The Responsibilities of a Pharmacy Technician
There are many responsibilities that a pharmacy technician has. There are a number of duties that are expected to be completed by these professionals. Every technician that enters in the world of pharmacy is regulated by Federal Law to perform under the watchful eye of a licensed Pharmacist. While customer service is a big part of this particular position, there are many other responsibilities as well. The following indicates the types of responsibilities that these professionals have:
1. One of the main responsibilities that an individual has in this profession is to properly greet individuals that are customers. This is necessary to ensure a high level of customer service within the pharmacy.
2. The technician must also answer the telephone calls that come into the pharmacy due to the fact that screening for the on-site Pharmacist is necessary.
3. These individuals are to order the supplies, and even check the supplies in when they arrive.
4. Operating the computers within the pharmacy is a necessary task.
5. It is the responsibility of the pharmacy technician to assist in the process of filling prescriptions during the delivery and the drug distribution process.
6. The technician is responsible for ensuring that the pharmacy is clean and organized – both inside and out – at all times.
7. The technician must fill out appropriate reports, keep records of patients and inventory, and even keep tracking of billing and dispute claims with individuals and insurance companies.
8. If drugs were ordered in error, is damaged, or filled in an inappropriate manner, the pharmacy technician jobs require this professional to appropriately return the items to the wholesaler in which they were received.
9. Seeing that pharmacy technician jobs are professional jobs that have a high level of customer service involved, it is important for these individuals to maintain a high level of professionalism in all transactions.
Education for Pharmacy Technician Jobs
The education requirements for this particular position differ on a state to state basis. There is a special department called the ''Pharmacy Technician Certification Board'' offers official certification testing annually at three different times throughout the year. At this point in time, this is not considered to be a mandatory type of test, however, in the future, this may change. Many states and employers now require individuals who want to be technicians to pass the certification course for employment consideration. In addition to this, several states are now requiring that these individuals become registered prior to entering into this particular industry.
There are three different organizations that actually assist in developing the standards for technicians that elect to work in the field of pharmacy. These include:
• The American Pharmaceutical Association
• The American Society of Health System Pharmacists
• The Pharmacy Technician Educators Council
If you are required to take a pharmacy technician course, this will take anywhere from six months to two years to complete. Typically, these are offered in the way of self-study and/or distance learning courses. In addition to this, many employers allow on the job training. There are some, however, that require a mix of both a pharmacy technician self-study and/or distance learning program and on the job training. If you are interested in pharmacy technician jobs, it is important to learn about the educational requirements set forth in the state in which you wish to operate.
Conclusion
Pharmacy technician jobs have an excellent employment outlook. The average technician makes anywhere from $12.00 to $17.00 per hour depending on their experience, level of expertise, and seniority. If you want to take an active role in the health of others, and have a natural knack for customer service, a professional pharmacy technician job may prove to be the right path for you! Take the time to determine the requirements for this position in your state and decide if this is the type of career that is right for you.
