Pharmacy technicians a vital link in today’s health care field
Looking for a fast-paced career in the health field with diverse opportunities? A career as a pharmacy technician may be just what the doctor ordered!
Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists prepare prescription medications, provide customer service and perform administrative duties for pharmacy technicians is expected to increase by more than 30 percent in the next few years, with numerous job opportunities.
JCC’s pharmacy technician associate degree program prepares students for positions in either retail pharmacy stores or hospital students in medical terminology, health mathematics, interpersonal, written and oral communication, knowledge and accuracy in dispensing and control of drugs, and use of computers.
“This is an entry-level career in the health field that students can step into,” said Marla Clark, director of allied health at JCC. “Starting here, they may broaden their career further into the health field, or work in other business areas of the facility, such as management.”
Working under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, pharmacy technicians are often the first line of customer service in a retail pharmacy, receiving prescription requests from customer service, operating a cash register, inventory control, counting or pouring out medicines, or traveling to pick up or transport supplies.
Working hours for pharmacy technicians will vary depending on the location, with most retail pharmacies having night and weekend hours. Hospital pharmacies are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so technicians will work different shifts. Pharmacy technicians earn hourly wages, and average about $13-$15 per hour.
Upon completion, students will be eligible to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board credential to become certified in the field.
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