subject: What Are The Different Skills You Need To Develop To Become A Successful Pharmacy Technician? [print this page] Pharmacy technicians work in hospital pharmacy and community pharmacy. Other areas may also offer opportunities for this occupation. Wherever you want to work for, your role is still the same. That is, you will be part of the pharmacy team and will be working under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. You will be involved in supplying medicines and medical products to patients. In terms of career advancement, your years of experience will be considered. As regards to roles, you will be taking management, administration or specialist roles. Your duties will really depend on what establishment you will be working.
Training is a must to help you become a certified pharmacy technician. The training programs for this profession may last from six months to two years, depending on the program you have chosen. Subjects will include the following:
Pharmacology
Chemistry
Drug reactions
Pharmacy law
Dosage calculations
Dosage forms
Drug preparations
Medical terminology
Pharmaceutical terminology
Externship is part of the training program. When participating in clinical externship, you will be using the knowledge you have obtained in the classroom and apply it in a live setting, such as retail pharmacy. You will be working under the supervision of the manager of the pharmacy or the pharmacist. Your performance will be evaluated and will contribute to your overall grade. Some managers may hire those pharmacy technician students who underwent clinical externship from their site.
Skills to acquire to become a pharmacy technician
Just because you want to be in this field does not mean you can be in this field. There are skills sets that you need to consider when thinking of working as a pharmacy tech:
Able to carry out multitasking
Has the ability to handle duties even during stressful situations
Enjoy working with others
Has excellent reading and math skills
Is well-organized and detail-oriented
With excellent written and oral communication skills
Has the ability focus even when being interrupted
The job outlook for this profession
The demand for this profession is increasing. According to the Labor Statistics report, the number is expected to grow about 32% by 2016. The reason for the growth is the fact that people in the US are living longer resulting in higher demand for the services of pharmacists and pharmacy techs.
How much can you earn?
The salary for this occupation is very competitive. Your rate will increase if you carry a certification. Plus, if you have more experience in this field, you will make more money. Therefore, it is a must that you get a pharmacy technician training and pass the certification examination to land better jobs and earn more in this field.
