5 Ways To Become Air Force Pharmacy Technician

Joining the military can be a rewarding and challenging career path, and for those interested in healthcare, becoming an Air Force pharmacy technician can be a great way to serve while utilizing your skills in a medical setting. Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare system, assisting pharmacists with dispensing medication, managing inventory, and providing patient care. Here, we will outline the steps to become an Air Force pharmacy technician.

What is an Air Force Pharmacy Technician?

An Air Force pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional who assists pharmacists in a military setting. Their primary responsibilities include preparing and dispensing medications, maintaining patient records, and performing administrative tasks. Air Force pharmacy technicians work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies on military bases.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

To become an Air Force pharmacy technician, you must meet the basic requirements, which include:

• Being a U.S. citizen
• Being between the ages of 17 and 39
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent
• Passing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
• Meeting the physical fitness standards
• Passing a background check

Education and Training

While a college degree is not required, having a certificate or associate's degree in pharmacy technology can be beneficial. The Air Force also provides on-the-job training and certification programs for pharmacy technicians.

Step 2: Enlist in the Air Force

To become an Air Force pharmacy technician, you must enlist in the Air Force. You can do this by visiting a local recruiter or applying online. Once you have enlisted, you will attend Basic Military Training (BMT) and then be assigned to a specific career field, in this case, pharmacy technician.

Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC)

The AFSC for pharmacy technician is 4A1X1. This code is used to identify your job specialty and is important for career advancement and training.

Step 3: Attend Pharmacy Technician Training

After enlisting and completing BMT, you will attend pharmacy technician training at the Air Force Medical Service's Pharmacy Technician School. This training program is designed to teach you the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful pharmacy technician.

Training Topics

Some of the topics covered in pharmacy technician training include:

• Pharmacy operations and procedures
• Medication preparation and dispensing
• Patient care and communication
• Inventory management and control
• Sterile and non-sterile compounding

Step 4: Obtain Certification

While certification is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. The Air Force recognizes the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

Certification Benefits

Obtaining certification can provide several benefits, including:

• Increased job prospects
• Higher salary potential
• Professional development and growth
• Enhanced patient care and safety

Step 5: Advance Your Career

Once you have gained experience and obtained certification, you can advance your career by taking on leadership roles, specializing in a particular area of pharmacy, or pursuing further education.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Some career advancement opportunities for Air Force pharmacy technicians include:

• Senior pharmacy technician
• Pharmacy operations manager
• Clinical pharmacy specialist
• Pharmacy instructor

Air Force Pharmacy Technician Image Gallery

If you are interested in a career in healthcare and want to serve your country, becoming an Air Force pharmacy technician may be the perfect opportunity for you. By following these steps, you can start your journey to a rewarding and challenging career as an Air Force pharmacy technician.