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.

Collect pertinent client information.
Measure amounts of medication.
Package and label prescriptions.
Organize inventory and alert to shortages.
Accept payment and process insurance claims.
Answer phone calls from customers.
Arrange for consultation with a pharmacist.

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.

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.

The pharmacology course provides an introduction to the study of drugs and their effects on the human body. Students learn about drug classifications, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, side effects, and interactions. Understanding pharmacology is essential for pharmacy technicians to assist pharmacists in dispensing medications safely and accurately.

Pharmacy Operations and Management covers the practical aspects of pharmacy practice, including inventory management, prescription processing, medication dispensing, compounding techniques, and pharmacy workflow. Students learn about pharmaceutical calculations, prescription labeling, drug storage requirements, and medication safety protocols. Pharmacy technicians need a solid understanding of legal and ethical issues to ensure compliance with regulations and maintain patient trust.

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.

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.

Fluid and Electrolytes

-Fluid and electrolyte normal values range balance
-Signs and symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalances
-Causes of fluid and electrolyte imbalances
-Fluid and electrolytes mnemonics (memorization tricks)
-Includes all 6 fluid and electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, sodium, and chloride)

Medication Labels

Nurse Sarah explains how to read a medication label by giving some examples of different types of labels you might encounter as a nurse or nursing student. Brand name medications vs generic names, Medication administration, Dosage strength, Medication lot number, NDC number.

Blood Sugar (Glucose) Level

Checking blood sugar (glucose) using a glucometer device (glucose meter). Learn how to use true result blood glucose meter by taking your blood glucose. As a new diabetic or nursing student,you must learn the skill of using a lancet to obtain a blood sugar.

Pharmacy Tech Curriculum

Pharmacy Technology

Role of a Pharmacy Technician: Responsibilities and scope of practice.
History of Pharmacy: Evolution and significance of pharmacy practice.
Pharmacy Settings: Overview of different pharmacy environments (retail, hospital, etc.).
Medical Terminology: Basics of medical terms and abbreviations used in pharmacy.
Legal and Ethical Considerations: Understanding legal and ethical aspects of pharmacy practice.

Pharmacology

Drug Classification and Actions: Overview of drug categories and their effects.
Pharmaceutical Formulations: Types of medications and dosage forms.
Drug Interactions and Side Effects: Understanding interactions and adverse effects.
Dosage Calculations: Techniques for calculating dosages and preparing medications.
Prescription Processing: Handling and processing prescriptions accurately.

Operations

Medication Dispensing: Procedures for dispensing medications to patients.
Inventory Management: Techniques for managing pharmacy inventory.
Compounding Medications: Principles and practices of preparing compounded medications.
Labeling and Packaging: Proper labeling and packaging of medications.
Quality Assurance: Ensuring accuracy and safety in pharmacy operations.

Pharmacy Regulations

Federal and State Regulations: Understanding laws governing pharmacy practice.
Controlled Substances: Handling and dispensing controlled substances.
HIPAA and Patient Privacy: Compliance with healthcare privacy laws.
Ethical Standards: Upholding ethical standards in pharmacy practice.
Professional Standards: Codes of conduct and professional responsibilities.

Patient Communication

Customer Service Skills: Techniques for providing excellent customer service.
Patient Counseling: Providing medication information and counseling to patients.
Health Promotion: Educating patients on wellness and disease prevention.
Adverse Reaction Management: Recognizing and managing adverse drug reactions.
Collaborative Care: Working with healthcare providers to ensure patient safety.

Clinical Practicum

Externship or Practicum: Hands-on experience in a pharmacy setting.
Skills Development: Practicing pharmacy technician skills under supervision.
Case Studies: Analyzing real-world pharmacy cases and scenarios.
Simulation Exercises: Simulating pharmacy operations and scenarios.
Research in Pharmacy: Conducting research projects related to pharmacy practice.

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.

Qualities for Success

Serious health problems can result from mistakes in filling prescriptions. Although the pharmacist is responsible for ensuring the safety of all medications dispensed, pharmacy technicians should pay attention to detail so that complications are avoided.

Pharmacy technicians must communicate clearly with pharmacists and doctors when taking prescription orders. Candidates need to have an understanding of the math used in pharmacies when compounding medications.

Working as a pharmacy technician involves balancing a variety of responsibilities. Pharmacy technicians need good organizational skills to complete the work delegated by pharmacists while at the same time providing service to customers or patients.

When speaking with customers, technicians must listen carefully to understand customers' needs and determine if they need to speak with a pharmacist.