Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/690117
6 June, 2016 l Working World l WorkingWorld.com FEATURE ARTICLE P harmacy technicians fill prescriptions and check inventory. Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals. They work in retail pharmacies and hospitals. DUTIES Pharmacy technicians typically do the following: • Collect information needed to fill a prescription from customers or health professionals • Measure amounts of medication for prescriptions • Package and label prescriptions • Organize inventory and alert pharmacists to any shortages of medications or supplies • Accept payment for prescriptions and process insurance claims • Enter customer or patient information, including any prescriptions taken, into a computer system • Answer phone calls from customers • Arrange for customers to speak with pharmacists if customers have questions about medications or health matters Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of pharmacists, who must review prescriptions before they are given to patients. In most states, technicians can compound or mix some medications and call physicians for prescription refill authorizations. Technicians also may need to operate automated dispensing equipment when filling prescription orders. Pharmacy technicians working in hospitals and other medical facilities prepare a greater variety of medications, such as intravenous medications. They may make rounds in the hospital, giving medications to patients. HOW TO BECOME A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN Pharmacy technicians spend much of their time interacting with customers. Becoming a pharmacy technician usually requires earning a high school diploma or the equivalent. Pharmacy technicians typically learn through on- the-job training, or they may complete a postsecondary education program. Most states regulate pharmacy technicians, which is a process that may require passing an exam or completing a formal education or training program. EDUCATION AND TRAINING Many pharmacy technicians learn how to perform their duties through on-the-job training. These programs vary in length and subject matter according to the employer's requirements. Other pharmacy technicians enter the occupation after completing postsecondary education programs in pharmacy technology. These programs are usually offered by vocational schools or community colleges. Most programs award a certificate after 1 year or less, although some programs last longer and lead to an associate's degree. They cover a variety of subjects, such as arithmetic used in pharmacies, recordkeeping, ways of dispensing medications, and pharmacy law and ethics. Technicians also learn the names, uses, and doses of medications. Most programs also include clinical experience opportunities, in which students gain hands-on experience in a pharmacy. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) accredits pharmacy technician programs that include at least 600 hours of instruction over a minimum of 15 weeks. In 2015, there were 286 fully accredited programs, including a few in retail drugstore chains. LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS Most states regulate pharmacy technicians in some way. Consult state Boards of Pharmacy for particular regulations. Requirements for pharmacy technicians in the states that regulate them typically include some or all of the following: • High school diploma or GED • Formal education or training program • Exam • Fees • Continuing education • Criminal background check Some states and employers require pharmacy technicians to be certified. Even where it is not required, certification may make it easier to get a job. Many employers will pay for their pharmacy technicians to take the certification exam. Two organizations offer certification. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification requires a high school diploma and the passing of an exam. Applicants for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and have completed a training program or have 1 Career Path: Pharmacy Technician Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Pharmacy Technicians EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS DATA FOR PHARMACY TECHNICIANS , 2014-24 Occupation Title SOC Code Employment, 2014 Projected Employment, 2014 Change, 2014-24 Percent Numeric Pharmacy Technicians 29-2052 372,500 407,200 9 34,700 SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program