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Become a Pharmacy Technician Online Without Going to School – A Complete Guide
Do you want to learn what it takes to become a pharmacy technician without going to school? If YES, here is a complete guide plus requirements needed to become a pharmacy technician online.
As a result of the increase in prescription drug use, growing demand in the health sector and related government priorities, the number of pharmacy technicians and other aides in support of health services is expected to have an increase to cater and care for patients.
The labor market situation of graduates holding a DEP in Pharmacy Technical Assistance is excellent and is one of the best for all vocational program graduates. There are, in fact, not enough graduates to meet the demand, either in health care institutions or in community pharmacies.
Over the next few years, the trend towards delegating more tasks to assistants should continue and even increase in pharmacies and drug stores, and is expected to spread to health care institutions.
What is a Pharmacy Technician?
Pharmacy technicians, also known as pharmaceutical technicians are health care providers under the medical profession. They perform pharmacy related duties working under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist to cater for the need of patients, such as the prescription of drugs, dispensing medication and providing necessary information to the customers.
Duties of a Pharmacy Technician and their Job Description
Pharmacy technicians typically work behind a pharmacy counter under the supervision of a certified pharmacist at a drugstore, grocery store, hospital, nursing home or other medical facility, and perform the following functions:
- Collect the necessary information needed to fill a prescription from customers or health professionals.
- Operate equipments such as computers, scales, printers and fax machines.
- They must also sterilize the counter tops, scales, pill counting trays, and other medication measuring devices.
- Measure the amounts of medications for prescriptions.
- Package and label prescriptions or drugs.
- Organize inventory and alert the pharmacist in case of any shortage of medications or supplies.
- Accept payment for prescriptions from customers.
- Process insurance claims.
- Document and input customer or patient information, including any prescriptions taken, into a computer system
- Answer phone calls and complaints from customers.
- Arrange for customers to speak with pharmacist if need be, for questions, enquiries or complaints about medications or health matters.
- Review prescriptions before they are given to patients.
- Operate automated dispensing equipments when filling prescription orders.
- Prepare a greater variety of medications, such as intravenous medications.
- They may also make rounds in the hospital, giving medications to patients.
- Perform administrative duties in the pharmaceutical office.
- Review prescription requests with doctor’s offices and insurance companies to ensure correct medications are provided and payment is received.
- They speak directly with the patients on the phone to aid in the awareness of taking the correct medications on time.
- Receive written prescriptions and requests and verify that information is complete and accurate.
- Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs.
- Fill bottles with prescribed medications and type and affix labels.
- Document price and prescriptions that have been filled.
- Clean, and help maintain equipment and work environment, and sterilize glassware according to prescribed methods.
- Order, label, and count stock of medications, chemicals, and supplies, and enter inventory data into computer.
- Receive and store incoming supplies, verify quantities against invoices, and inform supervisors of stock needs and shortages.
- Transfer medication from vials to the appropriate number of sterile, disposable syringes, using aseptic techniques.
- Add measured drugs or nutrients to intravenous solutions under sterile conditions to prepare intravenous packs under the supervision of the pharmacist.
- Label drug containers and ensure the supply and monitoring of robotic machines that dispense medicine into containers.
- Prepare and process medical insurance claim forms and records.
- Mix pharmaceutical preparations according to written prescriptions.
- Operate cash registers to accept payment from customers.
- Compute charges for medication and equipment dispensed to hospital patients, and enter data in computer.
- Deliver medications and pharmaceutical supplies to patients, nursing stations or surgery.
- Price stock and mark items for sale.
- Maintain and merchandise home health-care products and services.
- Accurately and efficiently prepare prescription orders
- Verify prescription information and dosage
- Provide quality customer service to patients and other healthcare providers.
- Supply medicines to patients, whether on prescription or over the counter.
- Provide information to patients and other healthcare professionals.
- Manage areas of medicines supply such as dispensaries.
- Supervise other pharmacy staff.
- Produce medicines in hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry.
