Pharmacy Technician News and Info

What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?

2010-02-09T14:41:00.000-08:00

If you are considering a pharmacy technician career, your duties may include all or any of the following daily tasks:

- Greet patients, accept their prescriptions and verify their data on file is correct
- Prepare prescription bottle labels
- Check medication inventories and order supplies as needed
- Assist the pharmacist with preparing prescriptions, including counting, weighing and pouring medications
- Answer and make phone calls
- Maintain patient records
- Process insurance claim forms
- Assist pharmacists as needed with a variety of important tasks

As a pharmacy technician, you will become a part of the health care industry, which is expected to account for about 22% of all wage and salary jobs added to the economy through 2018 (BLS).

Take action now - pursue your pharmacy technician training online on your schedule.

Opportunity Awaits the Certified Pharmacy Technician - Learn More, Earn More!

2010-02-05T14:42:00.000-08:00

While job opportunities in the health care industry continue to be on the rise, those seeking employment as pharmacy technicians can gain a competitive edge by earning their Pharmacy Technician Certification. In fact, becoming a certified pharmacy technician can make quite an impact on a potential employer when it comes to getting hired, earning a promotion, or negotiating for a higher salary.

With pharmacies busier than ever these days, it's up to pharmacy technicians to keep things running smooth in a smooth manner - a very important responsibility! Just as demand is up for work in this rewarding field, so is the demand for accurate information as to how much a pharmacy technician can earn.

What are the Salary Opportunities for Pharmacy Technicians?

By logging onto www.payscale.com and going to the section entitled "Pharmacy Tech Salary Survey Data," you can access current information regarding wages based on location, experience, and other factors that are typically used to determine the average salary for a pharmacy technician.

Employment setting is one of the main factors that determine what a pharmacy tech can earn. For instance, the "Pharmacy Tech Salary by Employer Type" chart on the website indicates that those who are contract employees have the highest average salary. Next in line for competitive pharmacy tech wages are hospital, non-profit, and government positions.

The most likely source of work for a pharmacy technician career is a pharmacy that is located in a drugstore or other retail outlet where salaries for the position will vary. To find out which retail setting offers the highest average salary, compare data listed in "Pharmacy Tech Wages by Industry."

Incidentally, if you are looking to earn a high salary as a pharmacy technician and live where the climate is mostly sunny, you might consider working in the Southern California region. According to the "Average Salary for a Pharmacy Technician by City," Los Angeles and San Diego both stand out as the locations that pay the highest wages to pharmacy technicians.

As stated earlier, a pharmacy technician's salary depends largely on the setting he or she is working in and is most likely to be greater if certified. The higher pharmacy tech wages typically go to those who know how to prepare IV medications and/or work with chemotherapy drugs. Also, education is vital to those wishing to expand their careers.

Just as is the case in most industries, the more you know and the more you can do, the higher your salary will be. Take the first step and enroll in an online pharmacy technician course today - prepare to become a certified pharmacy technician!

Pharmacy Technician: Your New Career in 2010?

2010-01-06T12:24:00.000-08:00

Want to enter an industry that is projected to generate 3.2 million new wage and salary jobs between 2008 and 2018 - more than any other industry? (BLS) Consider health care. In fact, according to the BLS, many of the occupations projected to grow the fastest in the economy are concentrated in the health care industry.

So, which health care career path is the right one for you? Consider a pharmacy technician career. Here's why:

Employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to increase much faster than the average and job opportunities are expected to be good, especially for those with previous experience, formal training, or certification (BLS). Enter a fast growing industry fully prepared - successfully complete an online pharmacy technician course on your own schedule. Your training will help distinguish you from the competition and may make you more appealing to potential employers.

Employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to increase by 31 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations (BLS). Wow - not only is the overall health care sector expecting employment increases, but more specifically, trained pharmacy technicians will be in huge demand. Preparing to enter an industry where career opportunities are projected to be abundant is a smart decision for yourself, your family and your future.

About 75 percent of jobs were in a retail setting (BLS). Think of all the pharmacies in your area. As a trained pharmacy technician, you may be able to land a job right in your community, near your home or your child's school that requires little to no commute time.

Pharmacy technicians work in clean, organized, well-lighted, and well-ventilated areas (BLS). It's true - most people spend the majority of their time at work. So, not only make sure your time is well-spent doing something you enjoy, but also in a setting that is conducive to your well-being and job productivity.

