WHAT IS A LICENSED PHARMACY TECHNICIAN JOB
A licensed pharmacy technician job is a profession in the healthcare industry that involves assisting pharmacists in dispensing medications to patients. These professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that prescriptions are accurately filled and that patients receive the correct medications. They work in various settings, such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities, where they provide valuable support to pharmacists and contribute to the overall safety and well-being of patients.
WHAT DO THEY USUALLY DO IN THIS POSITION
In a licensed pharmacy technician job, individuals are responsible for a wide range of tasks that contribute to the effective functioning of a pharmacy. These tasks include:
1. Assisting in the preparation and dispensing of medications: Pharmacy technicians measure, mix, count, and label medications under the supervision of a pharmacist. They ensure that prescriptions are accurately filled and that the correct dosage and instructions are provided to patients.
2. Managing inventory: They help manage the inventory of medications, ensuring that an adequate supply is available at all times. This involves ordering medications, verifying shipments, and organizing and rotating stock to maintain proper storage conditions.
3. Providing customer service: Pharmacy technicians interact with patients, answering their questions about medications, dosage instructions, and potential side effects. They may also assist with insurance claims and process payments.
4. Compounding medications: In some pharmacy settings, technicians are involved in compounding medications, which involves preparing customized medications as prescribed by healthcare professionals.
5. Performing administrative tasks: They maintain patient records, update databases, and handle other administrative duties, such as managing insurance forms and processing paperwork.
TOP 5 SKILLS FOR THIS POSITION
To excel in a licensed pharmacy technician job, individuals should possess a combination of technical and interpersonal skills. The top five skills essential for this position include:
1. Attention to detail: Accuracy is crucial in pharmacy settings to ensure that patients receive the correct medications and dosages. Pharmacy technicians must have a keen eye for detail and be able to follow instructions precisely.
2. Strong communication skills: Pharmacy technicians interact with a diverse range of individuals, including patients, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. Effective communication is vital to relay information accurately and provide excellent customer service.
3. Organizational skills: Managing inventory, handling paperwork, and multitasking are all part of a pharmacy technician's daily responsibilities. Strong organizational skills are essential to stay on top of various tasks and maintain an efficient workflow.
4. Technical proficiency: Pharmacy technicians work with various tools and technologies, such as prescription dispensing systems and computer software. They should be comfortable using these technologies and be able to adapt to new advancements in the field.
5. Ethical and professional conduct: Pharmacy technicians handle sensitive patient information and must adhere to strict ethical guidelines. They should demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and respect for patient confidentiality.
HOW TO BECOME A LICENSED PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
To become a licensed pharmacy technician, individuals typically need to complete the following steps:
1. Education: Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. While a formal education is not always required, completing a pharmacy technician training program or earning an associate degree in pharmacy technology can enhance job prospects.
2. Certification: Pursue certification through a recognized pharmacy technician certification board, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Certification requirements may include passing an exam and meeting specific education and experience criteria.
3. State licensure: Check the licensing requirements in the state of practice, as some states require pharmacy technicians to be licensed. This may involve passing an additional state-specific exam or meeting specific education and experience requirements.
4. Gain experience: Seek opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, externships, or entry-level positions in pharmacies. This hands-on experience will help develop the necessary skills and increase job prospects.
5. Continuing education: Stay updated with the latest advancements in pharmacy practice by participating in continuing education programs. This will help maintain professional competence and meet any recertification requirements.
AVERAGE SALARY
The average salary for licensed pharmacy technicians can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and work setting. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2020, the median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $34,020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,460, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $49,130. It's important to note that these figures are subject to change and may vary based on the specific circumstances.
ROLES AND TYPES
Licensed pharmacy technicians can work in various roles and types of pharmacy settings. Some common roles include:
1. Retail pharmacy technicians: These technicians work in community pharmacies, such as chain drugstores or independent pharmacies. They interact directly with patients, fill prescriptions, and provide customer service.
2. Hospital pharmacy technicians: In hospital settings, technicians support pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications to patients within the hospital. They may also be involved in compounding sterile medications and managing inventory for the hospital pharmacy.
3. Long-term care pharmacy technicians: These technicians work in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities. They assist in dispensing medications to residents, maintain medication records, and communicate with healthcare professionals.
4. Compounding pharmacy technicians: Compounding pharmacy technicians specialize in preparing customized medications as prescribed by healthcare professionals. They follow specific formulas and procedures to create medications tailored to individual patients' needs.
LOCATIONS WITH THE MOST POPULAR JOBS IN THE USA
Licensed pharmacy technician jobs are available throughout the United States, but certain locations may have higher demand and more opportunities. Some of the locations with a high concentration of pharmacy technician jobs include:
1. California: With its large population and healthcare industry, California offers numerous job opportunities for licensed pharmacy technicians. Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are particularly known for their thriving healthcare sectors.
2. Texas: Texas has a growing healthcare industry and is home to many pharmacies and healthcare facilities. Cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin have a high demand for licensed pharmacy technicians.
3. Florida: With its large retiree population, Florida has a significant need for pharmacy technicians in both retail and long-term care settings. Cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa offer a multitude of job opportunities.
4. New York: New York, especially New York City, has a bustling healthcare sector and is home to numerous pharmacies and medical facilities. The demand for licensed pharmacy technicians is high in this metropolitan area.
5. Illinois: Illinois, particularly the Chicago metropolitan area, offers a range of job opportunities for licensed pharmacy technicians. The state has a strong healthcare industry, with many hospitals and retail pharmacies requiring their services.
WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL TOOLS
Licensed pharmacy technicians work with various tools and technologies to carry out their duties effectively. Some typical tools used in this profession include:
1. Prescription dispensing systems: These systems help automate the prescription filling process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
2. Pharmacy software: Pharmacy technicians use specialized software to manage patient records, inventory, and other administrative tasks.
3. Automated counting machines: These machines assist in accurately counting and packaging medications, saving time and reducing errors.
4. Pill splitters and crushers: Pharmacy technicians may use these tools to divide or crush medications as required by individual patient needs.
5. Prescription vials and labels: They use vials and labels to package medications, ensuring proper identification and instructions for patients.
6. Measuring devices: Pharmacy technicians utilize measuring devices, such as graduated cylinders or syringes, to accurately measure and dispense liquid medications.
IN CONCLUSION
Licensed pharmacy technicians play a vital role in the healthcare industry, working alongside pharmacists to ensure the safe and accurate dispensing of medications. With their attention to detail, strong communication skills, and technical proficiency, they contribute to the overall well-being of patients. By following the necessary education and certification requirements, individuals can embark on a rewarding career as a licensed pharmacy technician in various healthcare settings. Whether in retail pharmacies, hospitals, or other healthcare facilities, these professionals make a valuable contribution to the healthcare team and the communities they serve.