Tools and Equipment of the Trade for Pharmacy Technicians
- Physicians’ prescription forms
- Computer terminals
- Order forms
- Syringes & needles
- Balance scales
- Measuring containers
- Counting trays
- Refrigerators (for storing drugs)
- Mortar & pestle
- Drug containers, such as bottles, tubes & envelopes
- Physicians’ Desk Reference, Facts & Comparisons or other pharmacopeia (encyclopedias of drugs)
- Autoclave for keeping a pharmacy clean and sterilizing equipment and tools.
- Liquid Filling Machines for filling syrups.
- Tablet counting machine for counting and dispensing pills.
- Tablet hardness tester for measuring the hardness and fragility of drugs.
Become a Pharmacy Technician Online Without Going to School – A Complete Guide
Facts, Figures and Labor Market Situation for Pharmacy Technicians
In USA
- In 2012, about 72 percent of pharmacy technician and aide jobs were in retail pharmacies, either independently owned or part of a drugstore chain, grocery store, department store, or mass retailer.
- The total number of jobs for pharmacy technicians was 355,300 jobs. About 17 percent worked in hospitals.
- A small proportion of pharmacy technicians and aides worked in mail order and internet pharmacies, clinics, pharmaceutical wholesalers, and the Federal government. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about one in five pharmacists worked part-time in 2012.
- In 2013, there were about 362,690 pharmacy technicians in the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of pharmacists to grow by 14 percent and employment of pharmacy technicians to grow by 20 percent from 2012-2022.
- The pharmacy technicians usually work between 37 and 40 hours a week, including weekends and some evenings. Sometimes, they may be expected to work on a rotational based system while, some work part time hours.
- The employer usually provides a uniform and protective clothing if the pharmacy technicians are working under sterile conditions.
In the UK
- To become a pharmacy technician in the UK, you will need to find a job as a pre-registration pharmacy technician and register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
- Employers may relax their entry criteria if you have previously worked alongside a pharmacy technician. For example, if you have experience as a pharmacy assistant or dispensing assistant, you may be able to progress to senior assistant and then pharmacy technician or you could also get into this work through an Apprenticeship, such as the Apprenticeship in Health (Pharmacy Services).
- Community pharmacies, such as chemists’ shops, can be found in high streets, residential areas and supermarkets. Dispensaries can also be found in health centers, prisons and on military sites.
In Canada
The work prospect for pharmacy technicians in Canada is relatively good. It has been projected that the demand for pharmacy technicians could rise in order to meet the health care needs of a growing and aging population in Canada.
- Professionals in this field with a college diploma or courses related to health services should have better employment prospects.
- Pharmacy technicians in Ontario are regulated health professionals that work as part of a health care team to provide care for patients.
- According to the Census data by industry, in 2006 the pharmacy technician specialty accounted for between 70% and 80% of jobs in the health sector. Between 2008 and 2012, more than 65 percent of graduates found work in pharmacies, 30 percent in hospitals and 5 percent in other industries related to health. It is expected that the number of pharmacy assistants will increase sharply over the next few years.
In Australia
- The pharmacy technician occupation has a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience of other related occupations in the health sector.
- It is required to have at least three years of relevant experience which may substitute for the formal qualifications. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
- Pharmacy technicians are needed in Australia and New Zealand, and as such, there is an influx of immigrants into the country to fill these vacant positions.
- The Department of Employment conducts research to identify skill shortages in the Australian labor market, and publish the results of their research in individual occupation reports.
- The skill shortage research methodology is based on a sample survey of employers who had recently advertised vacancies, examining whether they were able to find suitable workers for the advertised position.
- Employers are identified through sources including national and regional newspapers, online job boards, association websites, professional journals and specialist publications. Pharmacy technicians are in shortage in most regions of the Australian territory.
