Interested in working as a pharmacy technician? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about becoming a pharmacy technician.
Q: What does a pharmacy tech do?
A: A pharmacy technician’s main job is to assist the pharmacist in keeping the pharmacy running smoothly and efficiently. The job isn’t quite the same as a pharmacist’s, and the education required isn’t as extensive. Some of the tasks you’ll be doing in your role as a pharmacy technician include counting and bottling pills, labeling medication bottles, and dispensing medications to customers. The job includes administrative tasks like patient record keeping and clerical tasks like interacting with patients and offering answers to questions.
Q: Where does pharmacy Assistant work?
Pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies (of course), but pharmacies may be located in a hospital or as standalone facilities. Pharmacy techs may do their work in large chain retail stores or in small local pharmacies. As such there are many different environments where pharmacy technicians can work.
Q: Can they provide medical advice?
A: No. That is one of the principle differences between being a pharmacist and a Assistant Pharmacist. A pharmacist has more extensive medical training and can answer these questions; a pharmacy tech cannot.
Q: How do I become a pharmacy technician?
A: To become a pharmacy tech you must attend school and complete an accredited training course. You can become certified through a program at a vocational school, online school, or a traditional college. The most important first step you can take when investigating any program is to see whether it is accredited.
Q: How long will it take to get certification?
A: Most programs can be completed in a year or less.
Q: How much money will I make ?
A: Like Dental Hygienist and other health care professions, you’ll probably make between $22,000-$40,000 in your first several years, but after that you can increase your earnings. Some supervisors with six or more years of experience make as much as $45,000 a year. Many factors can impact your earnings aside from just experience, for example the geographical location where you work, the type of facility you work in, and so on.