PHARMACY TECHNICIANS
Pharmacy technicians assist
pharmacists with technical tasks, such as filling prescriptions and other
dispensing duties, which allows pharmacists to spend more time counseling
and educating patients. They work under the supervision of pharmacists.
Pharmacy technicians play an integral role in assuring that prescriptions
are dispensed safely. They do clerical work such as entering prescriptions
into a computer and maintain records and inventories of drugs and supplies.
Pharmacy technicians stock, package and price medications as well as aid
in third party insurance data entry, corrections and fee collection. Some
technicians pick up and deliver orders.
Education
Many technicians are trained
on-the-job, beginning as pharmacy aides or clerks. One-year educational
programs are available through some vocational schools and community colleges.
Some Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) offer 12-week training programs
to prepare persons to take the national certification exam.
Registration/Certification/Licensure
Kentucky does not presently
require certification or licensure of pharmacy technicians; however, many
employers are requiring pharmacy technicians to be certified. Certification
may be obtained by passing the National Pharmacy Technician Certification
Examination. When certified, pharmacy technicians earn the designation
as certified pharmacy technician (CPhT).
Salary
$12,000-25,000
Employment Opportunities
Pharmacy technicians may work
in retail store pharmacies (grocery, drug and discount), clinics, long
term care organizations, home health and hospitals.
Programs
Professional Association
Pharmacy
Technician Certification Board
2215 Constitution Avenue,
NW
Washington, DC 20037-2985
(202) 429-7576
Last updated: June 26, 2001