Professional Bodies and Associations for Pharmacy Technicians
In USA
- National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA)
- American Association of Pharmacy Technicians
- The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)
- American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)
- American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
- American Society for Pharmacy Law
- American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP)
- American Society of Consultant Pharmacists Foundation
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)
- Professional Compounding Centers of America
In the UK
- The Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMP)
- The Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK)
- Company Chemists Association (CCA)
- Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS)
- Community Pharmacy Wales (CPW)
- The Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists (GHP)
- Institute of Pharmacy Management (IPM)
- National Pharmacy Association (NPA)
- Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC)
- The Pharmacists’ Defense Association (PDA)
- Pharmacy Practice Research Trust (PPRT)
- Primary Care Pharmacists’ Association (PCPA)
- Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB)
- United Kingdom Clinical Pharmacy Association (UKCPA)
In Australia
- Australian College of Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
- The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
- The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia
In Canada
- Canadian Association of Pharmacy Technicians
- Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores
- National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA)
- Ontario Pharmacists’ Association
- Ontario College of Pharmacists
- The Pharmacy Examination Board of Canada
- Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs
Impact of the Internet on the Career of Pharmacy Technicians
- The use of electronic medical record system whereby patients’ medical records are documented electronically and can be retrieved with ease.
- Order management and review organized around drug therapy management services.
- Automated systems to notify pharmacy technicians and pharmacists when clinically important laboratory values fall outside a therapeutic or normal range.
- Use of bar code technology during inventory, preparation, compounding and dispensing processes.
- The use of automated dispensing or robotics.
- The use of barcode technology during medication administration.
- The use of computer to keep tab on stock and supplies.
Career ideas / Sub-sectors in the Pharmacy Technician Profession
- Anesthetic Technician
- Cardiac Technician
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Operating Theatre Technician
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Clinical informatics
- Counselor
- Counseling psychologist
- Pathology Collector
- Phlebotomist
- Analytical chemist
- Community pharmacist
- Healthcare scientist, medical physics
- Medical sales representative
- Pharmacologist
- Scientific laboratory technician
- Toxicologist
- Medical Technician
- Dispensing Optician
- Dental Assistants
- Medical Assistants
- Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
- Medical Transcriptionists
- Animal Breeders
- Biological Technicians
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
- Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
- Medical Secretaries
- Mail Order Pharmacy
- Technician
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
- Opticians, Dispensing
- Medical Secretary
- Veterinarians
- Anesthesiologists
- Biologists
- Coroners
- Correspondence Clerks
- Credit Authorizers
- Dental Hygienists
- Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Radiologist
- Urologist
- X-ray Technician Emergency medical technicians
- Paramedics
- File Clerks
- Foresters
- Insurance Claims Clerks
- Microbiologists
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists
- Occupational Therapists
- Medical Imaging
- Physician Assistants
- Psychiatrists
- Radiologic Technicians
- Radiologic Technologists
- Registered Nurses
- Respiratory Therapists
- Surgical Technologists
Benefits of Becoming a Pharmacy Technician
- The career of pharmacy technicians comes with a fulfillment of helping and rendering assistance to others which you can be proud of.
- You’ll have a variety of professional options as a pharmacy technician because there are a variety of settings and career options open to pharmacy technicians, such as hospitals, retail pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, mail-order prescription businesses, etc.
- Pharmacy technicians have great advancement opportunities to venture into other healthcare careers to leverage their experiences.
- There is flexibility in obtaining the training as a pharmacy technician, thereby creating room for other commitments.
- Pharmacy technicians enjoy a pleasant work atmosphere as pharmacies are clean, organized, and well ventilated.
- For the level of training that is required, pharmacy technicians earn a good salary added with other benefits; most employers offer generous incentives for pharmacy technicians.
- Online, flexible and convenient career training is available for obtaining necessary certification as a pharmacy technician.
- As a pharmacy technician, you will be able to absorb new medical information for free while working under the supervision of licensed pharmacists who are more knowledgeable about drug action and medications and are able to read literature and publications related to these. Thus, you will have increased knowledge of the medical terms and field.
Factors Discouraging People from Becoming Pharmacy Technicians
When you become a pharmacy technician, you should be prepared to be on your feet almost all the time when you are on your shift. This means that you might be standing for 6 to 8 hours, and which will definitely be tiring. Here are some challenges you will be faced with;
- The job of a pharmacy technician is a stressful one that can lead to physical and psychological problems, because the job demands you to work quickly all the time without sacrificing precision and accuracy on a daily basis.