In large pharmacies and health systems, pharmacy technicians with significant training or experience can be promoted to supervisory positions (BLS). Choose a career path where you have the opportunity to advance. Start with pharmacy tech training from an online accredited medical school that prepares you to pursue a career you can be proud of and start gaining experience that could lead to greater responsibility and income potential.

Want to Start a Pharm Tech Career? Consider These Facts...

2009-10-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a solid career opportunity? In today's uncertain economic times, people want a career they can count on every day. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a career as a pharmacy technician may be the answer - job opportunities continue to be on an upswing nationwide, with employment expected to increase much faster than the average through 2016.

The earning potential of a career is one of the biggest considerations people have for going into a specific field. The good news is that the highest 10 percent of pharmacy technicians earned more than $17.65 in May 2006, or more than $36,712 per 40-hour week. Certified technicians may earn even more. Your geographic location can also affect your paycheck. Here's some information to consider:

Top Paying States for Pharmacy Technicians:

State	Employment	Hourly Mean Wage	Annual Mean Wage	% of State Employment
Alaska	570	$17.42	$36,240	0.185%
California	27,470	$17.36	$36,100	0.181%
Washington	5,790	$17.29	$35,960	0.202%
Hawaii	950	$17.00	$35,370	0.155%
District of Columbia	800	$16.91	$35,170	0.126%

(Source: BLS)

States with the Highest Concentration of Pharmacy Technician Workers:

State	Employment	Hourly Mean Wage	Annual Mean Wage	% of State Employment
Missouri	10,620	$11.81	$24,560	0.388%
West Virginia	2,680	$11.35	$23,620	0.373%
Kentucky	6,430	$11.71	$24,370	0.354%
Delaware	1,440	$13.15	$27,350	0.339%
Alabama	6,500	$11.63	$24,190	0.334%

(Source: BLS)

Pharmacy technicians work the same hours as pharmacists, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays, especially in facilities that are open around the clock such as hospitals and some retail pharmacies. This can provide you with the opportunity to create a flexible schedule that meet the needs of your family. Another advantage is that as seniority increases, you will have increased control over your hours and schedule.

Some technicians are trained on the job, but most employers favor applicants with formal training, certification, or prior experience. Enrolling in a training program from an accredited school can be the first step toward your new pharmacy technician career - online courses give you the freedom to study when and where you want.

Allied's Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Exam Promise - Pass or Don't Pay!

2009-08-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

The PTCB exam is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) to test the skills of new pharmacy technicians. And at Allied Medical School, we are so confident in the effectiveness of our Pharmacy Technician Program, we promise you will pass the PTCB exam on your first try - or we will refund your exam fee!

Click here for more information about "Pass or Don't Pay"

Show potential employers that you have acquired first-rate skills from a quality Pharmacy Technician Program. Take the PTCB exam with confidence and embark on a career in the growing medical industry. Call (888) 384-0854 to get started today.

Want a Bulletproof Career? Become a Pharmacy Technician

2009-08-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

The employment world has undergone a transformation in recent years. Outsourcing and increasing amounts of unemployment have led to great upheavals and changes in the workplace. Even those who are gainfully employed often find themselves waiting for a pink slip. So, in these uncertain times, how can people find security in their career? They can prepare for an in-demand, seemingly bulletproof opportunity such as pharmacy technician career.

The good news is that there will always be a need for pharmacy technicians at the local corner drug store, pharmacy or pharmaceutical company. These vital medical professionals prepare prescriptions, bill insurance companies and serve customers throughout the community. Better yet, the need for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and other medical professionals is only expected to grow in the years to come - the BLS projects that there will be three million new health care positions in the next decade.

A number of factors, such as an aging and growing population, have combined to create an ever-increasing need for health care in all its forms - and that means a greater need for pharmacy technicians who can skillfully fill prescriptions and accurately bill providers. In fact, those men and women entering retirement age will be utilizing more and more health care services. This will result in more doctor visits and more prescriptions, which is good news for pharmacy technicians looking for a stable career anywhere in the nation.

Pharmacy technicians do much more than just fill prescription bottles. An experienced and well-trained pharmacy technician is responsible for accurately billing those prescriptions to Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurance companies. The pharmacy technician also obtains any required co-payments and deductibles from customers when the prescriptions are dispensed. This diversity makes pharmacy technicians a vital member of any pharmacy team.

If you're looking for a rewarding career that is predicted to have longevity and stability for years to come, you may want to consider building your future as a pharmacy technician. Pharmacy technicians provide an important service to society - as long as people need medicine, there will be career opportunities in the health care industry. A growing and aging population means job opportunity for many years to come!

