Pharmacy Technician Training
Pharmacy Technician Training: This site provides information on pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician. Information provided includes a directory of schools offering pharmacy technician training, along with forms to request additional information. Please see our list of schools offering pharmacy technician training in the column to your right.
Pharmacy Technician Work: Pharmacy technicians assist licensed pharmacists by preparing prescribed medication for patients. Pharmacy technicians read doctors' instructions, find the right medication, determine the right dosage, and count out the required amount of pills or packets. The technician will also place the medication in properly labelled packaging that includes the patient's name, dosage information, and basic instructions. Questions from the patient are normally referred to the licensed pharmacist.
Pharmacy Technician Skills: One job requirement includes a strong sense of ethics, as pharmacy technicians are provided with significant access to prescription drugs. Key skills include an ability to follow detailed and complex instructions (prescriptions) with 100% accuracy, the ability to manage large inventories to keep product on hand, basic mathematics, spelling, and reading. Pharmacy technicians also need to have strong customer service and communication skills.
Pharmacy Technician Training Courses: While many pharmacy technicians receive their training while working, employers have a strong preference for those who have received prior education with a formal certification. Training typically includes medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical technology, how to perform pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy recordkeeping, pharmaceutical techniques, and pharmacy law and ethics. It is also common for schools to include an internship to provide hands-on experience in a real world environment.
Pharmacy Technician Employment: Job potential for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow faster than the average, as the increasing average age of the population is creating an increasing demand for medication. As the level of training is less than that of a pharmacist, many insurers, pharmacies, and other health organizations will emphasize increased employment of pharmacy technicians as a way to manage cost. Retail pharmacies are the largest employer for this job occupation.