- The average pay and salary of a pharmacy technician is very low, and advancement opportunities are limited for those who are not employed in large pharmacies.
- Prospective technicians with only a high school diploma and no experience have fewer opportunities to be trained on the job as some employers prefer pharmacy technicians to hold a two-semester certificate or a two-year associate degree in a pharmacy technician program.
- Pharmacy technicians must be re-certified every two years, which requires 20 hours of continuing education each time as required by some states and employers, while some states also require them to register with the state board of pharmacy, and which involves paying a fee.
- Many pharmacy technicians’ work schedule involve nights, weekends, and holidays as some pharmacies are typically open 24 hours, evenings and weekends.
- Some pharmacies are generally phasing out the position of pharmacy assistant or aide and assigning those job duties to the technician. This means pharmacy techs increasingly perform administrative tasks such as answering phones, working as a cashier and stocking shelves.
- As a pharmacy technician, you might also have to deal with rude customers or a demanding superior, which may affect you psychologically.
How Much Do Pharmacy Technicians Earn Monthly/Annually?
- In the USA
A Pharmacy Technician earns an average wage of $12.14 per hour while a hospital pharmacy technician earns an average wage of $14.38 per hour with an annual wage of $29,810 and $24,470 respectively, although this varies by state. Pharmacy technicians in Washington, Alaska, California, Hawaii and Oregon are the highest earners, on average.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the highest paying positions are available with federal, state and local government agencies, outpatient care centers, and scientific research and development organizations. Pharmacy techs that work in department stores and health and personal care stores typically make lower annual wages. Experience has a moderate effect on income for this job.
- In the UK
The pay structure in the National Health Scheme (NHS) is called Agenda for Change (AfC). Pharmacy technicians start on Band 4, earning between £19,027 and £22,236 a year. The experienced pharmacy technicians will progress to Band 5 by earning an average of £21,692 and £28,180. The average rate for a Pharmacy Technician is £8.42 per hour. Pay for this job does not change much by experience, with the most experienced earning only a bit more than the least.
- In Australia
The average pay for a Pharmacy Technician in Australia is between AU$15.42and AU$22.34 per hour. The yearly salary for a pharmacy technician ranges from AU$31,869 to AU$47,580. In addition to these, a yearly bonus of about AU$1,279 will be given to the pharmacy technician. Most people move on to other jobs if they have more than 20 years’ experience in this field.
- In Canada
A Pharmacy Technician in Canada earns an average wage range of C$10.38 to C$19.58 per hour. A skill in Hospital pharmacy is associated with high pay for this job with most people with this job moving on to other positions after 20 years in this field. A Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPHT) earns an average wage of C$16.63 per hour.
The yearly salary for pharmacy technicians in Canada ranges from C$21,490 to C$41,282. In addition to these, a yearly bonus of about C$31.55 will be given to him or her, thereby making the average annual total earning to be in the range of $21,606 and C$41,335.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Pharmacy Technician
- The first step to becoming a pharmacy technician is to earn a high school diploma or GED equivalent. With a basic education, you can qualify for on-the-job training. However, many people find that looking for employment is easier if you have undergone some form of post-secondary training, such as an online pharmacy technician certification program, that helps prepare you for the profession. Some states also require pharmacy technicians to have this formal training or pass a national certification examination.
- The formal training for pharmacy technicians can take anywhere from a few months to more than a year. On-the-job training relies on the supervision, mentorship, guidance, and experience of a skilled pharmacist. The training is complete once the pharmacist is confident of the technician’s ability to do the job without supervision.
- Similarly, formal training is also often provided at vocational schools, community colleges, and technical institutes. This can also be obtained online as there are pharmacy technician certification courses that can be an excellent fit for students who are already working or have similarly busy schedules. Some of these courses can be completed in a period of 3 months.
- The next level is to obtain certification. There are two main types of certification for pharmacy technicians. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification which requires pharmacy technicians to have a high school diploma and pass a certification examination.
