subject: Choosing A Career As A Pharmacy Technician [print this page] A pharmacy technician works along with a licensed pharmacist as an assistant. The technician is usually the one who counts tablets, creates and affixes labels to prescription bottles, and is responsible for obtaining patient information and verifying that the dosage instructions are are accurate. Then the tech may also fill out insurance forms, update patient records, and maintain stock and inventory of both over the counter and prescription medications.
You will be required to complete a 4 credit course which meets once a week in the evenings. You must maintain at least a 2.0 average in MATH 050, or math level 4, and it is recommended that you satisfactorily complete a course in Pharmacology (AHCC 110).
The skills you will need are being able to remain alert at all times, you must be constantly observant of every detail, very well organized and completely dedicated and responsible. You must have no problem with being continually observed by a superior who is checking and approving your work, and you must be able to take constructive criticism, instruction and directions with ease. You will be expected to do your job without supervision and be an effective team player so that the Rx will run smoothly.
The hourly wages are typically well above minimum wage but will depend entirely on where the job is located. Larger cities command higher wages, but if you are in the top 10% of your graduating class you will be offered a higher starting wage. Along with good pay, you can expect such benefits as medical health insurance coverage for you and your family, retirement programs and other possible benefits offered by the company.
Regardless of economic times, humans keep having children and there will continue to be job openings as a result of the increasing demand for prescription drugs. This means there will always be openings for this type of technician so that people can get their prescriptions ordered and renewed, creating an excellent reason for you to consider this job as a career choice.
Becoming a pharmacy technician means you can enjoy a steady income, health insurance for yourself and immediate family members, retirement benefits and other related matters provided by the company. If you are a very detain oriented person who works well with others and enjoys helping people, you might consider enrolling in a course of study to become the next person to who starts a career they can be proud of and enjoy.
