Pharmacy Technicians and Aides
“The desire to take medicine is perhaps the greatest feature which distinguishes man from animals.”
– Sir William Osler
Overview
They say laughter is the best medicine but in fact, often medicine is the best medicine. Do you want to make people feel better? Pharmacy technicians and aides help licensed pharmacists provide medication and other healthcare products to patients. Technicians usually perform routine tasks to help prepare prescribed medication for patients, such as counting tablets and labeling bottles. Technicians refer any questions regarding prescriptions, drug information, or health matters to a pharmacist. However, their job isn't easy and training is important. An accredited online degree program, certified training or other credentials are a good idea if you want to increase your chances of employment in this field.
Pharmacy Aides and Technicians: Career Insights
- Job opportunities are expected to be good, especially for those with certification or previous work experience.
- Many technicians work evenings, weekends, and some holidays.
- Ability to read doctor’s handwriting is critical.
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians pick up where the pharmacist leaves off. Technicians receive handwritten or electronic prescriptions and must then verify that the information on the prescription is complete and accurate. To prepare the prescription, technicians must retrieve, count, pour, weigh, measure, and sometimes mix the medication. Once the prescription is filled, technicians price and file the prescription, which must be checked by a pharmacist before it is given to a patient. Technicians may establish and maintain patient profiles, prepare insurance claim forms, and stock and take inventory of prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Pharmacy Aides
Pharmacy aides work closely with pharmacy technicians. They are often clerks or cashiers who primarily answer telephones, handle money, stock shelves, and perform other clerical duties. Pharmacy technicians usually perform more complex tasks than do pharmacy aides, although, in some States, their duties and job titles overlap.
If your prescription for career success calls for a job as a pharmacy aide or technician, find out how an accredited online pharmacy technician diploma or a national technician certification examination can have you feeling better in no time.
Click here for a complete list of accredited online Pharmacy Technicians and Aides degree programs
Penn Foster Career School
Penn Foster's high school and vocational technical programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools. Their unique and flexible program offerings are designed for career oriented individuals and adult learners with an interest in real-world solutions. With programs in business, internet technology, appliance repair, paralegal studies, medical administration and many, many more, Penn Foster has provided valuable learning experience to over 12 million students worldwide.
Penn Foster Advantages:
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Something for Everyone – Penn Foster offers over 80 courses covering a wide variety of interests. Study common programs such as business management, or not-so-common courses such as wildlife and forestry conservation.
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Large and In Charge – With over 12 million students enrolled since 1890, they are the largest distance learning institution in the world.