Under the direction of a pharmacist, Pharmacy Technicians assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing prescribed medication for patients. Prescriptions are received in written form or electronically from the doctor’s office. Information must be verified to make sure the prescription is complete and accurate. To prepare the prescription, Pharmacy Technicians may need to measure, mix, count, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications.
They then prepare the prescription labels, select the type of prescription container, and affix the prescription and auxiliary labels to the container. Once the prescription is filled, technicians price and file the prescription. The filled prescription must be checked by a pharmacist before it is given to the patient.
Pharmacy technicians may need to maintain patient profiles, prepare insurance claim forms. They may also perform administrative duties, such as answering phones, stocking shelves, and operating cash registers. Much of your work as a pharmacy technician will depend upon where you work, and your seniority.
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Salary Information: Pharmacy Technician
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May, 2008, Pharmacy Technicians earn $19,270 to $39,480. The median salary is $27,710. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), the average annual starting salary for a Pharmacy Technician is $19,000.
Certification with the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (NPTCB) can increase your pharmacy technician salary. Salaries will also vary depending on the work setting. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that those who work in general medical or surgical hospitals will earn an average of $12.32 per hour, while those working in a department store pharmacy will make an average of $9.69 per hour.
For more information on Pharmacy Technician salaries, visit this link on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292052.htm
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Education: Pharmacy Technician
To become a Pharmacy Technician, a certification program at a State Licensed School is required. Some schools may require you to have a High School Diploma or GED, but most will only require you to take an entrance exam. This is to ensure that you are at the appropriate educational level.
For those pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician, coursework in biology, chemistry, health, and mathematics is recommended, but not required. Areas of study include medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy record keeping, pharmaceutical techniques, and pharmacy law and ethics. Although not required, certification is offered through the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Pharmacy Technicians work?
Pharmacy Technicians work under the supervision of qualified pharmacists in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacy outlets, hospital pharmacies, home health pharmacies, and clinics.
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How can I find a good Pharmacy Technician school?
Here is some helpful information to help you find a Pharmacy Technician school:
- Compare programs at different schools and remember that programs vary in length depending on location, cost and course of study.
- Consider visiting one or more schools and request a tour.
- Search online for Pharmacy Technician schools in your area using your zip code.
- Consider studying online and completing your studies from home.
- Ask schools for references from other students.
- Do you live or plan to relocate to the New York city area? Consider visiting the Manhattan Institute and learn more about how you can become a Pharmacy Technician. Click here to learn more.
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What is the employment outlook for Pharmacy Technicians?
Employment for Pharmacy Technicians is expected to increase much faster than the average through 2016. Job opportunities are expected to be good. This is due to the increasing elder population who use a large amount of prescription medication. In addition, as scientific advances continue for treating conditions, more Pharmacy Technicians will be needed to fill a growing number of prescriptions.
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