Pharmacy Technician Roles in the Military

I've been considering becoming a pharmacy technician within the military. What would be the process to secure a pharmacy tech job on a military base? Is prior military experience necessary or can civilians apply?

Sure, I'd be glad to help you understand the process of becoming a pharmacy technician within the military. Below, I'll provide a general process as it can vary slightly based on the branch of the military.

1. Complete the Required Training: In most cases, you will need to have completed a pharmacy technician training program to qualify. The military also has specific schools for health careers where you could get your pharmacy technician license.

2. Military Enlistment: After attaining your certification, enlistment in the military is the next step as most jobs within the U.S military bases require you to be an active service member. During this process, individuals will need to complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The required scores for becoming a pharmacy tech vary amongst the different branches of military.

3. Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): Once in the military, a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) code will be assigned to you by the military which defines the specific job you will do. For pharmacy tech, each branch of the military has its own MOS code. Be sure to express your interest in pharmacy technician roles during your enlistment process.

4. Advanced Individual Training (AIT): After completing Basic Combat Training (BCT), you will proceed to Advanced Individual Training where you’ll learn the specifics of your job including medical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, record keeping, and pharmaceutical techniques.

Regarding your second question, military bases do allow civilians to apply for various roles, including pharmacy tech positions, depending on the needs of the base. Civilian opportunities would more likely present themselves after some time as they are typically not entry-level positions. These roles would still require the necessary certification and possibly additional requirements such as years of experience or additional education.

So if your ultimate goal is to be a military pharmacy technician, enlisting and going through the military training process is the most direct route. While it's not impossible to secure such assignments as a civilian, those opportunities may not be as prevalent.

It's also important to note that this type of career path requires a commitment to serve in the military, which goes beyond being a regular employee, as you're also committing to the responsibilities and duties of a service member. Hence, prior to deciding on this career path, consider what life in the military would mean for you. Research the lifestyle, talk to veterans or active-duty members, and even consider speaking with a recruiter to get an understanding of what you can expect. After evaluating all these factors, you'll be more equipped to make an informed decision about pursuing a pharmacy tech job within the military.