subject: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician - Learn to Start Your Career Right to Get Success You Deserve [print this page] How to Become a Pharmacy Technician - Learn to Start Your Career Right to Get Success You Deserve
Have you considered a career as a pharmacy technician? Well, this is your chance to make your dream career a reality. Through this guide, you will be introduced to different aspects of this career, starting from your duties and all the way to the certifications you should have.
The Duties Expected from You
You will perform most of the duties a pharmacist does except for counseling patients and checking a filled prescription before the patient takes it home. This means that you will be in charge of providing medicines and health care products, preparing prescribed medications, verifying prescriptions, and maintaining patient records.
Training Requirements
In most cases, an aspiring pharmacy technician may have received informal training on the job. However, most employers prefer that their workers have formal training and certifications. This is why many community colleges, technical colleges and hospitals offer certificates, diplomas and associate degree programs for those interested in this career.
Certifications That Can Boost Your Career
The pharmaceutical industry is always looking to offer better medicines and advancements in technology, which is why skilled professionals are valuable assets. Having a certification in this career proves that you comply with the industry's standards and comprehend your line of work.
One of the important certifications for your career is the National Pharmacy Technician Certification. This credential indicates that you have an acceptable standard of pharmaceutical knowledge. Plus, because you have to re-certify every two years, you will have to complete a specific number of training hours. Thus, you will always know about the latest developments and additions to the industry.
Important Skills
During your training and certification, you should make sure that you acquire the following skills to guarantee a long lasting, successful career:
Working with Details - Because you will have to mix, count and handle medicines, you need to remain accurate at all times.
Customer Skills - A pharmacy technician spends a lot of time around customers, which is why communication skills are a must in this career.
Math and Computer Skills -Mathematics is important because you will have to count, weigh and mix different medications. As for computer skills, you will need those to enter patients' information, print labels and interact with customers and suppliers.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
Studies indicate that the pharmaceutical industry is booming, which is why a growth of 31% is expected in this line of work. On an average, you should expect $19,000 for you salary. However, a pharmacy technician is usually paid based on his/her level of experience, the certifications he/she has and workplace.
These were the main aspects that you should know about becoming a pharmacy technician. So enroll yourself in a training course and get ready to start your career.
