PHARMACY TECH
Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of licensed pharmacist, who must review prescriptions before they are given to patients. Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals. In most states, technicians can compound or mix some medications and call physicians for prescription refill authorizations.
Technicians also may need to operate automated dispensing equipment when filling prescription orders. Pharmacy technicians working in hospitals and other medical facilities prepare a greater variety of medications, such as intravenous medications. They may make rounds in the hospital, giving medications to patients.
- Collect information needed to fill a prescription from customers or health professionals.
- Measure amounts of medication for prescriptions.
- Package and label prescriptions.
- Organize inventory and alert pharmacists to any shortages of medications or supplies.
- Accept payment for prescriptions and process insurance claims.
- Enter customer or patient information, including any prescriptions taken, into a computer system.
- Answer phone calls from customers.
- Arrange for customers to speak with pharmacists if customers have questions about medications or health matters.
EDUCATION
Most pharmacy techs enter the occupation after completing postsecondary education programs in pharmacy technology. These programs are usually offered by vocational schools or community colleges, and award a certificate after 1 year or less, although some programs last longer and lead to an associate's degree. They cover a variety of subjects, such as arithmetic used in pharmacies, recordkeeping, ways of dispensing medications, and pharmacy law and medical ethics. Technicians also learn the names, uses, and doses of medications.
Programs also include clinical experience opportunities, in which students gain hands-on experience in a pharmacy. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) accredits pharmacy technician programs that include at least 600 hours of instruction over a minimum of 15 weeks. In 2017, there were 309 fully accredited programs, including a few in retail drugstore chains.
CERTIFICATION
Some states and employers require pharmacy technicians to be certified. Even where it is not required, certification may make it easier to get a job. Moreover, many hospitals and private employers will pay for their employees to take the state certification exam. Most states regulate pharmacy technicians in some way. Consult the state board of pharmacy in the state you will be working in for particular regulations and certification requirements.
Two organizations offer certification. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification requires a high school diploma and the passing of an exam. Applicants for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and have completed a training program or have 1 year of work experience. Technicians must recertify every 2 years by completing 20 hours of continuing education courses.
QUALITIES FOR SUCCESS
Ask yourself if you can see yourself working in a pharmacy, having daily contact with patients who may be elderly or ill. Other patients may have physical or emotional disabilities, which can be challenging. Pharmacists and techs must relate well with other people. While classes and internships will prepare you well, certain innate qualities that you bring to bear will help you succeed.
Pharmacology
Pharmacology study tips for nursing students and medical students: This video discusses how to study for pharmacology in nursing school and gives study strategy tips and tricks on how to pass pharmacology.
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