What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?
Simply put, the average pharmacy technician assists the pharmacist in the preparation and distribution of pharmaceutical and other healthcare products. Much of the pharmacy technicians responsibilities will depend on the regulations of the state in which they live and on their relationship with their supervising pharmacists. In traditional product oriented practice environments, such as retail and hospital settings, pharmacy technicians may participate in many of the following tasks: • collection of information from the patient • collection of information from the prescriber • receiving drug orders and refills in person or by telephone, fax, or electronic means. • entering the drug order in the pharmacy computer system • preparing and packaging the drug product • distributing the finished product to the patient or the nursing unit • processing third party billing • collection of funds at the cash register • compounding of preparations such as creams, ointments, suppositories, and more
Pharmacy technicians will work under the supervision of a pharmacist in a variety of environments to assist in the filling of prescriptions and consumer needs, as according to company guidelines. Pharmacy technicians may choose to work in retail pharmacies, assisted living facilities, or nursing homes. The responsibilities will vary from position to position, with those working in retail pharmacies traditionally having less than others, simply because of the difference in work environment.
A pharmacy technician assists licensed pharmacists with tasks like formulating, labeling, and dispensing medications, along with maintaining patient profiles and performing other routine tasks. Unlike a pharmacist, a pharmacy technician does not attend medical school, and his or her job is usually restricted; a pharmacy technician cannot offer advice about medication to patients, for example. The required qualifications for this job vary from country to country, and the market for trained technicians is generally very good, as are markets for other health professionals. Some people go to school to become a pharmacy technician. Certification classes include courses in anatomy, chemistry, and other basic medical concepts. Certification can be useful for job seekers who want to impress potential employers with their level of education and skills. Other pharmacy technicians learn on the job, training in the pharmacies they work for. Some people start out as pharmacy clerks, handling regist
count pills, fill prescription prepare intravenous solution label it and deliver it. advise on use maintain inventory database insurance claim cash register associate degree from community college, salary $20K to 35k continue develop can be director of pharmacy services, pharmacists, radio pharmacist.
