If you like to help people and have excellent organization and communication skills, and are detail oriented then pursuing a pharmacy technician career may be the path for you. This is also a great career for those who are considering becoming pharmacists as it can give you an idea of what to expect working in a pharmacy. The following information will you give you an idea of what pharmacy technicians do and what the pharmacy technician qualifications are.
Pharmacy technicians assist licensed pharmacists by dispensing prescribed medicine to patients or other health professionals. Pharmacy technicians can work part time or full time in pharmacies including those found in hospitals and retail stores. Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a pharmacist.
Pharmacy technicians take information from customers (patients or medical professionals) necessary to fill prescriptions, measure amounts of medication needed for prescriptions, package and label prescriptions, organize the pharmacy inventory, keep pharmacist informed of inventory levels, process payments for prescriptions, handle insurance claims, enter prescription information into pharmacy computer system, communicate with customers, and arrange for customers to speak with pharmacists when needed or requested by customer. Pharmacy technicians may also compound or mix prescriptions as well as operate automated dispensing equipment. All medications prepared by a pharmacy technician will be reviewed by the pharmacist prior to being given to the patient or medical professional.
Pharmacy technician qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent degree. Pharmacy technicians usually learn through on the job training. The extent and length of time required for training can vary depending on each employer’s requirements.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
There are also post-secondary programs that can last up to 1 year or more for pharmacy technology. These programs can include information on a wide range of subjects important to the pharmacy setting such as the math used in pharmacies, record keeping, the different ways of dispensing medications, pharmacy law and ethics. Pharmacy technicians would also learn the names, doses, and uses of the medication they would be working with. These programs may also include hands on experience, by allowing students to work in pharmacies while in the program. It’s important to look for accredited pharmacy technician programs. The American Society of Health System Pharmacy accredits pharmacy technician programs. These programs include at least 600 hours of instruction that are spread out over a minimum of fifteen weeks.
Most states regulate pharmacy technicians. To find out if your state has any regulations relating to pharmacy technicians, check your state’s Board of Pharmacy. For those states that do have regulations regarding pharmacy technicians, those regulations typically state that the pharmacy technician must have a high school diploma or GED, a criminal background check, formal education or formal training, certification exam, fees, and continuing education.
Some states require that pharmacy technicians be certified, as well as some employers. Although having certification may not be required in all states, it may make it easier to obtain a position as a pharmacy technician. Your employer may also pay to have you become certified. There are 2 organizations that offer certification, Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). PTCB certification requires a high school diploma or equivalent and the passing of an exam. For the NHA certification, applicants must be at least eighteen years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have either a minimum of 1 year of work experience or completed a training program. Pharmacy technicians must recertify every 2 years by completing twenty hours of continuing education.
After reading this information, you will have a better idea of what pharmacy technicians do and what is required to become one. Being a pharmacy technician can be a difficult but rewarding experience.
The post Pharmacy Technician Qualifications appeared first on Pharmacy Technician Resources.