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A pharmacy technician is a great career that pays well

A pharmacy technician works hand in hand with the licensed pharmacist. They can fill prescriptions by counting out pills or pouring liquids and pick the proper containers and make up the labels. They refer any medical questions they receive from customers to the pharmacist. Before they fill any prescriptions they must verify the prescription information. The pharmacist must inspect all prescriptions before they are delivered to the customer.

Duties can vary state by state because some states limit what the technicians can actually do. Most states allow the tech to set up customer medical history profiles and assist customers by helping with insurance claim forms. They also can take inventory of prescription and over the counter drugs and enter the data into a computer for the purpose of review and/or restocking . Some technicians clean and maintain pharmacy equipment.

In hospitals they have even more responsibilities like reading patient charts and determining which medications should be stocked in the patients medicine cabinet or to prepare delivery of the medication. They can also make up intravenous (IV) packs for the patients but everything must be inspected by a licensed pharmacist.

Starting salaries for pharmacy techs are around $19,000 but that can vary by industry and level of experience. A license is not necessary generally, however, you do have to pass the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and get re-certified every 2 years.

There are certification courses available that cover such things as pharmaceutical calculations, medical terminology, computer systems, and pharmacy billing. While the federal government has not regulated any training programs most employers like to see at least an associates degree from a technical or community college. Longer programs are available that can increase the chances of a better paying position in this field.