Job of the Week

November 2, 2009 | Category: Uncategorized
Share This Print This Post Print This Post

A pharmacy technician fills a prescription.

Occupation
Pharmacy Technician

Industry
Health Care

Median Wages
$13.32 hourly
$27,710 annually

If you like science, are precise, and like dealing with the public, think about becoming a pharmacy technician. Pharmacy technicians fill prescriptions under the direction of a pharmacist, measure, and count medication, and distribute medication to patients.

Job Prospects

This job is growing at a faster than average pace. Between 2006 and 2016, there will be 178,000 more employees needed in this field. The projected growth rate between 2006 and 2016 is 32 percent.

Work Tasks

  • Receive written prescription and refill requests and verify that that refill requests are accurate
  • Create and update patients’ medical profiles, including what medications they are taking
  • Answer phones, talk to patients, answer questions and process refill requests and medication pick-ups
  • Prepack medicine, fill prescription bottles, and type out patient labels for each type of medication
  • Mix pharmaceutical preparations according to written prescriptions
  • Keep a safe and secure environment in the pharmacy for drug storage
  • Assist patients’ with queries about their prescription, how to take the prescription, and any concerns they might have

Work Styles

  • Alert
  • Observant
  • Dedicated
  • Responsible
  • Precise
  • Cooperative with others

Stepping Stone Positions

This position has five recognizable apprenticeships associated with this profession: Pharmacist Assistant; Pharmacy Support Staff (Level I Pharmacy Service Associate); Pharmacy Support Staff (Level II Pharmacy Support Technician); Pharmacy Support Staff (Level III Lead Pharmacy Technician); Pharmacy Support Staff .

To learn more about apprenticeships, visit the US Department of Labor (DOL) State Apprenticeship site. For general information on apprenticeships, visit the DOL’s Office of Apprenticeship site.

In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that many pharmacy technicians receive informal on-the-job training. People hired without training are hired under the presumption that they will get certified by taking a national certified exam within a specific period of time. In places with few scant employer resources, pharmacy technicians with formal training are preferred.

A GED or high school diploma is required. People with experience volunteering in a hospital, in customer service, or working as an aide in a community pharmacy all help. People who have computer skills- including inventory management- have an advantage as well. Having strong English skills, or a background in chemistry or health education, are valued skills as well.

More Resources

Pharmacy Career Information

Accredited pharmacy training programs

For information on the Pharmacy Technician exam

Previous Jobs of the Week

Leave A Comment

*To maintain your privacy, we ask that you do not post resumes or personal information. If you're looking for a job, please visit our Goodwill Career Resources page or the Goodwill Job Search database.

CAPTCHA Image Audio Version
Reload Image