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Pharmacy Technology

Pharmacy technicians function as support personnel for pharmacists. State regulations determine the exact duties that a pharmacy technician is allowed to perform. They may straighten and organize the pharmacy, assist in updating patient records, keep the pharmacy fully stocked, and complete prescription labels under the direction of a pharmacist. Some may also receive prescription orders and contact physicians to sanction order refills. Pharmacy technicians are hired in the same settings where pharmacists work. Neighborhood pharmacies, hospitals, independent laboratories, federal agencies and pharmaceutical companies all employ technicians. A technician may be employed on a part-time basis, although many choose to make their work a full-time career.

The education requirements for pharmacy technicians vary according to the type and extent of duties they are hired to perform. Some who are merely assistants and work only under direct supervision may be hired without any formal training. However, the majority of pharmacy technicians attend a community college or vocational-technical school where they are trained in the fundamentals of pharmaceutical science. An associate's degree is the most significant degree awarded for this field, and it takes two years to obtain.