- The National Health career Association (NHA) certification which has a minimum age requirement of 18 years and requires applicants to have a high school diploma, complete a formal training program, and have at least 1 year of work experience before they can sit for the certification examination.
- Pharmacy technicians are required to re-certify every 2 years to ensure that they are up-to-date with all of the healthcare changes and advances that affect their scope of practice and profession. This can be done by completing 20 hours of continuing education to ensure your skills are current.
Hence, training to become a pharmacy technician can take anywhere from a few months to a year, and taking that little bit of extra time to earn a national certification through the PTCB or NHA is definitely worth it. With the right kind of training, you are on your way to having a successful career as a pharmacy technician.
Educational Requirements Needed to Become a Pharmacy Technician
- In the USA
Pharmacist assistants usually get training on the job. A high school diploma is usually required for employment; post-secondary education is an option through pharmacist assistant or pharmacy technology certificate programs at 2-year colleges or vocational schools.
Most states require pharmacy technicians to have a high school diploma, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A technician must have a good grasp of mathematics, which may be found in high school math courses or taught in a certificate program.
A pharmacy technician certificate program focuses on mathematics, anatomy and physiology, computer applications and the principles and ethics of the pharmaceutical field.
- In the UK
To practice as a pharmacy technician in the UK, you have to be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the registration requires you to study for an accredited qualification such as:
- BTEC National Diploma in pharmaceutical science
- NVQ/SVQ level 3 in pharmacy services
- National Certificate in pharmaceutical science
To apply for a course, you need to be employed in a pharmacy. Employers, including the NHS, offer jobs for trainee pharmacy technicians. Employers usually ask for at least 4 GCSEs (A-C), including English, mathematics and science or equivalent qualifications. Training to become a pharmacy technician usually takes two years. It combines practical work experience with study, either at college or by distance learning.
- In Australia
Educational requirement in Australia is similar to that of Britain. It should be noted that there is an influx of immigrant pharmacy technicians into the country. However, some of the educational requirement involves the possession of:
- Certificate III in Hospital-Health Services Pharmacy Support through on-campus delivery for people looking to gain employment as a hospital pharmacy technician.
- Certificate III in Hospital-Health Services Pharmacy Support as a flexible delivery course, for people already employed as hospital pharmacy technicians.
- Certificate IV in Hospital-Health Services Pharmacy Support as a flexible delivery course, for people already employed as hospital pharmacy technicians
In Canada
In order to become a pharmacy technician, one must have a high school diploma with courses in mathematics, biology and chemistry, in addition to formal post-secondary training, but not necessarily a university degree. Most pharmacy technicians get training from a career college or community college in a two-year diploma course.
Pharmacy technicians must be trained, licensed and provincially registered and regulated and in good standing with their provincial college of pharmacy. After the formal training, most technicians are required to complete an internship or work placement in a community or hospital pharmacy for about eight weeks and pass a standard examination in order to be certified by a pharmacy board.
Is Certification Required to Become a Pharmacy Technician?
- In the United States
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some states see pharmacy technician certification as a voluntary process, while applicants see it as a possible means of gaining respect within the field and having the ability to earn more money. Applicants who want to take the exam must have a high school diploma or its equivalent and apply online at the website of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
Requirements for state licensing and registration can vary from state to state. In order to be eligible, technicians must have a high school diploma or its equivalent and pay a specified application fee. There are two main types of certification for pharmacy technicians. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and The National Health career Association (NHA) certification. The examination fee is in the range of $129.
In the UK
- To become a certified pharmacy technician an individual must:
- Register with the PTCB or ExCPT to take a certification exam. Most states require the PTCB, but the ExCPT is equally accepted in many states.
- Study the required material to pass the PTCB or ExCPT examination.
- Pass the required examination.
- Register with your respective State Board of Pharmacy.
In the UK, the General Pharmaceutical Council has a registration of all qualified individuals who are working in the pharmacy industry, including technicians. They are also in charge of monitoring the educational programs that are involved in the qualification and certification of these technicians. The cost of certification is in the range of £233.
- In Australia
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) deals with the registration process and is the organization responsible for the implementation of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme across Australia. This agency is responsible for the national registration of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and you must apply for intern registration (preregistration) before any work-placement can begin.
