Nonsterile compounding expertise as a pharmacy technician makes you better able to offer patients the level of care they need. Attaining nonsterile compounding certification also makes you more attractive to potential employers and could allow you to earn higher salaries.
If you’re searching for a way to be more competitive as a pharmacy technician, obtaining nonsterile compounding certification is one option. What does this involve? Learn more about what nonsterile compounding is and the process for obtaining your credentials.
What Is Nonsterile Compounding?
Nonsterile compounding is the preparation of customized medications that address a patient’s unique needs without the need to meet the most stringent of temperature control and sterility standards, which would be necessary for sterile compounding. It typically involves the creation of creams, ointments, oral medications, and suppositories.
The process involves the manipulation and combination of specific ingredients to create particular formulations that offer individualized treatment that serves patients best. It can help ensure that patients are not exposed to dosages or medications that can cause them harm while still treating the conditions they have.
Pharmacy technicians who have nonsterile compounding certification have additional job opportunities. They can be particularly sought after in retail, community, and specialized compounding pharmacies.
The types of medications that could require nonsterile compounding include pills that dissolve under the tongue, powders, capsules, tablets, and creams. Lollipops that help ease sores and overall pain in the mouth can also require nonsterile compounding.
Why Get Certified in Nonsterile Compounding?
Nonsterile compounding certification allows you to provide these services while ensuring you are fully compliant with safety regulations. This is for your benefit as well as your patients’. You gain valuable knowledge and skills that make you an even better pharmacy tech, increasing your chances of attaining the most competitive positions.
Increasingly, potential employers are searching for pharmacy techs with additional expertise, so having such a vital certification as nonsterile compounding allows you to stand out from other candidates. Additionally, it can mean higher salaries.
Certification Requirements
To earn nonsterile compounding certification, you must first take an appropriate course, such as those offered by us (ACPE-Approved Nonsterile Compounding Certificate for Pharmacy Techs), the National Pharmacy Technician Association (NHA), the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), etc. These programs provide the knowledge you need to pass the respective exams.
To be eligible for certification, you must be a certified pharmacy technician and have completed the PTCB-Recognized Nonsterile Compounded Education/Training program. The application fee for the exam is $89.
To apply, you must log into your PTCB account and fill out the application. Provide all the required information and the requested paperwork to demonstrate that you’re eligible to sit for the exam. Once your application is approved, you’ll get an email that will guide you through how to register for an exam.
You’ll have the chance to choose the location where you’ll take the test, which will usually take place at one of the Pearson Professional Centers that offer online proctoring.
Where to Take Nonsterile Compounding Courses
There are many providers of nonsterile compounding courses, giving you the option of in-person or online classes. The right choice for you will depend on your preferences.
Hands-on training offers a significant number of benefits, including getting one-on-one assistance from educators. For many people, however, online nonsterile compounding certification programs are the most convenient option. These programs allow you to continue working without interruptions.
Something to remember is that to be eligible to receive these credentials, you must maintain active certification as a pharmacy tech. That means renewing your certification every two years. To do so, you’ll have to prove that you’ve taken 20 hours of continuing education.
As you prepare to receive further credentials, don’t forget to maintain the ones you have.
Preparing for the Certification Exam
The nonsterile compounding certification exam is computer-based and features 70 multiple-choice questions. You are allowed one hour and 20 minutes for the test, and there will be an additional 10 minutes of pre- and post-test activities.
Close to 30% of the exam will deal with standards, regulations, and guidelines, while the rest of it will address nonsterile compounding processes. Focusing on the latter as you study is important.
There are practice exams and study guides specifically created for this exam, and you can rely on them as you prepare. Choosing the right training program can make a difference in this respect because it will offer the materials you need to pass.
The best strategies as you prepare for this exam include taking numerous practice tests as well as focusing on what the majority of the questions will be about.
Maintaining Nonsterile Certification
To maintain your nonsterile compounding certification, you have to keep up with your certified pharmacy technician credentials. The nonsterile compounding credentials themselves don’t require renewal, but if you lose your other certification, it creates a problem.
To maintain your certified pharmacy technician credentials, you’ll have to take continuing education courses every two years. One hour must cover patient safety and another hour must cover laws and regulations.
There are nonsterile & sterile compounding courses that count towards your required CE hours if those topics interest you. We have compounding courses, including compounding for pediatric patients, compounding for topical prescriptions, and more.
Advance Your Career With RxCe’s Nonsterile Compounding Courses
We offer essential nonsterile compounding courses that can help you achieve your career goals without needing to spend a fortune. With our nonsterile compounding certificate program and dedication, you can get started on the path to having the pharmacy technician career you want. Contact us to see what we can offer.
