How to Start a Career As a Pharmacy Technician

By Keith B. Nelson

Pharmacy Technician is a solid career choice. Health-care jobs are predicted to steadily grow over the next decade. In fact, labor and industry forecasters all seem to agree that most health-care job numbers will keep increasing over the next decade. The aging baby-boomer population reaching their golden years is a major indicator of health-care’s upcoming growth. And, pharmacy is tied into health-care at nearly every level, which means that being a pharmacy technician should prove the be a stable career path over both the short and long-term.

What Do Pharmacy Techs do? Pharmacy Technicians have a wide range of duties since they work in a variety of venues. The majority of techs work in retail stores. Other environments include Hospitals, Long-Term Care facilities, Mail-Order pharmacies and Military bases. Insurance companies also hire experienced pharmacy techs to audit paperwork and adjust claims. Most pharmacy technicians work directly with customers / patients under the direction of a pharmacist. They may perform many of the same duties as a Pharmacist and must have a good working knowledge of the pharmacy operations. Besides counting out tablets and ringing up orders, pharmacy technicians also decode prescriptions, enter data into computers, create labels, make and receive phone calls, rotate stock as well as countless other duties.

Pharmacy Technicians do much of the work in a pharmacy, but they can’t do everything. They may not answer questions about medications or give any advice whatsoever. They can tell a customer where to find “over-the-counter” products and even read the words from the packaging. However, they can never personally advise anyone to use any type of drug product. Overall, a pharmacy technician’s main goal is to assist the pharmacist in helping patients and customers. They are expected to be attentive and accurate, but also friendly and knowledgeable.

Interested in training as a Pharmacy Technician? Register today at Boston Reed College.  For more information attend an online information session or call us at 800-201-1141 x 0 and ask for an Admissions Consultant.

Become a Pharmacy Technician – Get the Success You Deserve

Have you considered a career as a pharmacy technician? Well, this is your chance to make your dream career a reality. Through this guide, you will be introduced to different aspects of this career, starting with  your duties and completing with required  certifications.

The Duties Expected from You

You will perform most of the duties a pharmacist does except for counseling patients and checking a filled prescription before the patient takes it home. This means that you will be in charge of providing medicines and health care products, preparing prescribed medications, verifying prescriptions, and maintaining patient records.

Training Requirements

In most cases, an aspiring pharmacy technician should look to receive formal training from a vocational school. In some states it is required to  have school-based training and certifications. This is why many community colleges, technical colleges and hospitals offer certificates, diplomas and associate degree programs for those interested in this career.

Certifications That Can Boost Your Career

The pharmaceutical industry is always looking to offer better medicines and advancements in technology, which is why skilled professionals are valuable to the the employer. Having a certification in this career proves that you comply with the industry’s standards and comprehend your line of work.

Many states require registration or certification. The most common certification is offered through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board ( PTCB). This nationally recognized certification is achieved by successfully passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE).  This credential indicates that you have an acceptable standard of pharmaceutical knowledge. Plus, because you have to re-certify every two years, you will have to complete a specific number of training hours. Thus, you will always know about the latest developments and additions to the industry.

Important Skills

During your training and certification, you should make sure that you acquire the following skills to guarantee a long lasting, successful career:

• Working with Details – Because you will have to mix, count and handle medicines, you need to remain accurate at all times.
• Customer Skills – A pharmacy technician spends a lot of time around customers, which is why communication skills are a must in this career.
• Math and Computer Skills –Mathematics is important because you will have to count, weigh and mix different medications. As for computer skills, you will need those to enter patients’ information, print labels and interact with customers and suppliers.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

Studies indicate that the pharmaceutical industry is booming, which is why a growth of 31% is expected in this line of work. On an average, you should expect $31,000 for your salary. However, a pharmacy technician is usually paid based on his/her level of experience, the certifications he/she has and workplace.

Working as a Pharmacy Technician is a rewarding & interesting career. So enroll yourself in a training program today  and get ready to start your career. Call Boston Reed College at 800-201-1141 x0 and ask for an Admission’s Consultant today!