Pharmacy Technician Certification
To be able to work in a pharmacy as a technician you must be certified, this make sure that critical and dangerous medicine are dispensed properly and with care. Pharmacy technicians work under the guidance of a licensed pharmacist. Once a pharmacy technician has proven their skills and training are complete they then are tested, and if they pass the test, they are granted a certification.
What does a Pharmacy Technician do?
Pharmacy technicians will typically work under the guidance of a licensed pharmacist. They perform tasks that are delegated by the pharmacist in many ways. They make sure that all regulations and rules are followed dispensing of medications. They receive written and electronic prescriptions from doctors offices and process these requests, sometimes these requests may be phoned in as well. Pharmacy technician then we’ll make sure that the patient’s records are updated then they will retrieve the medicine. Once the medicine is retrieved a technician may be required to count pills, dispense liquid or powder and package it according to the doctors instructions. Once a prescription has been filled a technician usually has it checked by the pharmacist, the pharmacist is responsible for all medicine that are dispensed in his pharmacy. Once the prescription is finished a technician may be required to call the patient and let them know that prescription is ready. Insurance paperwork and notifications to and from doctors may also be part of the pharmacy technicians responsibilities. Standing on your feet for long periods of time is required to be a pharmacy technician, long hours may also be required for this great job.
How much money can you make?
Pharmacy technicians can make between $9 and $13 an hour. Over time can be common in a busy pharmacy. Most pharmacy technicians go back to school and become a full-blown pharmacist, once they achieve this highly skilled position they can make 4 to 5 times what they made as a technician.
Where can I get trained?
Most pharmacy technician training programs can last from six months to two years. There are no specific time requirements to be a pharmacy technician, however, being certified will greatly increase your chances of being hired as well as possible increase your salary. Check with your local medical school, community college, or technical school for more information.
Pharmacy technician job outlook?
The job outlook for top pharmacy technicians is pretty good at this time. The medical field and industry has been growing for the past 20 years. As our senior citizens live longer and longer, more medical professionals will be required. With more medical facilities and a growing population pharmacy technicians will always be in demand, and being certified will ensure you always have a job.