Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy technicians have an expanding role in health care. They are responsible for working with pharmacists to fill prescriptions, as well as prepare and distribute medications and other pharmaceutical products. This role is highly interactive and a great fit for those who enjoy customer service and working directly with patients.
Role of a Pharmacy Technician
A pharmacy technician works closely with a pharmacist to ensure the health and safety of their patients. They locate, dispense, pack, and label a prescribed medication for a patient that is then reviewed for accuracy by a pharmacist before dispensed to the patient. They might also help pharmacists with administrative tasks such as processing insurance claims, tracking inventory, and filing paperwork.
Field of Responsibility
Pharmacy technicians work with doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. They perform a wide range of tasks within the pharmacy.
Common tasks and duties include:
- Preparing new prescription and refill requests for patients
- Dispensing medication to patients per the prescription, or provider’s orders
- Packing and labeling a prescribed medication
- Processing insurance claims
- Tracking inventory
- Preparing compounded medications using sterile and non-sterile processes
- Filling automated dispensing machines
- Repackaging of bulk medications
Work Environment
Pharmacy technicians typically work in retail stores, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. They spend the majority of their work day on their feet, filling and packaging prescriptions, and working with pharmacists and other health care providers. Depending on where they work, they may need to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
Becoming a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians act as a link between patients and pharmacists, and play an important role in the health care team. If you enjoy helping people and love interacting with patients, but aren’t interested in clinical work, becoming a pharmacy technician may be a great option for you. It’s one of the few health care professions that works with patients, but does not work with procedures or direct patient care. High school students interested in this career path should take science courses like chemistry, biology, and medical terminology.
Career Opportunities
Pharmacy technicians have countless career opportunities available. With additional training, education, and experience, some pharmacy technicians advance into managers of retail pharmacies, pharmaceutical representatives, or even pharmacists. Pharmacy technicians can expect an annual median salary of $36,740 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Why SW Medical Academy?
Our program focuses solely on the skills needed as a pharmacy technician, making it one of the most affordable programs in the area, and is designed to be valuable, accessible, and flexible for all students. With online learning mixed with in-person simulation coursework and rotations, this type of learning environment allows for a better fit with your schedule and aspirations.
Tuition Fee: $780
Pharmacy Technician Programs at SW Medical Academy
Pharmacy Technician (Online self-pace No Live instructor)
8-weeks only , No in person clinical required!
Registration Fee: $200
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