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Prescription for Career Success

by AJ Fanter
AJFanter@careertrainingguide.net
Career Training Guide Columnist

With pharmacy schools unable to train enough qualified pharmacists and a growing need for those who can assist patients with getting their prescriptions, pharmacy technician jobs are on the rise.

What is a Pharmacy Technician?

By assisting and supporting licensed pharmacists, pharmacy technicians provide both healthcare and medications to patients. In some cases, pharmacy technicians perform many of the same duties as pharmacists; however, a technician's work is always checked by a licensed pharmacist before the prescription is given to a patient.

What do Pharmacy Technicians Do?

A pharmacy technician must have a broad knowledge of pharmacy. Technicians receive refill requests and regular written prescriptions from patients. They count pills, mix medications, prepare labels, and ensure that the information on a prescription is complete and accurate. Pharmacy technicians also record what drugs are delivered to the pharmacy, store them in the right places, and the reorder when necessary.

Interested in Becoming a Pharmacy Technician?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has forecasted job growth for pharmacy technicians to rise by as much as 35% by 2012. While there are plenty of jobs available, as with any industry, the best jobs are generally reserved for those who have the right credentials. Attending pharmacy school can make a difference. And if you think you might like to work in a hospital pharmacy, you should know that they offer higher salaries to pharmacy technicians with certificates.

What do you Study in Pharmacy School?

Pharmacy technician certification programs generally last one to two years. When you attend pharmacy school you'll study medical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, recordkeeping, and medication names, uses and doses. You can also add special certifications in speciality areas such as diabetes home management, compounding, and intravenous drugs, all which can help you to land an even better job with an ever higher salary.

If you're detail-oriented, have good interpersonal skills, and have an interest in working in a healthcare setting, becoming a pharmacy technician is a great prescription for your career!

Sources:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos252.htm

About the Author

Amy Fanter is a full-time marketing writer specializing in direct response advertising and direct mail for the gaming industry. She holds a B.A. in English from Colby College with concentrations in Education and Government.



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