Currently, the United States employs hundreds of thousands of pharmacy technicians at various healthcare establishments. Most of them work at community pharmacies and hospitals, while others work in prisons and on military sites. Since healthcare is a basic need, a diverse range of client bases will always need medical experts like pharmacy technicians.
If you’ve ever pondered a career as a pharmacy technician, you may be curious about the responsibilities associated with the position. When you come into a pharmacy, staff do more than greet you and assist you in acquiring a prescription.
A pharmacy technician is responsible for ensuring that pharmaceutical staff are available and prepared to fill or refill prescriptions and that the work environment is clean, organized, and safe. Pharmacy technicians assist the pharmacist in handling medications and other pharmacy-related duties.
Pharmacy Technicians Assemble Prescriptions Ordered by Physicians
Pharmacy technicians are more like “healthcare assistants” in that they usually do not have the authority to provide medicines directly to the patient. They are considered healthcare workers, as they are licensed by the state where they work and may be called upon to fill prescriptions.
When a doctor gives the prescription to you, pharmacy technicians have to make sure that the medication is complete, made out properly, and legible. They also notify the pharmacist if there are any problems with your prescription’s authenticity or accuracy. They see whether the drug is in stock, and ensure that the physician’s orders are followed.
Pharmacy Technicians Ensure That No Errors Are Made When Medications Are Administered
A pharmacy technician may be called upon to assist patients with medication or other healthcare-related tasks in addition to preparing prescriptions. This may require them to give an injection, prepare a patient for radiation therapy, or teach the patient about a prescribed medication.
Pharmacy technicians typically work in retail pharmacies, but they can also work at hospitals and clinics. In hospitals, they can be found in the surgery department, administering anesthesia, monitoring vital signs and providing patients with the necessary care. They may also supervise the use of the equipment.
A Pharmacy Technician Assists Individuals with Medications
In addition to educating patients regarding their medications and ensuring that there is no duplication of prescriptions, pharmacy technicians must also double-check that there are no allergic hazards in the drug and that it is suitable for the patient. Finally, they must indicate the expiration date and any other relevant information.
Pharmacy technicians have many responsibilities, but their primary responsibility is to ensure that patients’ needs are met and that the medications are dispensed properly. They are integral to the smooth operation of pharmacies, so they should be well trained in pharmacy operations, pharmaceutical law, and various health and safety matters.
They must also be familiar with the proper way to handle medications. In addition to being knowledgeable, they must also be detail-oriented, a good communicator, and highly organized.
Conclusion
Pharmacy technicians work in hospitals, community pharmacies, and on military bases. They play a vital role in the healthcare industry and are a tremendous asset to the pharmacy team.
Many colleges and universities have built allied health programs or have other related programs that offer training in pharmacy technology. A pharmacy technician can enter into this career with a high school diploma or a GED.
If you aspire to become a medical assistant, Northwest Suburban College is the best choice for you. We’ll help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your medical career. Contact us today!
