Health Career: Pharmacy Technician
Who are pharmacy technicians and what do they do?
Pharmacy technicians assist registered pharmacists with ordering and stocking appropriate drugs for the pharmacy. They fill orders, stock cabinets and keep records of which drugs are delivered to the pharmacy. They also clean, stock and manage pharmacy equipment and supplies.
How do pharmacy technicians typically spend their workday?
As a pharmacy technician, you will most likely work in the pharmacy of a hospital, nursing home or drug store. On a typical day, you may take and process prescriptions from patients or customers, bill customers, obtain and distribute appropriate medications and order supplies and equipment. You will also be in charge of packaging and labeling medications, cleaning and labeling equipment, maintaining patient and customer accounts and files and answering patients' questions or referring them to the pharmacist for more information.
What does it take to be a good pharmacy technician?
Pharmacy technicians like to work closely with people, handle administrative tasks and constantly learn about new health treatments and medications. As a pharmacy technician, you should be organized, detail-oriented and reliable. You should also have good communication skills and enjoy working with computers and people.
What are some health-related jobs that are similar to that of a pharmacy technician?
Dental assistant, medical laboratory technician, medical assistant.
Related links and helpful information:
- American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
- American Pharmacists Association
- The American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
