| Pharmacy technician schools prepare you to be a | | | | technician schools from the get-go since today's job |
| pharmacy tech - a position that introduces you to an | | | | opportunities demand more training. |
| array of health care possibilities. So says Ed Mowbray, | | | | So what is a pharmacy technician anyway? |
| Inventory Coordinator for Shore Memorial Hospital | | | | Pharmacy technicians basically assist licensed |
| (Somers Point, NJ). His title actually reflects a climb | | | | pharmacists provide medication and other health care |
| from pharmacy technician to lead pharmacy technician | | | | products to patients. "We are one part of the |
| and finally to inventory coordinator, a position he's held | | | | three-part check before medication goes to the |
| for nearly seven years. But, he says, it was earning his | | | | patient," says Mowbray, explaining that pharmacy |
| pharmacy technician certification via the National | | | | techs, pharmacists, and nurses each check that an |
| Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination | | | | order matches the medicine dispensed to the correct |
| administered by The Pharmacy Technician Certification | | | | patient. |
| Board about a year and a half ago that helped | | | | In a retail pharmacy, pharmacy technicians play a |
| increase his salary. | | | | similar role that may include verifying information on a |
| "Being certified is important because it keeps you | | | | prescription, preparing the paperwork or computerized |
| updated on what's going on in the field. Most | | | | data for that prescription, and preparing the medication. |
| conferences have physicians, nurses, and pharmacists | | | | Once the prescription is filled, notes the BLS, |
| in attendance so everyone is on the same page," | | | | technicians price and file the prescription, which must |
| explains the 40-year-old pharmacy tech. | | | | be checked by a pharmacist before it is given to the |
| Not only did certification result in a pay raise for | | | | patient. |
| Mowbray, but for those currently exploring pharmacy | | | | A presciption for learning |
| technician schools, being formally educated will help | | | | Beyond preparing you for certification exams, |
| with job opportunities. According to the Bureau of | | | | pharmacy technician programs get you ready for the |
| Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook | | | | health care field. And once you've secured a job, says |
| 2006-2007, although most pharmacy technicians jobs | | | | Mowbray, you'll get an insider's view of various medical |
| offer informal on-the-job training, employers favor | | | | professions -- perfect if you're still unsure of which |
| those who have completed formal training and | | | | health care field you want to explore. "Some people |
| certification. | | | | will work as a pharmacy technician before [pharmacy] |
| Formal pharmacy technician programs provided at | | | | school to decide if pharmacy is what they want to do," |
| pharmacy technician schools and certification | | | | he says. "Or they do this to pay the bills while in nursing |
| emphasize the technician's interest in and dedication to | | | | school or X-ray tech school. It's a good place to be |
| the work, says the BLS. Students can earn a diploma, | | | | because you get to see the whole overall view of the |
| a pharmacy technician certification, or an associate | | | | hospital and choose where you want to be." |
| degree, depending on the program. Mowbray says he | | | | Of course, you just may realize that being a pharmacy |
| breezed through the pharmacy technician certification | | | | technician is perfect for you. "It's very fulfilling know |
| exam because of his years of experience, however, | | | | that you're helping others," says Mowbray, "especially if |
| those starting out may want to consider pharmacy | | | | you take pride in what you do. |