Pharmacy Technician Requirements

A pharmacy technician is an individual who carries out various day to day tasks at a pharmacy or a similar establishment, under the direction of a certified pharmacist.

Job description

Depending on your qualifications and the type of job, as a pharmacy technician you will generally be called upon to manage the running of a pharmacy, bottle or prepare drugs as directed by the pharmacist, maintain documentation such as ordering of medications, filling out prescriptions and compiling expense reports and any other non-licensed activities in the pharmacy. You will also explain to patients how they should take certain medications and ensure that they are given the correct dosages for the same.

Skills Requirements

Besides knowledge of medicines and pharmaceutical operations, a pharmacy technician must have the ability to pay attention to detail and be meticulous while executing tasks, as even the slightest error while compounding drugs or labeling bottles could result in serious problems for a patient. You must also have a pleasing manner and a helpful personality as many customers will seek advice or help from you on a daily basis, and as a result you must also be able to explain things in a clear and concise manner. A flair for mathematics and good deductive skills are also essential. You must also be willing and capable to work under the supervision of a pharmacist and strictly adhere to his instructions.

State Requirements

It is important to research the requirements for the particular state that you intend to work in. For example, in Michigan it is mandatory for a prospective candidate to take a tuberculosis screen test and a physical examination. Since the work involves dealing with restricted substances, no convicted felon can apply for this position in Michigan. In California one is required to obtain a license and provide proof of completion of an accredited training program, while in Ohio it is not mandatory for one to be licensed, certified or registered.

Career Details

Beginning a career as a pharmacy technician can happen in a short time as the training required can be completed in a span of just 9 – 12 months. It is also a good career move for those intending to eventually pursue a pharmacist’s degree. Having such experience is regarded highly when applying to colleges for a degree in pharmacy. In America it is estimated that most pharmacy technicians – around 80% - are employed in the retail pharmacy industry, with the rest being employed in hospitals, clinics and other private institutions.

Future Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the health care sector show a positive future growth. This is mainly due to the growing elderly population that exists in America. This means that pharmacy technicians will continue to be in great demand, as such individuals will continue to require medication and people who they can refer to when they have queries. In fact pharmacy technician job requirements are expected to rise by another 30% in the next decade.