What it takes to become a pharmacy technician
Posted by: Jason Hew in Education, tags: EducationThose considering becoming a pharmacy technician as a career choice will do well to know that a technician works very closely with pharmacists in the pharmacy to prepare and administer prescriptions in support of a physician’s treatment of patients with health needs.
It is a requirement that a license to practice be earned through the sitting for licensing exams. Once you’ve passed your exams, you’ll obtain a national pharmacy technician training certificate and become a CPhT or a Certified Pharmacy Technician. This certificate is absolutely necessary if you’re looking to make being a pharmacy tech as a career choice.
If you are choosing a career as a pharmacy tech and already have earned yourself a position as a CPhT, you will know that it is mandatory to recertify yourself every two years or so. This helps keep your skills and knowledge current as well as give you the opportunity to widen your network of potential employers.
Pharmacy technicians are required in a variety of places from hospitals and health clinics to nursing homes. Retail pharmacy is also an area that you can find work in. Being a pharmacy technician as a career choice requires a certain level of responsibility, as an understanding about a patient’s health issues is important in administering the right medication.
Work as a pharmacy technician can be financially rewarding especially if you’ve amassed some relevant work experience. Because most technicians are paid by the hour, a higher per hour rate is earned in the evenings and weekends. Pay will vary from state to state and location to location. Those with more work experience may also be offered more than the less experienced pharmacy technician.
If you’re looking at becoming pharmacy technician as career, there are certain qualities that a good technician should possess. First of all, they should be good communicators because patients need to have clear understanding of their instructions in taking their medication as well as any side effects that they may be at risk of. Other qualities include being alert, organized, efficient and committed to doing their job well. Attention to detail is key in dispensing medication.
A pharmacy technician is not only required to prepare and dispense medicines but is also responsible to advise patients about their diet and health. Because of this, it is important to always keep aware of the latest in medicine developments. Working closely with other technicians, pharmacists and pharmacy aids, a pharmacy technician must be able to and willing to work as a team.
One of the main responsibilities as a pharmacy technician is to measure, count and weigh medicine dosages prescribed by the doctor, as well as keep track of the movement and stock of drugs carried. All prescriptions must be prepared with perfect accuracy.
With the advancement of science and modern medicine, it is highly likely that the demand for pharmacy tech will continue to increase. The unique skills attained by making becoming a pharmacy technician as a career choice will ensure stability as well as embarking on a rewarding and fulfilling profession.
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