Pharmacy technicians fill prescriptions and perform many other tasks, and it’s a great position for those who would like to work in a pharmacy setting, but do not wish to spend several years in school to become a pharmacist.
What are the Pharmacy Technician Requirements?
General Requirements
Some of the more basic requirements are:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- The ability to lift fifty pounds and reach overhead
- The ability to walk or stand for long periods of time
Background Check and Drug Screening
Pharmacy technicians work with a variety of medications including controlled substances. Therefore, most employers require a background check prior to employment. Those who have a gross misdemeanor or felony on their record may be banned from both a training program and employment.
A drug screening is also likely for all pharmacy technician applicants, and once hired, pharmacy technicians should expect to submit to random screenings.
Certification
This is only a requirement in sixteen states. Certification exams are administered by organizations such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians. Both offer computer-based examinations that are multiple-choice. Those who are ready to become certified must pre-register in order to take the exam.
Continuing Education
Certified pharmacy technicians will need to meet continuing education requirements in order to keep their certification current. Requirements vary by location and can be found on each state’s Board of Pharmacy website.
Training
All pharmacy technicians require training. Whether it takes place on-the-job or through an accredited training program depends on state law and some employers.
On-the-job Training
Pharmacy technicians who receive on-the-job training are usually taught how to assist customers, operate a cash register, process prescriptions, and perform basic clerical duties.
Pharmacy Technician Programs
Completing a program is relatively short at six to twenty-four months. Students can find programs at community colleges and vocational schools where they will take a variety of courses such as:
- Medical Terminology
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics
- Calculus
- Pharmacy Practice
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Chemistry
- Introduction to Psychology
- Dosage Calculation
- Drug Preparation
- Pharmacy Administration
- Medical Billing
- Recordkeeping
Required Job Duties
Pharmacy technicians who work in a retail pharmacy are responsible for many duties including:
- Filling prescriptions
- Labeling prescriptions
- Submitting insurance claims
- Answering telephones
- Stocking shelves
- Mixing compounds
- Ordering inventory
- Ensuring accuracy
- Taking payment from customers
- Pricing filled prescriptions
- Contacting physicians’ offices to ask questions about prescription requests
- Establishing and maintaining patient profiles
- Entering data into a computer
Miscellaneous Requirements
English Language – Pharmacy technicians must speak fluent English and have a good understanding of composition and grammar.
Mathematics – It’s very important for pharmacy technicians to have a good understanding of algebra, statistics, calculus, and geometry.
Customer Service – Pharmacy technicians need to have good customer service skills when helping customers from all walks of life as well as physicians and nurses.
Effective Problem Solving – They need to know when something is wrong or is about to go wrong, and know how to effectively solve the problem.
Good Vision – Pharmacy technicians need to see details at close range.
Attention to Detail – It’s essential that pharmacy technicians pay attention to detail, especially when filling prescriptions. Just a small mistake can cause a patient serious consequences.
Oral Comprehension – This is the ability to listen and understand ideas and information through spoken words and sentences. Pharmacy technicians need to have good or excellent oral communication skills to effectively follow verbal instructions from the pharmacist as well as nurses or physicians who call in a patient’s prescription.
Pharmacy technicians have one of the best jobs in healthcare. If you are considering entering this field, please contact us if you have any questions.
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