Pharmacy technician schools provide students with the opportunity to launch an exciting career, in a growing field. Most techs work in retail settings, although a significant number work in hospitals. Job growth is expected to be dramatic, especially for those who complete training programs, and gain certification.
Pharmacy technicians perform a wide variety of responsibilities. A tech processes prescriptions that are presented in writing, electronically, or, in some states, over the phone. Then, a tech fills the prescription, both preparing and labeling the container. Techs may also file and price prescriptions, keep patient records, and file insurance claims. In addition, many techs handle administrative duties, such as answering the telephone, operating the cash register, and stocking shelves.
Techs who work in a home health environment have added responsibilities. For instance, techs may prepare sterile solutions, deliver medications, and maintain dispensing records in a patient’s profile. Before a tech gives a prescription to a patient, a pharmacist must double-check the prescription. In addition, techs refer all questions about prescriptions, health concerns, or drug information to pharmacists.
Seventy-five percent of pharmacy techs work in a retail setting. Therefore, many techs work evening and weekend hours, and many techs also work during holidays. Customer service skills, as well as good communications skills, are important, because techs will interact with health care professionals, customers, and co-workers.
Employment in the profession is expected to grow much faster than average, over the next decade. The aging of the population means that a higher percentage of the population will be using prescription drugs. Also, as new drugs are constantly developing, and more people obtain prescription drug coverage, more techs will be needed, to meet demand. Also, many insurers are beginning to use pharmacies as patient care centers. Therefore, pharmacists will take on more of a patient care role, expanding the role of the technician in preparing prescriptions.
The field has no set education requirements. However, many training programs are offered through vocational schools, community colleges, hospitals, and military branches. Programs may last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the location of the training program. Students should expect both classes, like pharmaceutical technology, pharmaceutical law, and ethics, as well as lab work. Most employers require techs to have completed a high school diploma or GED.
Certification gives techs an edge in the job market. Many states and employers require certification; in fact, some employers will reimburse techs for the cost of the exams. To be eligible for exams, students must have a high school diploma, and must have no felony convictions of any kind. Also, to become certified, techs may have no drug-related misdemeanors. Techs may be recertified every two years, after completing continuing education.
Advancement in the field may be limited. However, some techs are promoted into supervisory positions, and others acquire specialty positions, such as nuclear medicine technician, or chemotherapy technician. With a substantial amount of training and experience, many techs become pharmacists in their own right. To get started in a new and rewarding career, students should find out more about pharmacy technician schools today.