The CVS pharmacy technician career can lead to working in various rewarding positions, like pharmacy assistant, certified pharmacy technician, and registered pharmacy technician.
This post provides detailed information on the CVS pharmacy technician career, including how to become one, the various career opportunities to explore, and the benefits of working as a pharmacy technician at CVS.
How to Become a CVS Pharmacy Technician
Applicants for pharmacy technician positions must be at least 16 years old.
Applicants with no prior experience should research state licensing requirements by visiting their state’s board of pharmacy website or speaking with the hiring manager.
Washington, D.C., Delaware, Colorado, New York, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin have no pharmacy technician license requirements.
Most other states require pharmacy technician registration and completion of a pharmacy technician training program or certification.
CVS Health, fortunately, offers a program that meets the requirements of an accredited pharmacy training program.
CVS Health pharmacy technician candidates must complete the company’s pharmacy training program, LearnRx.
This 120-day program teaches new pharmacy technicians customer service, pharmacy business, patient safety, pharmacy workflow, and inventory.
Participants in the LearnRx program will be supported by a strong support structure that includes the pharmacy manager, high-performing pharmacy technicians who also serve as coaches, and field colleague trainers.
CVS Pharmacy Technician Career Opportunities
There are different career opportunities a pharmacy technician that worked at CVS can explore:
Pharmacy Assistant/Associate
A pharmacy assistant is a certified pharmacy technician with a job description that includes assisting the pharmacist in providing pharmaceutical care to customers.
They also assist the pharmacist in preparing medications, distributing prescriptions, and keeping records.
2. CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician)
CPhT is a professional certification that is nationally recognized and awarded by AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association).
“Certified Pharmacy Technician” designates that the individual has met specific requirements to ensure competency in performing complex pharmacy functions and tasks.
3. RPhT (Registered Pharmacy Technician)
An RPhT is a registered pharmacy technician who is also a graduate of a nationally recognized official Board of Pharmacy school.
4. CMS (Certified Medical Scribe)
The CMS designation mirrors the CPhT by requiring graduates of official Board of Pharmacy schools to demonstrate superior competency through comprehensive training, testing, and assessment.
The CMS designates that the individual has met specific requirements to ensure competency in performing tasks related to the care and treatment of patients.
5. Certified Pharmacy Leadership – Advanced Practice (CPLA-AP)
The CPLA Advanced Practice certification designation is for a Certified Technician who has also demonstrated expertise in professional leadership skills.
Candidates must demonstrate that they can provide clinical direction and support to pharmacists and other members of the health care team.
More CVS Pharmacy Technician Career Opportunities
6. Pharmacy Supervisor
A pharmacy supervisor is a CVS Health employee who has completed a company-specific training program that prepares them to supervise other pharmacy personnel.
7. Pharmacy Manager
A pharmacy manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the pharmacy. With this position, the employee manages all aspects of the pharmacy, including staff members and inventory.
8. Pharmacist
A pharmacist is an expert in pharmacotherapy whose primary job is to dispense medication and advice patients on their use of medication.
9. VP of Pharmacy Operations
A VP of pharmacy operations is responsible for the overall performance of a CVS Pharmacy and usually oversees other pharmacy managers.
10. Director of Pharmacy Operations
A director of pharmacy operations oversees all aspects of the pharmacy operations and typically reports to a VP or other high-level manager at the organization.
This position is often held by someone with extensive experience in executive leadership, management, and/or healthcare.
Challenges faced by CVS Pharmacy Technician on the Job
There are challenges that CVS pharmacy technicians face on the job, these include:
Little/No Tools
It is very difficult for a pharmacy technician to perform their job without having the appropriate tools that are necessary to do the job.
2. Insufficient Resources
CVS technicians do not have enough tools and resources available.
They work in a fast paced setting with limited supplies, materials, and equipment regardless of whether they’re working high-security or “low risk”.
As such, CVS pharmacy technicians have to make sure that they have adequate supplies at all times and are organized so they can save any remaining portions of their inventory.
3. Overwhelming Workload
CVS pharmacy technicians are generally put under immense and overwhelming workload.
They have to work with different equipment that is inadequate for their performance in their jobs.
The equipment that they work with may not be the optimal items they need to perform their job as well as they should, which can lead to delays in patient care services.
Major Benefits of a CVS Pharmacy Technician Career
Some of the benefits of a CVS pharmacy technician career include:
Perks and Benefits
One of the benefits of having a CVS pharmacy technician job is the great perks and benefits that the organization offers.
These can include a variety of things, such as health insurance, 401K, and paid time off.
The amount offered varies from company to company, but the basic idea is that it’s worth getting a job at CVS.
2. Employee Management/Training Program(s)
CVS Health offers an extensive benefit program for their employees that has proven to be effective in helping them maintain strong productivity.
3. Advanced Computer Technology
CVS Health offers many opportunities for their store to get advanced computer technology.
Training is available on-site as well as online and on a regular basis so that every employee can participate in a variety of training opportunities.
These programs help new employees with the challenges that they will face once they begin their careers with CVS Health.
4. Health Insurance
CVS pharmacy technicians have access to affordable insurance for their families, which can be incredibly helpful.
They also have a variety of options that they can choose from depending on their specific needs.
More Benefits of a CVS Pharmacy Technician Career
5. Job Security and Rewards
The CVS pharmacy technician job is rewarding and offers job security. The job security offered by the company can make finding another job difficult in the case of an unexpected event at CVS Health, but this doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
6. Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
CVS pharmacy technicians also have access to a flexible spending account (FSA) that they can use to save money on medical expenses.
This is incredibly helpful for people who are working at CVS and want to be able to save some money on their medical expenses.
7. Community Partnerships/Community Service Groups
CVS pharmacy technicians can be part of the community in which they live by working with different community service groups, local groups, and schools.
CVS Health believes that these partnerships are beneficial because they help people to feel a sense of belonging.
These partnerships also lead to a greater awareness of different community events as well as an understanding of how drug abuse can affect someone and their family.
Conclusion
CVS Health is one of the largest organizations in the world and so it’s important for them to be sure that their workers, including pharmacy technicians have the necessary training and skills to perform their jobs.
In order to do this, they make use of education programs such as LearnRx.
This program is the best way for new pharmacy technicians to learn what it takes to have a successful career with CVS Health.
This post has helped in enhancing your knowledge of the CVS pharmacy technician career.
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