Big Demand for Pharmacy Technicians!

2009-05-27T12:05:00.000-07:00

The increased number of middle-aged and elderly people - who use more prescription drugs than younger people - will spur demand for technicians in both community and industrial pharmacy settings. In addition, scientific advances bring treatments and medications for an increasing number of conditions, further increasing the demand for the well-trained pharmacy technician.

When you watch TV at night, do you ever notice all those commercials for new medications? Soon doctors all over the country will be writing prescriptions for these medications and where will their patients take them? Who will be the one filling their prescription?

Good job opportunities are expected for full-time and part-time work, especially for technicians with formal training or previous experience.
Job openings for pharmacy technicians will result from the expansion of retail pharmacies and other employment settings, and from the need to replace workers who transfer to other positions or leave the labor force.
Allied will provide the education needed to enter this growing and exciting career and prepare student to become a certified pharmacy technician through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
with great pricing and discount options, comprehensive course materials, educational tools like webcasts and a certification review workbook; it is easier than ever for student to get that great new career as a pharmacy technician!
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunity in this field is expected to grow 32% from 2006 - 2016, which is much faster than average for all occupations.

This will create a need for over 91,200 additional pharmacy technicians during this period!

The Job of a Pharmacy Technician

2009-05-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

Helping the pharmacists count the prescription pills
Labeling medicine bottles
Answering the phones
Taking care of the money
Checking prescriptions
Organizing the medication on the shelves
Keeping count of all medication to ensure an all-day supply

The role of a pharmacy technician is a large and important one – however technicians cannot answer questions about medications and their possible side-effects or compound the actual medicines. This is the responsibility of the pharmacist, who has an extensive educational background and is licensed by the state.
A pharmacy technician can work in a hospital setting, nursing home, or pharmacy. They can set their schedules to work full or part-time. The good news is that this is a career that is on the rise – the elderly population has increased and more people are taking medications than ever before. Scientific research continues to make breakthroughs in medications and treatments, which in turn increases the need for well-trained pharmacy technicians in pharmacies nationwide.
How does a pharmacy technician learn the right skills? Pharmacy technician courses are offered at various schools and colleges, including:

Vocational Colleges

Technical Colleges

Community Colleges

Hospitals

Proprietary Schools

These schools or colleges offer courses or programs for individuals to earn the skills needed to become a pharmacy technician. The amount of time it takes to complete the program is usually less than two years, with some as short as six months. Individuals will gain familiarity with medical terminology, types of medications, pharmacy ethics, and how to calculate dosages and read medical records.

The job of a pharmacy technician, like many other jobs, is an important one. The necessary skills learned by a pharmacy technician will provide a tremendous help to pharmacists nationwide and keep the pharmacy or medical facility running in a smooth manner – while effectively meeting the needs of patients. It's a career that helps people on a daily basis and makes a difference every day.

Pharmacy Technicians Have Options in Their Careers

2009-04-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

A career that is on the rise is that of a pharmacy technician. Pharmaceutical businesses and advances in scientific research have increased the need for more pharmacy technicians. According to the pharmacy association report, there are close to 40,000 job openings in this field every year.

One of the reasons for the increase in the need for pharmacy technicians is because pharmacists want to have more one-on-one, hands-on time with their patients. Therefore, pharmacy technicians assume more responsibility with the prescriptions and medications handed out.

In addition, more people are getting older and living longer, creating an even bigger need for pharmacy technicians to handle the increase in the number of prescriptions. This also creates more of a need for pharmacists to provide excellent patient care and technicians to apply their knowledge and take on more responsibility with pharmaceuticals. Pharmacists need dependable technicians working alongside them. Click here to learn more about how to become a pharmacy technician.

Where can pharmacy technicians find a job? Here are some options:

- Retail: Places like grocery stores or drug store chains are always hiring pharmacy technicians to work for them. A job like this has its perks such as health insurance, savings (401K) plans, a consistent full-time work schedule, and opportunities to move up in the business.

- Mail Order: This is a type of pharmacy business that is growing fast. It's a type of business that doesn't require a lot of overhead costs, which gives the company the ability to pay their pharmacy technicians an attractive salary with benefits and offer a flexible schedule. In this job, technicians check all prescriptions that are submitted through the mail. Then, they count the medication, label the prescription bottle, and mail the filled prescription back to the patient. The only drawback is that they work alone and do not interact with many people.

