If you are looking to enter the medical field without spending a fortune on expensive post-secondary institutions for extended periods of time, you may consider employment opportunities as a pharmacy technician. As a pharmacy technician, the amount of required formal training is much less than for a licensed pharmacist, but the salary is also substantially lower. However, many people use the job of a pharmacy technician as a stepping stone for furthering their education and getting their foot in the door of the medical institution.
What is a Pharmacy Technician?
Pharmacy technicians work directly under licensed pharmacists, generally in a less-stressful environment with less responsibilities unless at large hospital settings. A pharmacy technician may work directly with filling prescriptions, may contact patients for drug counseling, or be responsible for directly handling medications, to name a few duties. Essentially, a pharmacy technician is the nursing position of the pharmaceutical industry.
What are the Educational Requirements?
Although it is not necessary to obtain formal pharmacy training, that would only serve to facilitate the job-seeking process. In most states, it is sufficient to complete a several months of training—generally in collaboration with a licensed pharmacist—and to obtain certification through PTCB or ExCPT. These can often be garnered at local technical schools for a nominal fee. Occasionally a technician may be required to continue their education in order to maintain this certification, and once certification has been obtained, registration with the State Board of Pharmacy is also required.
Where do Pharmacy Technicians generally work?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of pharmacy technicians (about 75%) work in general retail settings, such as private clinics, local or chain drugstores, or online pharmacy businesses. The remainder work in hospitals, nursing homes, or for the Federal Government.
How much can a Pharmacy Technician expect to make?
Generally, a full-time pharmacy technician can expect to make roughly $28,000 annually. However, as demand increases, so will the average yearly income; furthermore, the size of the organization will also have a direct impact on pharmacy technicians salary.
What are the duties expected of a Pharmacy Technician?
Normally, the responsibilities for a pharmacy technician include:
•Receiving, checking, and processing patients’ order for refilling prescriptions to insure accuracy and to minimalize abuse—both accidental or purposeful
•Preparing the medication for the prescription by directly handling the drugs and making sure they are accurately counted, weighed, and mixed.
•Working directly with customers for pricing and billing details, especially in a retail setting
•Further counseling with the patients to make sure they are properly taking their medications
