Pharmacy Technician Career / Certification Training
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What a Pharmacy Technician does:
A Pharmacy Technician is responsible for performing many pharmacy related functions in a pharmacy, hospital, nursing home or clinic.
As the duties of licensed pharmacists increase, pharmacy technicians who work in hospitals generally have more responsibility in the management of the dispensary.
Licensed pharmacists tend to focus more on independent prescribing, consulting and advising patients.
The main duties of a Pharmacy Technician include:
- Reporting to a Licensed Pharmacist
- Dispensing Medication
- Organizing supplies of Medicine
- Packaging and labeling medication
- General Pharmacy duties
- Checking medications before they are given to a client/patient
- Supervising junior members of staff including Pharmacy Aides
Education & Qualifications:
Certification in many states is voluntary, although all major employers look for formal training and certifications when recruiting Pharmacy Technicians. Certification can be gained by passing the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) given by the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT).
Certification can also be gained through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), where you can earn the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. All exams include labs and a work placement to give the student hands on industry experience.
Salary & Job Prospects:
Pharmacy Technicians can expect to earn salaries from $25,000 to $40,000. Salaries depend on experience, location, position held and qualifications. Good job growth is expected in this area. Pharmacy Technicians with formal education, experience and training will have the best opportunities.
Hospitals and Clinical based jobs will provide the best opportunities for career progression, and will also allow for the Pharmacy Technician to hold more responsibilities than Pharmacy Technicians working in a commercial Pharmacy.
Below is a list of some of the various types of allied health careers / professions: