Posts Tagged ‘pharmacy technician’

How To Get A Good Job As A Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technicians enjoy serving the public and working as part of a team. They are articulate individuals have good communication skills, are well organized and responsible. They must be attentive to details and able to follow instructions.

Pharmacy Technicians handle drugs that must be properly labeled and properly administered. They receive information from doctors and customers, check that the information is correct, count and package pills and attach labels. After a pharmacist has checked the prescription for accuracy, the Technician delivers it to the customer or sorts it for later pick-up or delivery. Technicians also deal with the delivery and storage of stock, keep patient records and do other general duties in the pharmacy.

Although some Pharmacy Technicians still receive only on-the-job training, modern pharmacies now give preference to those with formal training.

If you think you would like a career as a Pharmacy Technician and are still in High School, take all the science courses you can, as well as mathematics, and English. Computer skills are a must. Volunteer experience in a Pharmacy, Hospital, Senior’s Home, or similar institution, would be a great asset when seeking employment.

Formal training for Pharmacy Technicians is available in Community Colleges, Technical Colleges, some hospitals, and in the U.S. Military. Formal training covers such subjects as terminology, pharmacy law, ethics, techniques, record keeping, and general pharmacy management.  Programs should have both academic and practical applications. Some courses give the opportunity for experience in an actual pharmacy.

Graduates from formal training courses will receive either a certificate or Associate’s degree depending on the length and complexity of the program taken. After graduation, Technicians may take a Certification Exam. This is not required but is desirable as it is a further testament to the level of your knowledge and skill. Some employers require the certification exam be taken as a condition of employment. Always get the best education you can afford as the better trained you are the more in demand your services will be.  You may wish to speak to your local Pharmacist for advice on the best training options in your area.

Pharmacy Technicians work in clean well-lit surroundings. They may work in independent pharmacies, chain stores, department stores or grocery stores, internet pharmacies, doctors’ offices or hospitals. For those who enjoy working with and for the public, a career as a Pharmacy Technician is an excellent choice.