As of June 2021, the BLS forecasts 4% job growth between 2019 and 2029 for pharmacy technicians. This has piqued the interests of job hunters everywhere. However, many people misunderstand the role.
If you’re one of the hopefuls considering a career as a pharmacy technician, then you must learn more about it. After all, as a pharmacy team member, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks. Read on to learn what you must know about a pharmacy technician’s job.
Understanding the Role of a Pharmacist Technician
Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists with patient care. They must be meticulous and have strong communication skills, as well as understand prescriptions and health insurance. They must process medication requests with confidence, checking every detail.
Education Requirements for Pharmacy Technicians
To begin, a high school diploma is required. The majority of states now require pharmacy technicians to have formal education. Depending on the state, they may be required to take a competency exam after finishing their education. Applicants for licensure in California must submit an application, undergo a background check, and provide fingerprints. If everything checks out, a license is issued.
Pharmacy Technician Education Programs thoroughly teach the role. This training and education include performing prescription refills and pharmacy transactions, as well as classroom, laboratory, and fieldwork components, among other things.
The Pharmacy Workplace Environment
The pharmaceutical industry usually runs a fast-paced environment that offers both full-time and part-time positions. Today, pharmacies can be found in hospitals, clinics, grocery stores, and convenience stores. Several locations are open 24 hours a day, while others are only open during certain hours.
The Responsibilities of a Pharmacy Technician
A typical pharmacy technician responsibilities include the following:
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Prescription Fulfillment
The pharmacist will show you how to submit prescription requests and have them verified. This included checking the prescription’s name. Confirm the address, birth date, and phone number.
You’ll be in charge of counting, measuring, and packaging tablets and capsules. Liquid medications must be precisely measured and mixed. Calculations may be required on occasion when writing prescriptions.
Pharmacy technicians who prepare sterile medications must use sterile techniques. In addition, you will fill out dosage forms and write prescriptions. Often, the technician will dispense the prescription after it has been verified by a licensed pharmacist.
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Patient Records
Interacting with patients necessitates strong communication skills. Pharmacy technicians collect information about patients’ medical histories and current medications. It is critical to collect accurate data, keep records, and safeguard personal information.
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Insurance Claims
This role may entail the processing of insurance claims. You frequently assist with insurance prior authorizations. As a result, you’ll need to be familiar with the terminology and procedures.
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Customer Service
This job may entail professionalism in a fast-paced environment where irate customers are rampant, and you have to explain to them prescriptions and insurance coverage with limited information.
Some customers are aware only of the existence of their insurance and its associated benefits. Certain people are unaware that they have prescription insurance. You can then talk about the scope and depth of their insurance coverage.
However, you may only provide information that has been approved by the insurance company. The technician’s role is to inform the patient about the various treatment options available to them.
Patients are occasionally unable or unwilling to accept insurance restrictions. A customer may be unsure how to handle a coverage denial. After that, you can refer them to their insurance company or arrange for private payment.
The Benefits of Being a Pharmacy Technician
This career path allows for work-hour and location flexibility. You might be able to get this job if you have a certificate program. As pharmacies expand their services, this role will become increasingly important.
Technicians in pharmacies can advance their careers. After that, you can start applying for supervisory positions through specialization programs.
Conclusion
Choosing your career in the medical field doesn’t necessarily mean becoming a physician, a surgeon, a dentist, or a nurse. You may choose other promising paths such as becoming a pharmacy technician. Once you’ve established this as a career choice or a stepping stone, your future could be at its brightest!
If you’re interested in pharmacy tech programs, Northwest Suburban College offers top-notch education at affordable prices. Call us today to learn more!