- Hospitals and Nursing Facilities: Nursing homes and hospitals are another place where pharmacy technicians are needed. They perform the same duties as they would if they were in a drug store, and they get to interact with many different people. They also deliver the medication to the patients in the hospital. This is ideal for pharmacy technicians that enjoy being in an environment where there are lots of people for them to communicate and interact with on a regular basis.

A pharmacy technician career will continue to be in demand as an aging and growing population requires more medications. This will create an increased need for qualified pharmacy technicians to perform such tasks as counting medication, managing the shelves and handling insurance paperwork. Opportunities will exist in many different settings -- creating flexibility, stability and reward for pharmacy technicians nationwide.

A Pharmacy Technician is Essential to the Pharmacy

2009-04-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs an assistant to help them complete their day-to-day tasks, and a pharmacist is no different. A pharmacy technician is the pharmacist's "assistant" and helps him or her keep the pharmacy running in an efficient and orderly manner -- from counting medication to answering the phone.

Pharmacy technicians play an important role -- when a prescription is received, the pharmacy technician checks the prescription, completes the insurance information, labels the bottle, measures the medication and pours it. There are additional administrative duties that include: checking on the status of prescriptions, organizing the medications on the pharmacy shelves and ringing up the sale on the cash register. Upon completion of the medical prescription, the pharmacist will double-check the medicine for any errors in measurement, count, or labeling. The pharmacy technician assists the head pharmacist, but the final word always comes from the pharmacist.

The role of a pharmacy technician is a large and important one -- however technicians cannot answer questions about medications and their possible side-effects or compound the actual medicines. This is the responsibility of the pharmacist, who has an extensive educational background and is licensed by the state.

A pharmacy technician can work in a hospital setting, nursing home, or pharmacy. They can set their schedules to work full or part-time. The good news is that this is a career that is on the rise -- the elderly population has increased and more people are taking medications than ever before. Scientific research continues to make breakthroughs in medications and treatments, which in turn increases the need for well-trained pharmacy technicians in pharmacies nationwide.

The job of a pharmacy technician, like many other jobs, is an important one. The necessary skills learned by a pharmacy technician will provide a tremendous help to pharmacists nationwide and keep the pharmacy or medical facility running in a smooth manner -- while effectively meeting the needs of patients. It's a career that helps people on a daily basis and makes a difference every day.

Certification & Your Pharmacy Technician Career

2009-04-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

You want to make the most of your pharmacy technician caree. Your pharmacy technician online course prepares you to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam, but you don't know if you should take the extra step. What exactly is certification? And how will it help your career?

Certification is defined as "the process by which a non-governmental association or agency grants recognition to an individual who has met certain predetermined qualifications specified by that association or agency." It is a designation that is earned through preparation and formal testing. Certification is valid for two years. During this time, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education to maintain your certification.

As a certified pharmacy technician, you will be prepared to work with licensed pharmacists and provide even greater patient care and service. Also, you will most likely find that there are greater job opportunities available to you because you are nationally certified. This is because pharmacists trust the PTCB certification and know that if you have earned it, you have a solid educational background as well as understanding of the pharmacy technician career.

The good news is that the pharmaceutical industry needs pharmacy technicians - Employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to increase by 32 percent from 2006 to 2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. And today, more employers are requiring certification. You will find that many pharmacy technician job postings require candidates who are either already certified or are currently enrolled in a pharmacy technician program.

Once you pass the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination, you can use the designation "CPhT" after your name. A certificate and wallet card will be sent to you six to eight weeks after you take the examination. You earn national certification that is recognized and valid nationwide. Regulations to work in a pharmacy as a pharmacy technician vary from state to state, so you should check your particular state to find out what rules apply to your pharmacy technician career.

With increasing competition in the job market, you should take the extra step to stand out in your pharmacy technician career. Apply the knowledge you learn in your pharmacy technician online course to pass the certification exam. Not only will you add valuable credentials to your resume, but you will open the door to opportunities nationwide.

