Pharmacy Technician Career

As more and more new medicines are developed, the pharmaceutical sector continues to grow. Along with this growth comes the need for qualified pharmacy technicians. The job is a rewarding one, and the salary that can be earned makes this employment opportunity very desirable.

What is a Pharmacy Technician?

Many people have the opinion that a pharmacy technician career only deals with filling prescriptions. In actuality, it is much more than simply counting out medications. An experienced pharmacy technician also has the responsibility of maintaining the records of the patients who get their prescriptions filled where he or she is employed. Many times, the patient has questions about their medication or condition and look to the pharmacy technician for advice.

Pharmacy Technician Job Duties

The pharmacy technician not only assists the pharmacist, but also the patient. Prescriptions are now being sent electronically, and it is the job of the pharmacist technician to see that the information for each patient is correct and up to date. The prescriptions must be filled accurately according to the physician’s instructions. A pharmacist technician must always be up to date on medical information pertaining to the drugs that are dispersed, and this includes all new medicines that have been released. It is vital that attention to detail be maintained at all times.

Pharmacy Technician Skills

Anyone considering a pharmacy technician career must have excellent “people skills” because this is the primary focus of the job. Dealing with people who are sick, worried, and unsure about the medications they are prescribed is part and parcel of the daily duties. A dedicated pharmacist technician will be willing and able to answer questions, and offer sound advice when the situation warrants. Being able to focus on the task at hand without being distracted is also essential in this job.

Pharmacy Technician Education

At one time it was common to receive on the job training to become a pharmacist technician. Although it is not usually required to have certification in most states, certain employers give preference to an applicant who is certified. This can be obtained at a technical school or a community college, and even online. To become certified, a student must pass an exam either by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians.

Pharmacy Technician Salary

The salary for someone in a pharmacy technician career will vary from place to place. The level of experience along with the location of employment will also be a deciding factor in the amount of money that will be earned. For a pharmacy technician just starting out, he or she can expect to earn in the range of $20,000 to $30,000 annually. For those with a few years experience average yearly income may be in the area of $35,000 to $40,000.

Pharmacist Technician Job Outlook

Due to the fact that people have a longer life expectancy than before, and the influx of new medicines to the market, the outlook for pharmacist technician positions around the country is excellent. Since there are often 3 or 4 technicians assisting a pharmacist at one time, job prospects are very good in this particular field. An occupation as a pharmacist technician is a guarantee of continued employment opportunities.

A career in the pharmacy technician field can be exciting and rewarding for someone who enjoys interacting with people on a regular basis. The duties are challenging, the pace is fast, and the workplace environment is often appealing when compared to other medical or retail sectors.