Are you interested in joining the medical field but aren’t sure what it entails?
You’ve come to the right place. There are a variety of different medical jobs that you can pursue. Among those is a pharmacy tech, which is a great entry-level role to pursue.
But what does a pharmacy tech do? It’s a valuable role that you should consider entering. In this article, we’ll outline what this career entails.
Keep reading to learn more about pharmacy tech jobs and what skills you’ll need to gain employment.
What is a Pharmacy Tech
A pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional who works in a pharmacy. Typically they work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
In most jurisdictions, pharmacy technicians must be registered with the governing body that regulates pharmacists in that jurisdiction. In the United States, pharmacy technicians are registered with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
What Are the Roles of a Pharmacy Tech
Pharmacy tech is responsible for a variety of tasks in a pharmacy. The tasks include indicating quantities and proper dosages of medications, preparing and labeling medications, and maintaining records.
Indicating Quantities and Proper Dosage
A pharmacy technician is responsible for entering patient information and prescriptions into the computer system. They also indicate quantities and proper dosages.
The tech also fills prescription vials with the correct medication and attach labels. They must double-check their work for accuracy and be sure to keep up with the demands of licensed pharmacists.
Maintaining Medicine Records
A pharmacy technician is responsible for maintaining accurate records of all medications dispensed to patients. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
The technician must ensure that the records are complete and up-to-date. This is so that the licensed pharmacist can properly fill orders and dispense medications. The technician may also be responsible for entering new prescriptions into the system and updating existing records.
Customer Service
When you think of customer service in a pharmacy, you might think of the pharmacist behind the counter. However, pharmacy technicians also play an important role in customer service.
They are often the first point of contact for customers. They are responsible for answering questions, retrieving prescription medications, and processing insurance claims.
They may also assist with preparing and dispensing medications. Good customer service skills are essential for pharmacy technicians, as they play a vital role in keeping customers satisfied and coming back to the pharmacy.
Dispense Medications
They measure and mix the right amount of the prescribed medication, count out the pills, and label them for the patient. They also keep track of the medications patients are taking to avoid any dangerous drug interactions.
What Opportunities and Career Path Can a Pharmacy Technician Take?
A pharmacy technician can take many opportunities and career paths. Some of these paths may include working in a hospital, a nursing home, or a retail pharmacy. Others may choose to work in the pharmaceutical industry or a research laboratory. There are many options available to those who wish to pursue a career in pharmacy.
Associate’s Degree in Pharmacy
Those who wish to work in a hospital or a nursing home will usually need to have an associate’s degree in pharmacy. Those who wish to work in a retail pharmacy may only need a high school diploma or equivalent. However, most employers prefer to hire those who have at least some college education.
Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy
Those who wish to work in the pharmaceutical industry will usually need to have a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. Those who wish to work in a research laboratory will usually need to have a Ph.D. in pharmacy.
If you are interested, you may find out more here.
Important Skillsets of a Pharmacy Tech
There are a few important skillsets of a pharmacy tech. They include excellent customer service skills, good organizational skills, and the ability to pay attention to detail. Let’s talk about some details.
There are many opportunities available to those who wish to pursue a career in pharmacy. With the right education and training, a pharmacy technician can take many different paths.
Customer Service Skills
Pharmacy technicians are the backbone of any pharmacy, and their customer service skills are essential to the success of the business. Pharmacy technicians must be able to effectively communicate with customers, both in person and over the phone.
Organizational Skills
Good organizational skills are critical in maintaining an accurate and up-to-date inventory. This includes keeping track of prescriptions and orders.
The ability to multitask and work well under pressure are additional skillsets. These are beneficial in this field when an organization is a must.
Attention to Detail
Everything needs to be accurate and precise including inputting patient data. Filling prescriptions to stocking shelves and keeping inventory should be accurate too. This attention to detail ensures that patients get the correct medication, in the right dosage, and that the pharmacy runs smoothly.
Math Skills
A pharmacy tech’s math skills are very important for many reasons. One reason is that a pharmacy tech must be able to correctly measure medication. This is important because the incorrect measure of medication can have severe consequences.
Sound Judgement
The most important skill set of a pharmacy tech is sound judgment. They must be able to make quick and accurate decisions to ensure the safety of patients.
Listening Skills
Good listening skills involve being able to pay attention, understand, and remember what is being said. When dealing with patients, it is important to be able to empathize and understand their needs. Good listening skills can help pharmacy techs build trust and rapport with patients, which is essential for providing quality care.
A Pharmacy Technician Career is One of the Best Today
The best careers are those that help others while also providing job security and good pay. That’s why pharmacy technician is one of the best careers today. With a growing aging population and the continued reliance on prescription medications, the demand for pharmacy technicians is only going to increase.
So if you’re looking for a career that is both rewarding and has good job prospects, then look no further than pharmacy technician.
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