It may be a gratifying position which gives you the chance to help patients and assist pharmacists as well. There are also some qualifications required to work in this kind of specialist healthcare. Education, Training and Certification for a Pharmacy Technician are explained in this article.
Education
For most pharmacy technician jobs, the minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers may look for candidates with an associate’s degree in science, such as chemistry or biology. Ideally one should take a recognized pharmacy technician training course. They are offered through the Internet, in technical schools and at community colleges. They offer practical training in such areas as pharmacy operations, medication dispensing and so on.
Certification (pharmacy technician, pharmacy specialist)
In some states, national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or ExCPT is voluntary; in others it is mandatory. Certification shows both your competence and dedication to the profession. But it can also help you command a higher starting salary and open up your career paths. Certification exams are meant to test your knowledge of pharmacy law, medical terms and dose calculations. Certification has to be maintained through continuing education credits.
Training
Part of being a competent pharmacy technician is on-the-job training. Orientation: Employers will introduce the policies, procedures and software systems of their pharmacy. You will be taught how to receive and process prescriptions, prepare medications for dispensing, maintain inventory of drugs and supplies, deal with customers. Some employers insist on, or prefer to hire candidates who have completed an accredited pharmacy technician training.
Character Requirements
A successful pharmacy technician must have good attention to detail, strong communication skills and the ability to multi-task. You’ll need to feel comfortable working with patients and dealing with confidential health information. Employers also look for dependability, honesty and a loving nature. Because you work in a sensitive healthcare environment, there is also a need for criminal background checks.
State Licensure (pharmacy technician, pharmacy specialist)
To practice, all states require a license for pharmacy technicians; however requirements vary. Licensure requires a fee and background check concerning offenses about drugs, theft or violence. Some states will accept national certification in place of an exam for licensure. The license must be periodically renewed by earning continuing education credits.
Work Experience
However, entry-level positions are also available. Some employers require candidates to have at least 6 months’ or even a year of pharmacy technician work experience. Gaining this will come through an internship during your training period or a part-time job while at school, or just volunteer work in pharmacies. Experience eases the way of on-the-job training and shows determination to build a career in this field.
Computer Skills
Proficiency with common windows software applications is essential, as well as being able to learn new pharmacy-specific systems. Technicians must negotiate through electronic health records, insurance billing systems and inventory management programs. These are valuable skills, such as data entry; following on-screen instructions; and troubleshooting minor IT problems.
Physical Requirements
High-speed working environments, with most of the day spent on their feet – this is what it means to be a pharmacy technician. Standing or walking for hours, bending over to reach into holes and shelves and pushing carts along the floor are among the tasks of this job. Counting, labeling and dealing with medications, syringes or other small things all require manual dexterity. Occasionally lift and move boxes or containers weighing up to 25 lbs.
To sum up, being a pharmacy specialist requires post secondary schooling, certification, and state licensure. A person must also have computer skills and other qualifications in order to be accepted as one. These are the standards by which technicians can assist pharmacists and provide excellent care to patients. After receiving training and gaining experience, pharmacy technicians become important auxiliary personnel in healthcare–pharmacy specialists.
