Becoming a Pharmacy Technician: Flexible & Rewarding

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There’s a great many careers in healthcare that can make you do good for people, feel good in general, and even earn you a good chunk of change in the process. One of those is the job of the pharmacy technician, or “pharmacy tech”, as it’s often called. But you may be wondering why this job is singled out: what’s so interesting, important, or beneficial about this job? Read on to learn why the career path of a pharmacy tech is one that is considered flexible and rewarding.

What Would I Do?

While there are numerous roles that a pharmacy tech might fill, their most basic job description is that they handle vital delegated tasks for the pharmacist. To be more specific, they work closely with the pharmacist themselves to prepare and distribute accurate distributions of medication to patients. They also collect patient information, process billing claims, and ensure healthcare industry compliance standards are being met with every activity that’s being performed in their work environment. As handlers of patients’ personal medications, pharm techs are meant to be extremely detail oriented as they are responsible for ensuring privacy, safety, and accuracy.

Pharmacy technicians also work to obtain medical histories which can be prone to changing frequently and need to be kept as up-to-date as possible. Of course, while pharmacy technicians generally can wear many hats, the laws in a particular state do help determine which of these hats they can actually wear, and what tasks and jobs they’re allowed to perform.

What Are Some Benefits?

Perhaps you’re considering this career, but need to know what’s in it for you — and in that case, you should know that the job of pharmacy tech is a great way to get your foot in the door as a pharmaceutical and healthcare worker. Pharmacy technicians often move up to become managers or specialists in pharmaceutical environments. By helping patients and providing accurate assistance to the pharmacists, you are more likely to prove yourself just as capable as those in positions further up the ladder. Working hours can be  pretty flexible as well, especially in a pharmacy with longer days. The flexibility involved with pharm tech doesn’t end with your work schedule; you can have a variety of options when it comes to choosing your place of work. Pharmacy techs aren’t just needed in pharmacies. You can find jobs in hospitals, long-term care, and even on a military base. Needless to say, there’s a lot you can change and choose when being a pharmacy technician.

Why Is It Worthwhile?

It’s often best to evaluate a career based on how it affects others, too, and as a pharmacy technician, you will find that your effect on others will be profound. Pharmacies aid in making people feel better, get healthier, and live their lives in a happier way. What you learn on the job carries weight and can impact others; medical knowledge can help save lives and prevent disasters in emergency situations.

Where Do I Start?

To become a pharmacy technician, you will of course want to certify yourself so that you can prove you have the knowledge necessary to help behind the counter. Certification is also a requirement in certain states. Taking an online pharmacy tech program can help you learn what’s crucial in the business and can help you prepare for your certification.

Some programs allow you to start training right away with an externship, making it even easier to gain experience. Certain employers will also offer additional on-the-job training so you can better learn the ropes and become an even bigger asset to the people who need you.

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