There is a growing demand for pharmacy technicians. It has grown to be an important job in the field of healthcare. However, there are many myths surrounding the profession that may cause people to hesitate regarding this career. To help you understand what the job entails, here are three of these myths debunked:
Myth #1: Pharmacy technicians only count medicines
Pharmacy technicians do not only stock shelves; they carry an important responsibility in handling medication for patients. They need to give the correct medicine and amount of medicine, which requires incredible attention to detail. It’s a job that must be taken seriously because a single mistake could be life-threatening.
From an outsider’s perspective, they may think counting and labeling medicines is an easy job. It is not when it comes to medicines. Mishandling medicines can be dangerous, especially when the medicines are volatile.
Pharmacy technicians play an important role in handling and preparing prescriptions. They assist in the logging of inventory and encoding of prescriptions. If you want to help in aiding the continuation of life by serving the right medicines, consider pharmacy technician programs.
Myth #2: Pharmacists and pharmacy technician are the same
When a person walks into a pharmacy, they may think that everyone is a pharmacist. With this kind of thinking, they may think anyone is capable of offering medical advice. Many people who want to become pharmacists think pharmacy technicians are the same. These misconceptions can lead to unexpected issues.
Pharmacy technicians are not allowed to give medical advice on medications. If you do give medical advice when you are not licensed, it can lead to serious repercussions on the patient. You may be charged with malpractice, fined, or imprisoned for the act depending on the severity.
If you are a pharmacy technician and you want to become a pharmacist, you can pursue higher education by earning a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. You also have to take a licensure exam to earn the Pharmacy Technician Certification Boards. Aside from a license, you must complete clinical hours as well.
Myth #3: You can only work in one workplace and need a chemistry degree
Pharmacy technicians are not limited to community pharmacies. They can also work in military bases, hospitals, and laboratories. If you wish to relocate to different states or territories, your license will be recognized.
It is also not correct that you need a chemistry degree to become a pharmacy technician. You don’t need a specific college degree to become a pharmacy technician. High college tuition fees can make it hard for students to pick a career or consider shifting.
Luckily, you can earn a pharmacy technician certification by training for a certain amount of time. The training is super affordable, and you can do it while studying or working. Eventually, you can use your knowledge for pharmaceutical labs.
Conclusion
There are a lot of myths regarding pharmacy technicians. So, if you want to consider a career as a pharmacy technician, you need to understand these myths. Don’t let these myths stop you from pursuing your dream job.
Northwest Suburban College offers training for pharmacy technicians. It also offers training for a certified dental assistant program. To know more about the requirements needed, check out our website today.
