Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians assist the pharmacist in providing medication when an MD prescribes it. They perform the routine work in the pharmacy such as counting tablets and labeling bottles. They refer prescription questions to the pharmacist. Normally they work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, or mail-order pharmacies. Pharmacy technicians who work in nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted-living facilities have more responsibility than those working in retail outlets. They prepare and deliver medicine, among other duties, and maintain supplies.

Communication skills and customer relation skills are attributes a pharmacy technician must possess. Any would-be pharmacy technician must be people-oriented and compassionate, and have exemplary attention to detail.

Education and Credentials Required
Strictly speaking no formal education is necessary and the would-be pharmacy technician can train on the job. However, employers tend to prefer candidates with formal education. There are many training programs available, and typically they include internships so that prospective pharmacy technicians can gain experience in their chosen field. Would-be pharmacy technicians who have worked or volunteered in hospitals or nursing homes are eminently more hire-able.

Certification is not strictly necessary, but pharmacy technicians can become certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Candidates must possess a high-school diploma, be free of any felony convictions, and pass an exam. Additionally, the must renew their certification every two years and attend continuing education courses.

Future Prospects
Employment opportunities for pharmacists are expected to outpace the average. This is due to a growing elderly population with increased need for medication. Supply is not expected to keep up with demand, making prospects outstanding for new graduates of pharmacy college.

Salary Range
The median hourly wage, as of 2002, for pharmacy technicians was $10.70. Experience, location, skill, reputation, hours worked and other factors impact income. Pharmacy technicians are rarely self-employed and can usually, but not always, expect health and retirement benefits.