How to Become an Oncology Pharmacy Technician
Oncology pharmacy techs help people who are dealing with cancers of all types, allowing you to specialize in an important field. Learn more about how to become an oncology pharmacy technician and what the job offers.
What Is an Oncology Pharmacy Technician?
Oncology pharmacy technicians specialize in the preparation and dispensing of medications meant for cancer patients. They manage inventory, including checking for expired medications, and dispense chemotherapy and other cancer therapies following the strictest of protocols to ensure safety.
It is also oncology pharmacy techs’ responsibility to store, sort, and mix cancer-related drugs, as well as to fill unit dose cassettes and deliver them to nursing units. Additionally, they are in charge of updating patient records. These records need to be as current as possible when dealing with chemotherapy and similar drugs.
An oncology pharmacy technician will assist in the process of preparing schedules to ensure that the pharmacy is working smoothly. Oncology pharmacies require technicians with knowledge of how to operate machinery and technology meant for cancer treatments.
The job responsibilities associated with oncology pharmacy technicians are not very different from those that regular pharmacy techs perform. The biggest distinction is that you would work in oncology settings, typically hospitals, and manage chemotherapy medications.
Education Requirements
To become an oncology pharmacy technician, you must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. You will then need to complete a pharmacy technician program that is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. These programs offer a certificate.
Alternatively, you can complete a pharmacy technician associate degree. It takes about two years to do so.
Training and Certification Pathways
Before you can begin working as an oncology pharmacy technician, you will need to receive training and obtain certification. Although not all states require the latter, certification can make you a much more attractive candidate to employers. Some states won’t allow you to specialize in oncology if you aren’t certified.
Step 1: Becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
To become a certified pharmacy tech, you will have to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam. To be eligible to take this test, you’ll need to complete either 500 hours of work experience as a pharmacy tech or a PTCB-approved training program.
The PTCB exam is made up of 90 multiple-choice questions, though only 80 count toward your score. You will be tested on medications, including matters such as:
- The generic and brand names of a variety of drugs
- Potential side effects
- Proper storage
- Other crucial information
The PTCB exam will also test you on the federal requirements for handling various medications. A significant portion of the exam will cover patient safety and quality assurance, testing you on high-risk medications, look-alikes, adverse drug events, and hygiene and cleaning standards.
You’ll also have to pass a section on order entry and processing. This portion tests you on compounding non-sterile products, expiration dates, proportions, and the equipment required to administer certain medications.
Instead of getting CPhT certification from the PTCB, you could alternatively receive it from the National Healthcare Association. It offers the ExCPT exam to those who have completed an approved pharmacy technician training program or 1,200 supervised hours of pharmacy-related work in the past three years. It’s a similar exam to the PTCB.
Keep in mind that you will have to present evidence of all of your training and education when you apply to take either of these tests. The PTCB and NHA will decide whether you are eligible or have further requirements that you still need to meet. Once you apply, you will be given a limited amount of time in which to schedule your exam.
Step 2: Pursuing Oncology-Specific Training
So what do you do once you become a certified pharmacy technician? The next step in how to become an oncology pharmacy technician is to get experience and training in the oncology field.
You can enroll in specialized courses on aseptic techniques, chemotherapy, and sterile compounding. If you prefer on-the-job training, you can also try to find a position in an oncology setting.
You may also want to consider getting additional certifications, including those that the Oncology Pharmacy Technician Association offers. Having oncology pharmacy specialty certification demonstrates your expertise in your field of choice.
Step 3: Hands-On Experience
Getting to work in an oncology pharmacy setting offers the chance to understand the daily tasks you will have while also enabling you to learn patient interaction techniques. Internships are always a great option, too. If that’s not feasible for you, though, then finding a position in an oncology pharmacy can be just as effective.
Where Do Oncology Pharmacy Technicians Work?
Oncology pharmacy technicians work in a variety of settings. The majority take up positions in hospitals that have oncology departments, but it’s also possible to work in outpatient treatment centers that cater to oncology patients. Some may work in assisted living facilities and nursing homes as well.
How Can RxCe Help You With Your Pharmacy Technician Journey?
Have you been considering the field of pharmacy tech and want to specialize in oncology? If so, RxCe can help you by offering a variety of continuing education (CE) courses so you can choose ones that match your learning goal. We offer oncology- specific CE courses like Supportive Care in Oncology or The Role of the Primary Care Team in Cancer Care.
We also provide classes on compounding, breast cancer treatments, and a variety of other appropriate options. Our offerings can help you on your journey toward becoming an oncology pharmacy technician.
RxCe provides all of these courses at excellent rates, too, which means your budget doesn’t have to prevent you from pursuing your chosen career path. From webinars to certificate programs, we can help you achieve your goals. Contact us to find the right course.
