Pharmacy Technician

Most pharmacy technicians work in retail pharmacy settings, though there are positions available in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, as well. Most of their days are spent answering phones, operating cash registers and preparing patients' prescriptions, working closely with pharmacists to ensure accuracy. Pharmacy technicians spend much of their time on their feet and they may occasionally have to lift heavy boxes or climb stepladders to reach high shelves. Schedules may also vary drastically and require night, weekend or holiday hours, especially for pharmacy technicians who work in 24-hour facilities. Career advancement can be limited, but this position may open doors into other specialty positions or additional training to become a pharmacist.

There is no national standard for pharmacy technician training or certification, and it is possible to get pharmacy technician training on the job, but employers tend to prefer candidates who have formal education like what is offered at Dawn Career Institute. In addition, most states and employers don't require certification by law, though it may certainly enhance job prospects for those who obtain it. Certification exams are administered nationally by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians. Many employers will reimburse the cost of taking the exam, as well.

Pharmacy technology can be a rewarding path with a lot of career opportunity, as demand continues to increase nationwide. If you enjoy helping people and working with them in a healthcare capacity outside of a medical environment, this may be the choice for you. As a pharmacy technician, you can be a point of contact for many patients regarding their prescriptions, as well as an important resource for pharmacists as they perform their day-to-day tasks. Use your good customer service and communication skills, plus education from Dawn Career Institute, to begin your pharmacy technology career today.