Some Facts About a Pharmacy Technician Career

2009-03-25T09:45:00.000-07:00

You'e considering starting a pharmacy technician career - congratulations, it's a solid career choice! Pharmacy technicians are needed nationwide to count and measure medication, manage inventories and complete pharmaceutical dosage forms alongside licensed pharmacists. It is an industry that is expected to grow at a fast rate over the next decade - providing opportunity and stability for you! Here's some helpful information about how to become a pharmacy technician:

What can I do with a pharmacy technician certificate? Enrolling in a pharmacy technician certificate program will provide you with the necessary foundation to assist licensed pharmacists in a pharmacy setting. You will be prepared to provide medication and other health care products to patients. Your duties will vary, but some daily tasks will include:

- Verifying prescription information
- Retrieving, counting, pouring, weighing, measuring and mixing medication
- Selecting containers and preparing labels
- Preparing insurance claim forms
- Maintaining patient records
- Working the cash register and interacting with patient

Once you complete your pharmacy technician online course, you will be prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification exam. This will enable you to become a certified pharmacy technician and add specialized credentials to your resume. It can also create more career opportunities for you, such as allowing you to assume more responsibilities and eventually even taking on a supervisory role.

How much do pharmacy technicians make? The amount of money that you can make as a pharmacy technician depends on your geographical location and amount of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in May 2006 the highest 10 percent of pharmacy technicians earned more than $17.65 per hour; the middle 50 percent earned an hourly rate between $10.10 and $14.92. Certification and evening/weekend work may increase your amount of earnings.

Where do pharmacy technicians work? As a pharmacy technician, you will work in a comfortable pharmacy setting in a hospital, community pharmacy, outpatient clinic, nursing home or pharmaceutical organization. You will work the same hours that pharmacist work , which may include evening, night, weekend and holiday hours - there may also be part-time opportunities available.

What is the career outlook? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment is expected to increase much faster than average through 2016, and job opportunities are expected to be good. As the population ages, there will be an increased need for prescriptions for the middle-aged and elderly - meaning opportunity for qualified pharmacy technicians across the U.S.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician

2009-03-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

The last time you picked up a prescription, you may have notice the individual that
retrieved your prescription or processed your insurance - that was the pharmacy technician. While the pharmacist is busy filling prescriptions, the pharmacy technician provides necessary assistance throughout the pharmacy - from verifying prescription information to preparing prescription containers.

It is a rewarding and exciting career that is needed nationwide. As a growing and aging population requires more medical care, there will be an increased need for prescriptions and pharmacy personnel - meaning opportunity for you! If you've wanted to start a pharmacy technician career, now's the time to get the training you need. Here's the steps you need to take:

1) Enroll in an accredited career-training school - You need to get a proper educational foundation. Take the first step and enroll in a pharmacy technician course. No time to travel to a classroom? Need to keep your current job? Taking a pharmacy technician online course is the perfect way to prepare for your new career, with the flexibility to focus on your life. Study any time, anywhere with a course that is convenient and self paced.

2) Become certified - Make sure that the pharmacy technician course you choose provides the knowledge you need to prepare for the certification exam. By taking the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification exam, you will provide you pharmacy technician career with increased opportunities.

3) Start your pharmacy technician career - Once you finish your pharmacy technician online course and become certified, you will be prepared to join a pharmacy team anywhere in the nation. Choose to work alongside a licensed pharmacist in a hospital, community pharmacy, outpatient clinic, nursing home or pharmaceutical organization.

How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician? The pharmacy technician course includes 120 hours of study - the amount of time you can spend each week will determine how soon you can start your pharmacy technician career. If you study 10 hours each week, you will finish your course within three months. You will then need to prepare for and sit for the certification exam.

In a short period of time, you will be prepared to start your pharmacy technician career. You will be prepared to help licensed pharmacists provide medication and other health care products to patients. Your day will include counting and measuring medication, managing inventories, and completing pharmaceutical dosage forms - all on a part or full-time basis. Does a pharmacy technician career sound good to you? Get started today with a pharmacy technician online course - study at home with a course that fits your life.

Course Overview

2009-03-20T08:56:00.001-07:00

Build Your Future in an Exploding Industry!
The pharmaceutical industry is expected to surge over the next decade due to the increased needs of a larger and older population. Be part of this growth with an education that prepares you to work in pharmacies nationwide.
Work alongside licensed pharmacists every day as you aid in the health and welfare of others. Your knowledge of the administrative and clinical tasks needed to succeed in the pharmaceutical industry will open doors in hospitals, community pharmacies, outpatient clinics, pharmaceutical companies, medical centers and more.
Take the first step today with the right education. Allied's Pharmacy Technician Training prepares you to count and measure medication, manage inventories and complete pharmaceutical dosage forms as an integral part of a pharmacy team. Achieve your goals with the convenient online pharmacy technician course, live student support and comprehensive materials.