Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists to perform technical and clerical duties in the systematic operation of the pharmacy. Their duties may include but are not limited to: 1) compounding (measuring, weighing, and mixing) medicinal drugs, 2) preparing and labeling medicines, 3) filling bottles and capsules with the correct quantity of medicine, 4) issuing medicines to the customers, 5) maintaining inventory, and 6) keeping patients' medication profiles on specified records or forms.

Work Environment
Pharmacy technicians work in hospitals, nursing homes, home health care agencies, mail order pharmacies, and pharmaceutical companies. Many also work in large retail settings where they may greet and assist customers.

Job Outlook
Employment opportunities in this field are increasing faster than average.

Length of Training/
Requirements
Pharmacy technology programs teach the knowledge and skills needed to prepare, distribute, label and package drugs, and to keep records. Formalized educational programs range from an eight-month certificate program to a two-year associate degree, which is usually obtained through a community college. Some pharmacy technicians learn their skills on the job. Because pharmacy technicians deal with controlled substances, they must submit to a background check.

Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $21,000 - $30,000.

Educational Programs
Certificate Pragrams/Associate Degrees
Amarillo College
El Paso Community College
Houston Community College System Northwest Vista College
Richland College
Tarrant Junior College - Northeast
Temple College

Professional Associations
American Association of Pharmacy Technicians
4646 Brompton Dr.
Greensboro, NC 27407
910/855-3410 or
toll free: 877/275-4771

American Pharmaceutical Association
2215 Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20037
202/628-4410

Texas State Board of Pharmacy
P.O. Box 14709
Austin, TX 78762
512/836-8350