The definition of pharmacy technician is a health care provider responsible for performing a variety of pharmacy-related functions. The main job of a pharmaceutical technician is to allow the pharmacist to perform their daily tasks and responsibilities without spending too much time on the work that can be done by the technician. In addition to more in-depth customer service, a hospital`s pharmacy technicians will also work more closely with healthcare workers and doctors to confirm medical information, assess the risks of specific drug combinations, and more. For example, to become a military pharmacy technician in the military, you must complete 9 weeks of basic combat training and 19 weeks of advanced individual training. The training required depends on which branch of the military you choose. In addition to diversity, pharmacy technicians also have many opportunities to increase their salaries and references by earning additional certifications and enrolling in specialized programs such as sterile products, compounding, vaccines, and more. There is also an excellent opportunity for advancement, with higher paying positions such as head day technician or technician instructor. While these states don`t regulate pharmacy technicians, a license or certification can help you stand out from potential employers and can be beneficial if you decide to move to another state. Of course, pharmacy technicians must exercise judgment when providing information to customers. With over-the-counter medications, customers sometimes need basic information that is readily available on over-the-counter packaging. For example, a customer may ask what a painkiller is, what “enteric coat resistant” means, or what alternative brands are available. These and other routine questions can be safely answered without referring the client to the pharmacist. In addition, the pharmaceutical industry is a promising career path with an above-average growth rate — according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics — and as the nation`s healthcare industry continues to evolve and grow, so will the role of a pharmacy technician.

Essentially, the pharmacy technician`s standard area of practice is designed to assist the pharmacist in any way possible. Pharmacy technicians work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist and are often expected to report to pharmacists prior to graduation, especially at the beginning of their experience. The responsibilities of a pharmacy technician are diverse, rewarding and full of opportunities for advancement. As a pharmacy technician, your main job is to give licensed pharmacists the support they need in performing their daily tasks. This includes communicating with patients, health care providers and insurers, filling prescriptions, obtaining inventory, maintaining equipment, etc. The scope of the pharmacy profession varies according to state laws and regulations. In most cases, people interested in becoming pharmacy technicians must (at least) register with their state or obtain some sort of license by passing a state-issued exam. To help you get a quick idea of a day in the life of a pharmacy technician, we`ve provided you with a list of typical tasks and responsibilities: paragraph 8. A licensed pharmacy technician is not authorized to perform the following activities: Pharmacy technicians in a community setting may need to contact insurance providers and health care providers to verify coverage, confirm patient information, and more.

Community pharmacy technicians are also responsible for day-to-day tasks, such as filling prescriptions, checking medications, receiving and storing inventory, managing storage, maintaining equipment, etc. If you choose to become a pharmacy technician working in a hospital, you will need to learn more about medications, medical terminology, and health processes than a community pharmacy technician. As a pharmacy technician, you are not trained or licensed to advise clients on medications and their use – this includes over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements. For example, if a client asks about the potential risks of mixing two different medications, you should refer them to the pharmacist authorized to provide this information. Community pharmacy technicians are those who work at your local pharmacy chain or at pharmacies, such as CVS or Walmart Pharmacy Center. Of all the different paths in the pharmacy profession, this is perhaps the most popular due to the wide availability of jobs, standard responsibilities and educational requirements. For example, let`s say a customer comes to your pharmacy and gives you a written prescription request. It is your responsibility to check the information on the application, check the inventory to make sure you have the medicine in stock and fill the medicine within a certain time frame. To fill the prescription, you need to check the dosage, count carefully to make sure you give the patient the right amount, and prepare the drug label. The following states do not regulate pharmaceutical technicians and do not require you to register with the state or obtain a license or certification. As a pharmacy technician, it is very important that you understand what you can and cannot say in your area of practice.

If you are giving advice outside of this area, you are breaking the law, so it is very important to understand these restrictions. Are you interested in a lucrative and promising career as a pharmacy technician? At CareerStep, we provide our learners with everything they need to succeed in their chosen career path, starting with our accredited online pharmacy technician training program, which you can complete at your own pace. While there are many similarities between basic responsibilities and day-to-day tasks, military and emergency pharmacy technicians should expect significant differences. For starters, positions in this area of the pharmacy profession can be very demanding and fast-paced. Other states require pharmacy technicians to be certified by taking PTCB tests by an independent body. The following list includes states where pharmacy technicians require full certification before they can accept employment at a pharmacy. Emergency pharmacy technicians must be able to work well under pressure and react quickly to sudden and unexpected scenarios. The same is true for pharmacy technicians who choose a role in a military environment, except that these positions often require formal military training. Patients often have questions about their medications, their doses, and how best to administer them. While it is always important to stay within the standard pharmacy technician`s area of practice, your supervising pharmacist can allow or encourage you to support clients on a deeper level when it comes to their medications. The pharmacy technician`s area of practice may extend into a hospital. Pharmacy technicians who work in a hospital have the same responsibilities as a community technician, as well as additional duties and responsibilities.

Community pharmacy technicians work extensively with clients, either in person or over the phone. They answer questions about insurance coverage, recommended doses, prescription or over-the-counter medications, and more – although they are always expected to refer clients to licensed pharmacists if they have questions beyond their scope of practice. We also offer a wealth of additional resources for ambitious individuals looking for new ways to improve their future, such as our pro tips for your first job as a pharmacy technician. The scope of the pharmacy profession is diverse, lucrative and rich in career opportunities. There are a variety of pharmacy technician positions, including roles in municipal, hospital, military, closed-door, governmental, and preparedness settings. Pharmaceutical technicians can also take an advanced path in research facilities and pharmaceutical laboratories. Pharmacy technicians may seek additional education and training needed to counsel patients and become a licensed pharmacist, but until then, they must comply with state laws on patient counseling. In some cases, it may be appropriate to counsel a patient. For example, if a patient has a general question about an ingredient in an over-the-counter drug or if a patient asks for information that is clearly printed on their medication`s prescription label.