10.4 Pharmacy Technician
Karen Piette, MHS, CMA
Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of pharmacists and must have a strong understanding of pharmacology. While pharmacists are responsible for dispensing prescription medications and providing expertise on their safe use, pharmacy technicians support these processes by packaging and labeling prescriptions, collecting the necessary information to fulfill prescriptions, and, in many states such as Washington, compounding or mixing certain medications. As such, pharmacy technicians need strong math skills, precise measurement abilities, and keen attention to detail.
A crucial yet often overlooked aspect of pharmacology is the role of compounded medications. Compounded medications are customized to meet a patient’s individual needs based on a provider’s prescription. For example, if a patient is allergic to a specific ingredient in a standard lotion, a pharmacy technician can prepare a specialized topical medication by removing the allergen, ensuring that the patient can safely use the medication. It is important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve compounded medications, so those involved in compounding must receive specialized training to ensure safety and accuracy.
The role of a pharmacy technician extends beyond compounding medications and also includes administrative tasks such as interacting with patients and managing pharmaceutical supplies. Pharmacy technicians should be detail-oriented, organized, and possess strong basic math skills. Effective communication with patients or customers is also essential for ensuring that medications are dispensed accurately and that patients receive the necessary guidance.
Employment Opportunities for Pharmacy Technicians
There are many different practice areas for pharmacy technicians, and they can work anywhere there are pharmacists. According to Amanda Stringham, a pharmacy tech professor at Wenatchee Valley College, “I think when people think of pharmacy tech they think of [jobs at] Safeway and Walgreens counting prescriptions. Or outpatient community pharmacies where they are filling prescriptions and dispensing them to patients. But in our program, we really touch on a lot of other things because the scope of pharm tech can include compounding, which is either mixing things together [at a pharmacy] [to] make tablets and capsules and specialized lotions, or . . . in hospitals [for] IVs. Some specialty roles for pharm techs [also] include medic[ation] reconciliation, . . . pharmaceutical representative, and even [roles in] technology, like building EMRs . . . We send our pharm techs to a multitude of different places to get that exposure.”
Role of Pharmacy Technicians in Electronic Medical Records (EMRs)
Pharmacy technicians, along with medical assistants (MAs), nurses, and other healthcare professionals, are often trained in electronic medical records (EMRs) or electronic health records (EHRs), which are digital documentation systems for patient information, including orders and medical charts. This skill can be an essential aspect of their role, and pharmacy technicians may even pursue careers within this field, contributing to the broader healthcare system’s digital needs.
Job Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians
The employment outlook for pharmacy technicians is promising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), the employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. This growth reflects the increasing demand for healthcare services, making it a strong field for individuals interested in healthcare and pharmacology. For those looking for a solid entry-level position in healthcare, becoming a pharmacy technician could be an excellent career choice.
Pharmacy Technician Requirements and Qualifications
Pharmacy technician programs generally do not require specific prerequisites for admission, although some programs may have limited spaces and require an application process. A high school diploma or its equivalent is typically required for entry into these programs.
Attending a college-based training program offers several advantages, such as exposure to a variety of clinical settings, which can provide a broader range of practical experiences compared to working in a single organization. Additionally, some states may require certification for pharmacy technicians. Two primary organizations that offer certification are the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
In Washington State, pharmacy technician programs typically last between 9 months and 1 year, or about 3 to 4 quarters. These programs generally consist of three quarters of didactic (theoretical) instruction and one quarter of clinical experience in a community setting. Alternatively, there are associate degree options available, such as the associate of applied science degree, which usually takes 6 quarters (approximately 2 years) to complete.
Attributions
- Figure 10.1: Assistant Pharmacist.jpg by M Joko Apriya Putro is released under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International