Certification-based healthcare training — like MedCerts’ Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT) program — can help you get portable, in-demand opportunities nationwide. This pharmacy credential has consistent demand and relatively short training. So, is ExCPT certification worth it for military spouses? Read on to find out.
1. Is ExCPT Certification Worth It?
Earning your ExCPT credentials can lead to many opportunities across community pharmacies and hospital settings. Wherever you work, you’ll find your skills in demand with a starting salary of about $31,000.
For many military spouses, ExCPT certification gives a portable entry into healthcare careers available nationwide, with marketable skills and clear entry-level pathways. Pharmacy technicians have a certification-based career with relatively short training timelines. At MedCerts, you could earn your credentials as an ExCPT pharmacy professional in as little as 16 weeks.
2. What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?
Pharmacy technicians work alongside licensed pharmacists and have many important tasks. Depending on the location, you might:
- Receive and fill prescriptions
- Prepare medications for prescriptions
- Input patient information and insurance data
- Maintain records and labeling
- Manage pharmacy inventory
- Communicate with patients and healthcare staff
Common work settings include:
- Retail pharmacies
- Mail-order pharmacies
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Hospitals
- Clinics
3. ExCPT Training Pathways
How you reach your ExCPT certification depends on your goals. At MedCerts, you can prepare for ExCPT certification through the following programs:
Pharmacy Technician Specialist (HI 2100)
Pharmacy Technician Specialist training prepares students for the ExCPT certification exam. You’ll focus on pharmacy technician principles and practices, medical terminology and human anatomy.
- ~16 weeks of online training
Medication Care Coordinator (HI 2000)
MedCerts’ Medication Care Coordinator program blends pharmacy technician training with medical administration. You’ll train to take the ExCPT and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exams.
- ~24 weeks of online training
Allied Healthcare Professional (HI 9000)
Allied Healthcare Professional training can give military spouses broad skill sets in medical administration, pharmacy technician and medical billing roles.
- ~33 weeks of online training
All of these MedCerts’ programs are approved for the Department of Defense’s My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program. With MyCAA funding, you could earn your ExCPT certification with low to zero out-of-pocket costs.
4. Why This Career Path Works Well for Military Spouses
Healthcare jobs are available nationwide, with pharmacy technicians found in communities both large and small. This means you’ll have a portable skill set that’s easier to continue after relocation. This career path is also in demand, with about a 6% job growth through 2034.
Certification-based careers like ExCPT have shorter training timeframes. So, you’ll gain faster entry into the workforce. An immediate benefit for military spouses is the opportunity for no-cost training. Military education funding like MyCAA could cover most or all of your ExCPT program cost.
Start Your ExCPT Training
Pharmacy technician training is a strong career move for military spouses. With MedCerts, you’ll be ready to jump into the local workforce wherever your PCS relocation takes you.
