Working As A Pharmacy Technician

By Susan Bean


Jobs Vacancy, Job vacancies, Employment

Pharmacy technician opportunities are expected to be very good in the future. These jobs involve assisting a licensed pharmacist. The duties can vary from one setting to another. Here is information on this opportunity.

What it involves

As a technician or tech, you assist a pharmacist in preparing prescription medications. You are required to do other things too. In smaller settings you may be required to perform clerical work. You might also operate the cash register and stock the shelves. You can find yourself performing a wide variety of duties.

You may take prescription requests. Some will come by mail and some will arrive electronically. You could also take the request over the phone. As a technician, you might prepare the prescription. This includes counting pills or measuring liquid. In the case of compounded prescriptions, you may need to mix some ingredients. When finished, you will apply the label. The prescription must then be priced and the information filed. This all must be thoroughly checked by the pharmacist.

You could be keeping track of all the patient profiles. If insurance claims need to be filed, this may also be your responsibility. However, it is important to remember that you cannot counsel patients on their medications. This must be done by a licensed pharmacist.

If you work in a hospital environment, your duties may be different. This is the same for nursing care facilities. You may need to see that certain medications are delivered to nurses for dispensing. There can be many single dose preparations to take care of.

You will want to wear good sturdy shoes. Much of your time will spent on your feet. There may be some lifting and climbing step ladders also.

Training

You may only need a high school diploma, as there is no standard requirement for the job. It is possible to receive on the job training. However, it may be easier to find employment if you take formal training. Local community colleges and hospitals may offer programs. There may also be some programs in vocational training. It is possible to receive a two year degree. It is also possible to take training that lasts for only six months.

Summary

You may be able to find work as a technician that assists a pharmacist. The job may involve taking care of prescriptions. You may be required to stock shelves and take care of other matters. If you work in a hospital, the job may be somewhat different. Training can last from six months to two years. You can also receive on the job training as a pharmacy technician.