors can help you understand your state’s specific requirements, ensuring your certification path meets all necessary criteria.
Ready for a Career Change? The Clock Starts Now
If you already have 1,200 hours of pharmacy-related work experience, the ExCPT program from National Science College could have help you get fully certified in as little as 3-4 months. Their flexible online program makes it possible to study around your current commitments while preparing effectively for this rewarding healthcare career.
For those without the required experience, National Science College can also provide guidance on obtaining entry-level pharmacy positions that will help you accumulate the necessary hours while studying.
Don’t put your future on hold. Explore National Science College’s ExCPT preparation program today and take the first step toward a flexible, stable career in pharmacy technology.