Pharmacy Technician School: A Career in Medicine |
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January 16, 2007
by Kelly Richardson
Healthcare Programs Columnist
If you're interested in a career in medicine but not in a decade of med school, pharmacy technician training might be just what you're looking for. You can become a pharmacy technician in a fraction of the time it takes to earn a full doctorate and still enjoy the patient contact that is the most rewarding part of this business.
The medical field falls into two broad categories. First, there are the doctors who treat patients in hospitals and medical facilities. Second, there are the pharmacists who dispense the medicine that keep the patients on track to recovery. As a pharmacy technician, you'll play a vital role in the processing and dispensing of medications to your patients. You'll be the at the right hand of the pharmacist, providing critical information to fill prescriptions, keeping track of patient records, and ensuring that your facility is stocked with everything you need to attend to your customers.
Here are some of the concepts you'll learn when you attend pharmacy technician school.
- Daily Operations. You'll learn the daily tasks of serving patients that include checking medical records, labeling bottles, and retrieving, counting, pouring, weighing, measuring, and mixing the medications you dispense.
- Additional Responsibilities. Especially if you work in a nursing home or assisted living operation, you'll also be required to read patient charts and ensure that medications do not interfere with existing conditions.
- Managing Treatment Info. Another important concept you'll learn in pharmacy technician school is how to track your patients and fill out critical paperwork for insurance coverage and reimbursement.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, the need for trained, certified pharmacy technicians will become critical over the next decade. This translates into employment opportunities in a variety of facilities nationwide.
The Pharmacy Technician Career Profile
- Certification. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board administers the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination, which is voluntary in most states but still a great way to display your knowledge and skills.
- Employment Stats. Employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Pharmacy technician school is the fastest way to become a part of this growing field of medicine. The program is challenging and the rewards are fulfilling in this career with a true social conscience.
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About the Author
Kelly Richardson covers the technology scene in major cities across the country. His articles appear in educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines.
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