What is an Entry Level Pharmacy Technician?
An Entry Level Pharmacy Technician is an individual who has recently joined the pharmaceutical industry and is responsible for assisting pharmacists in dispensing medications to patients. They work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists and are responsible for tasks related to inventory management, medication preparation, customer service, and record-keeping.
What usually do in this position?
As an Entry Level Pharmacy Technician, your primary responsibility is to ensure that medications are dispensed accurately and timely to patients. You will be responsible for receiving and verifying prescriptions, preparing medications, labeling and packaging prescriptions, maintaining inventory, and handling customer service inquiries. Additionally, you will be expected to keep accurate records of medications dispensed and maintain a clean and organized pharmacy environment.
Top 5 Skills for this Position
- Attention to Detail
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Strong Organizational Skills
- Ability to Multitask
- Basic Computer Skills
How to Become an Entry Level Pharmacy Technician
To become an Entry Level Pharmacy Technician, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Then you must complete a pharmacy technician course, which can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, or online. These courses typically last for 6-12 months and cover topics such as pharmacology, pharmacy law, and medication safety. After completing the course, you will need to pass a certification exam, which can be done through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Average Salary
The average salary for an Entry Level Pharmacy Technician in the United States is around $32,000 per year. However, this can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and the company you work for.
Roles and Types
There are several different roles and types of Pharmacy Technicians, including Retail Pharmacy Technicians, Hospital Pharmacy Technicians, and Compounding Pharmacy Technicians. Retail Pharmacy Technicians work in pharmacies and drug stores, while Hospital Pharmacy Technicians work in hospitals and other medical facilities. Compounding Pharmacy Technicians specialize in the preparation of customized medications.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in USA
The states with the most popular jobs for Pharmacy Technicians in the United States are California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania. However, there are job opportunities available in every state.
What are the Typical Tools?
Pharmacy Technicians use a variety of tools and equipment to perform their job duties, including prescription dispensing systems, automated pill dispensers, medication carts, and electronic health records (EHR) systems. They also use basic office equipment such as computers, printers, and fax machines.
In Conclusion
Becoming an Entry Level Pharmacy Technician is a great way to start your career in the pharmaceutical industry. With the right education and training, you can develop the skills you need to become a successful Pharmacy Technician and make a positive impact on the lives of patients. Whether you choose to work in a retail pharmacy, hospital, or other healthcare facility, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience and grow your career over time.