AHPRA will need to approve the pharmacy where the supervised practice is carried out. The cost of intern registration is AUD150 and registration for practice costs AUD295 for 12 months. In addition to the supervised practice, interns have to sit an oral examination that is intended to test their knowledge.
- In Canada
Certification is not required for Canadian pharmacy technician jobs but, most employers seek job candidates who are either enrolled in pharmacy technician school or who have earned their certification.
In order to become certified, you must pass the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) certification examination which requires certain eligibility requirements. Eligibility criteria to take the Evaluating Examination include 2,000 hours of work and/or teaching experience in the past 36 calendar months. Upon passing, you may then take the Qualifying Examination.
Direct eligibility, which does not require taking the qualifying examination, involves the following:
- Completion of a Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Program (CCAPP) or
- Passed the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) Certifying Exam or
- Passed the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board of Albany Certifying Exam or
- Successful completion of the PEBC Pharmacist Evaluating Exam or
- Completion of an accredited pharmacist degree program in Canada or the U.S.
Exam fees are set by PEBC and vary from time to time.
Can You Become a Pharmacy Technician by Taking an Online Course
There are a number of accredited online programs that can you can enroll in order to be a pharmacy technician. You will gain the knowledge and skills required to pass the national certification exam and stand out from other applicants in the job, even with your online study. The online training format allows you to study on your own schedule and at your own pace.
The online Pharmacy Technician classes include images, videos, and interactive games to help you learn the material and develop your skills as a pharmacy technician. The program’s focus is on helping you gain the skills you need to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Exam and start working as soon as you graduate.
Career Opportunities / Industries a Pharmacy Technician Can Work In
- Hospital pharmacy
- Community pharmacy
- Retail pharmacies
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Assisted care facilities
- Mental homes
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing companies
- Third-party insurance companies
- Computer software companies
- Teaching for pharmaceutical companies
- Veterinary product manufacturers
- Research and development or coordination of clinical trials.
- Chain pharmacy
- Independent pharmacy
- Nuclear pharmacy
- Government agencies in Local, state, and federal government agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Veterans Administration, Indian Health Service, and Armed Forces.
Skills and Traits You Need to Become a Successful Pharmacy Technician
- Be accurate and methodical
- Be responsible
- Be able to pay attention to detail
- Have good accuracy and attention to detail
- Be friendly, patient and sympathetic
- Have the ability to explain instructions clearly to customers
- Be tact and discrete when dealing with potentially embarrassing information
- Be ready to refer to the pharmacist when necessary
- Be able to understand law and guidelines on medicines
- Be able to read and carry out instructions
- Be interested in people’s health
- Speak, write and read English clearly.
- Understand pharmaceutical terminology.
- Have strong planning and organizational skills.
- Be very accurate in your work as leads to your client’s safety.
- Have good mathematics and IT skills
- Have an interest in science and medicine
- Have a methodical approach to routine tasks
- Have good team working skills
- Have good administration skills for record keeping
- Use word processing, spreadsheet, database, and email software.
- Work well with other people and on your own.
- Be willing to work with all types of people
- Be able to explain clearly to members of the public
- Be possessive of good communication skills including listening
- Have good customer skills
- Have science skills
- Have good manual (hand) skills
- Possess organization skills
- Be hardworking and willing to learn new things.
Tips and Advice That Will Help Advance your Career as a Pharmacy Technician
- It is not easy to deal with sick people, as people have changing moods depending on their challenges and health problems. It is necessary to have patience in order to deal with such situations and handle patients with care and love.
- It will also be required most times to put others ahead of yourself, that is, you need to put your patients’ need ahead of yours, irrespective of what you might be going through.
- Be nice and sincere to patents by being sympathetic to their pains.
- Be compassionate and selfless.
- Always refer technical and medical issues to the pharmacist to handle with his or her medical experiences. Know your limitations, and be headstrong and firm.
- Furthermore, strive to advance in your profession, by obtaining the necessary qualifications on the job and study more to be a better technician.