Heather Brunson is a lead marketing writer for a Medical Billing, Medical Coding, and Medical Transcription. She has a B.A. in Journalism with an emphasis on public relations. She has additional experience in technical writing.
You'e considering starting a pharmacy technician career - congratulations, it's a solid career choice! Pharmacy technicians are needed nationwide to count and measure medication, manage inventories and complete pharmaceutical dosage forms alongside licensed pharmacists. It is an industry that is expected to grow at a fast rate over the next decade - providing opportunity and stability for you! Here's some helpful information about how to become a pharmacy technician:
What can I do with a pharmacy technician certificate? Enrolling in a pharmacy technician certificate program will provide you with the necessary foundation to assist licensed pharmacists in a pharmacy setting. You will be prepared to provide medication and other health care products to patients. Your duties will vary, but some daily tasks will include:
- Verifying prescription information
- Retrieving, counting, pouring, weighing, measuring and mixing medication
- Selecting containers and preparing labels
- Preparing insurance claim forms
- Maintaining patient records
- Working the cash register and interacting with patient
Once you complete your pharmacy technician online course, you will be prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification exam. This will enable you to become a certified pharmacy technician and add specialized credentials to your resume. It can also create more career opportunities for you, such as allowing you to assume more responsibilities and eventually even taking on a supervisory role.
How much do pharmacy technicians make? The amount of money that you can make as a pharmacy technician depends on your geographical location and amount of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in May 2006 the highest 10 percent of pharmacy technicians earned more than $17.65 per hour; the middle 50 percent earned an hourly rate between $10.10 and $14.92. Certification and evening/weekend work may increase your amount of earnings.
Where do pharmacy technicians work? As a pharmacy technician, you will work in a comfortable pharmacy setting in a hospital, community pharmacy, outpatient clinic, nursing home or pharmaceutical organization. You will work the same hours that pharmacist work , which may include evening, night, weekend and holiday hours - there may also be part-time opportunities available.
What is the career outlook? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment is expected to increase much faster than average through 2016, and job opportunities are expected to be good. As the population ages, there will be an increased need for prescriptions for the middle-aged and elderly - meaning opportunity for qualified pharmacy technicians across the U.S.
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