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Pharmacy Technician |
Career OverviewPharmacy technicians work under the supervision of registered pharmacists to help meet the operational responsibilities of pharmacies in a variety of areas.
Amongst the many duties assigned to pharmacy technicians are the tasks of filling out routine prescriptions and mixing preparations according to instructions given on prescriptions from doctors, dentists, nurses, and other licensed medical personnel.
They may fill out orders for non-prescription drugs as well, and they may deliver completed orders to patients who are immobile and require home delivery for whatever reason.
Pharmacy technicians may also be responsible for routine managerial jobs in the pharmacy, which may include the maintenance of stock. They may also review the display counters and maintain delivery records of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical items.
To perform even the most routine tasks, pharmacy technicians must have at least some basic knowledge of drugs and how they need to be stored to remain viable. Technicians may also be responsible for calculating the cost of prescription medication, so some knowledge of insurance and its application is also necessary.
In hospitals and other health care facilities, pharmacy technicians generally work a 40-hour week, perhaps assisting at other medical personnel to meet the needs of patients requiring medication. In general, pharmacy technicians are also required to have quite flexible schedules and be able to work some nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
The work of a pharmacy technician can be demanding but it is also very rewarding for people who are enthusiastic about helping and improving the lives of others.
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Career RequirementsPharmacist technicians must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some sales experience or general experience working with people is desirable but not a requirement.
Some training courses are available to pharmacy technicians, typically through community colleges. Those who graduate from such training courses increase their employability as pharmacy technicians but the qualification is optional and not required in the field.
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Job OutlookThe demand for pharmacist technicians is expected to increase over the next decade provided that the overall status of the economy remains generally viable. The job outlook is, however, quite positive because the elderly population of the United States, one of the fastest-growing population segments, is also one of the largest consumers of pharmaceuticals.
All things considered, pharmacist technicians can expect to find employment in local pharmacies, hospitals, and consumer pharmaceutical manufacturers. Most jobs can be found through the classified sections of local and national newspapers and job sites online, however, most authorities in the industry suggest making direct inquiries to hospital directors and human resource managers to learn more about job opportunities for pharmacist technicians.
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Career TrackPharmacy technicians are general assistants to pharmacists who may have some training to assist pharmacists with specialist tasks, such as preparing prescriptions.
Some professional experience as a pharmacy technician may prepare a candidate for a career as a pharmacist, if they have the interest to acquire additional training. Otherwise, the career track for pharmacist technicians may include promotion to supervisory positions or transfer to a larger institution.
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CompensationThe typical salary for a pharmacy technician is between $20,000 and $30,000 per year, depending on experience and training. Pharmacy technicians may find employment at local pharmacies, in hospitals, in clinics, in extended-care facilities, and in pharmaceutical laboratories.
As the job does not require training or certification, most new entry positions are filled quickly. Although job growth is reasonable, the best opportunities are available for those with advanced training.
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