Do you depend on the hard work and dedication of pharmacy technicians? If you’re a pharmacy owner or manager, I bet you do.
They’re invaluable members of any pharmacy team.
You need techs if you are to keep things running in the pharmacy. They also make sure that you always have the right medication ready for your patients.
What do pharmacy techs do, though? Do they deserve your admiration and praise?
Keep reading to learn more about what pharmacy technicians do every day. You might even decide to pursue this rewarding career.
What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?
So what do pharmacy techs do? A pharmacy technician works under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Their responsibility is to help with the daily operations of a pharmacy.
Pharmacy technicians have completed a formal education and training program. For them to practice in the field, they must first get registered with the state Board of Pharmacy.
Their tasks include receiving and processing prescription orders and packaging and labeling medications. They are also responsible for keeping track of inventory.
Additionally, pharmacy techs assist customers with questions about their medications. They then help resolve any issues that may arise. In some states, only authorized pharmacy technicians can administer immunizations.
How Do You Become a Pharmacy Technician?
To become a pharmacy technician, one must first need a high school diploma or equal. After this, one must then complete an accredited pharmacy technician program.
These programs last around two years. These include both classroom and clinical instruction.
Upon completion, one must then pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. This is a necessary step for those that want to receive certification.
After doing these steps, one is then eligible to apply for a pharmacy technician position.
The Skills You Need to Succeed as a Pharmacy Tech
As a pharmacy technician, you will need to have excellent customer service skills. This is because you will be the face of the pharmacy.
Your responsibility is to communicate with customers and answer their questions. You must be capable of doing this in a professional and friendly manner.
You will also need to have good organizational skills. Pharmacy technicians must be able to keep track of inventory and fill prescriptions. On top of this, they must maintain accurate patient records.
Strong math skills are also a necessity. Pharmacy technicians must be able to calculate dosages and measure out medication.
Finally, you must be detail-oriented and have a strong focus on quality control. Having these qualities is important since errors can have serious consequences.
With these skills, you will be able to succeed as a pharmacy technician. In the process, you’ll be able to make a positive impact on the lives of your patients.
Where Do Pharmacy Techs Work?
Pharmacy technicians can work in a variety of settings. They can work in hospitals, clinics, retail pharmacies, and even home healthcare. As long as there is a licensed pharmacist on-site, technicians can their services.
Many technicians choose to specialize in a particular area. Examples are the long-term care or compounding areas. They often do this to increase their job satisfaction and earnings potential.
Pharmacy Technician vs. Pharmacist
How do pharmacy technicians differ from pharmacists? What sets the two apart?
Training Differences
There are many differences between pharmacy technicians and pharmacists. One of these differences is the training required for each of them.
Pharmacy technicians must complete a pharmacy technician training program. This lasts one to two years. They must then pass a national certification exam.
Pharmacists, on the other hand, must complete an accredited pharmacy tech school program. This program usually lasts four years. They must then pass a state licensing exam.
Roles
The pharmacy roles of technicians and pharmacists are also very different. Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in filling prescriptions and answering customer questions. They may also perform other tasks such as stocking shelves and taking inventory.
Pharmacists are responsible for supervising pharmacy technicians and other pharmacy staff. They also provide patient care, including counseling patients on the use of medications.
Pay and Benefits
As a pharmacy technician, you can expect to earn a median annual salary of more or less $31,750. The top 10% of earners make $45,360 or more per year.
Meanwhile, pharmacists earn a median annual salary of around $120,950. The top earners make $159,660 or more every year.
For benefits, both receive health insurance and paid time off. However, pharmacists may also receive extra benefits. These include tuition reimbursement and sign-on bonuses.
Job Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians
There are many benefits to becoming a Pharmacy Technician. Pharmacy technicians are in high demand and the job outlook is excellent.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that their employment will grow much faster. This is in comparison to the average for all occupations between now and 2024.
The main reason for this projected growth is the increasing number of aging baby boomers. This is because they will need more prescription medications as they age.
Also, there is a growing number of middle-aged Americans with chronic health conditions. With these conditions, they will also need more medications.
This is where pharmacy techs come in. Pharmacy technicians can fill their prescriptions and provide other customer services if needed.
Pharmacy Techs Play a Vital Role in the Healthcare Industry
Pharmacy techs are important in the healthcare industry. They are mainly responsible for filling prescriptions and they make sure that patients receive the correct medications.
If you want to become a pharmacy tech, be sure to research the different programs available. By doing this, you should be able to find a pharmacy tech school that meets your needs.
Are you interested in finding out more about what the life of a pharmacy tech is like? Then come check out our website to learn all you can today!