Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy Technicians prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist.They measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications.
They process records of medication and equipment dispensed to hospital patients, compute charges, and enter data in a computer.
Technicians count stock and enter data in a computer to maintain inventory records.
Technicians who work in hospitals prepare intravenous (IV) packs, using sterile techniques, under the supervision of a hospital pharmacist.
They clean equipment and sterilize glassware according to prescribed methods.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Completion of a two-year associate degree in health, biological, physical or natural sciences. Or, completion of a State board approved Pharmacy Technician training program. Training must consist of a minimum of 240 hours theoretical and practical instruction.
- Strong mathematics, spelling, and reading skills.
- No history of drug abuse.
- Keyboarding skills for computer data entry.
- Good communication skills.
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
- Fingerprint clearance is required.
Wages
- Pharmacy Technicians Median hourly wage: $15.92
- Average annual wage: $33,632
Job Outlook
- Estimated number of Pharmacy Technicians in 2002: 18,600
- Estimated number of Pharmacy Technicians in 2012: 24,400
- Estimated annual job openings: 820
Possible Career Paths for Pharmacy Technicians include becoming a :