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A pharmacist technician is a health care professional who works closely with a licensed pharmacist to dispense prescription medications and provide other customer services.
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Job Description
A pharmacy technician is a member of the healthcare team who works closely with pharmacists to help dispense prescription medication to patients. The pharmacy technician’s main duties include organizing and stocking shelves with medications, recording patient information, and answering customer questions. In some states, pharmacy technicians may also be responsible for measuring and mixing compounds.
Duties of a Pharmacist Tech
The duties of a pharmacist tech include measuring, preparing and dispensing prescribed medicines and other pharmaceuticals under the direction of a licensed pharmacist. They also may consult with patients on the proper use of their medications, provide customer service and perform other daily tasks to keep the pharmacy running smoothly.
Some larger pharmacies may have drive-thru windows, which would require the pharmacist tech to take customer orders, prepare medications and collect payment. In some states, pharmacist techs also are allowed to administer immunizations.
Education and Training
A pharmacy technician is a person who is responsible for various activities in a pharmacy. These activities include customer service, preparing medications, and maintaining inventory. A pharmacy technician does not need to be a licensed pharmacist, but they do need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. They also need to complete a pharmacy technician training program.
How to Become a Pharmacist Tech
Becoming a pharmacy technician generally requires completing a formal education program and obtaining certification.
Education Programs for Pharmacy Technicians
There are many ways to become a pharmacy technician, but most technicians complete a formal education program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, technical schools, and through online schools. Certificate and diploma programs typically take one year or less to complete, while associate’s degree programs take two years to finish.
Some states have established apprentice programs that allow individuals to learn on the job. However, these programs generally require completion of a formal education program as well.
Pharmacy Technician Certification
While certification for pharmacy technicians is not required in all states, most employers prefer to hire certified technicians. Certification can be obtained through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). To be eligible for certification, individuals must usually have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete an accredited pharmacy technician program They must also pass a national certification exam.
Salary and Job Outlook
Pharmacy technicians are in high demand! They play an important role in the healthcare industry, and their job outlook is very positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a pharmacy tech is $32,700.
What is the Average Salary of a Pharmacist Tech?
The average salary for a pharmacist tech is $41,890 per year, or $20.11 per hour. The median salary is $39,930, meaning that half of all pharmacist techs earn less than this amount and half earn more. The top 10 percent of earners make more than $54,760 per year, while the bottom 10 percent make less than $31,340 per year.
Job Outlook for Pharmacist Techs
The job outlook for pharmacist techs is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of pharmacy technicians will grow 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population and a growing emphasis on preventive care will drive demand for prescription medications. In addition, as pharmacies expand their services to include more patient care, they will need more technicians to perform routine tasks, such as measuring patients’ vital signs and preparing their medications.
