What Is A Registered Pharmacy Technician?
Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists and assist in dispensing prescription medication. They often interact with customers or other health professionals to obtain all the necessary information needed to fill a prescription. This may include entering information into a computer system. In most states, they measure amounts of medication and package and label the prescriptions. Pharmacists must review prescriptions before they are given to patients.
Pharmacy technicians also accept payment from customers and process insurance claims. They may be responsible for answering customer phone calls or arranging for customers to speak with pharmacists if there are questions about medications or health matters. Pharmacy technicians are also often responsible for organizing inventory and alerting pharmacists to any shortages of medications or supplies.
A pharmacy technician is generally employed either in retail pharmacies or hospitals. Technicians working in hospitals and other medical facilities may have an opportunity to prepare a greater variety of medications, including intravenous medications and they may even administer medication to patients.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an annual median wage for pharmacy technicians of $29,320 in May 2012 (the median wage is the wage at which half the workers make more than that amount and half make less) and an annual salary range from $20,580 to $42,400.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is forecasting above average job growth for pharmacy technicians nationwide from 2012 to 2022. With an aging population, higher rates of chronic diseases, advances in pharmaceutical research, and an increase in the number of individuals with health insurance, a higher number of pharmacy technicians will be required.
To become a pharmacy technician, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Additional training is either provided through on-the-job training or a post-secondary education program. On-the-job training varies by employer requirements. Community colleges or vocational schools usually offer one year or less certificate programs in pharmacy technology, although some programs can lead to an associate’s degree. Subjects include record keeping, dispensing medications, pharmacy law and ethics, names, uses, and doses of medications, as well as hands-on experience. Look for a program that is accredited through the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP). The ASHP has accredited over 200 programs including a few in retail drugstore chains.
Most states regulate pharmacy technicians by requiring a certification. In states where certification is not required by the state, it is often required by employers. To become a registered pharmacy technician, you must have the required education, pass an exam, and pay a fee. In addition, each registered pharmacy technician must complete a set number of continuing education hours and pay a renewal fee to remain certified. There are two organizations that offer certification: the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the National Healthcare Association. Each state’s particular requirements can be found by checking with the state’s Board of Pharmacy.
Most registered pharmacy technicians work full-time. The job often requires night, weekend, and holiday work schedules because pharmacies are often open at all hours. It is important to have good customer service skills, good math skills, and good organizational skills to be a pharmacy technician.
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