Profession Overview
Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists by preparing prescriptions, verifying medication orders, managing pharmaceutical inventory, and interacting with customers or patients to provide information on medications. Their work ensures that medications are safely dispensed and that pharmacy operations run smoothly.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Prescription Preparation: Accurately filling prescriptions by measuring, counting, and labeling medications.
- Medication Dispensing: Ensuring that medications are correctly dispensed and ready for use, with proper dosage instructions.
- Inventory Management: Ordering, stocking, and organizing medications and supplies. This includes checking expiration dates and maintaining controlled substances.
- Customer Interaction: Communicating with customers to gather necessary information, explain instructions, and answer basic medication-related questions.
- Administrative Tasks: Handling insurance claims, processing payments, maintaining patient records, and assisting in managing prescriptions.
- Compounding Medications: In some settings, pharmacy technicians may mix or prepare specialized medications.
- Ensuring Safety: Reviewing prescriptions for accuracy, alerting pharmacists to any potential errors, interactions, or contraindications.
Typical Work Week
- Standard Hours:
- A full-time pharmacy technician generally works 40 hours per week, which can be broken down into 5 eight-hour shifts (e.g., Monday to Friday). Some pharmacy techs work weekends or evenings, especially in settings that are open 24/7 (like hospitals or large retail pharmacies).
- Retail Pharmacies:
- In retail pharmacies (e.g., chain drugstores), pharmacy techs often work during store hours, which could be 8 AM to 9 PM or longer, depending on the store. Weekend shifts are common, and part-time positions ma
y also be available.
- In retail pharmacies (e.g., chain drugstores), pharmacy techs often work during store hours, which could be 8 AM to 9 PM or longer, depending on the store. Weekend shifts are common, and part-time positions ma
- Hospitals and Healthcare Settings:
- Pharmacy technicians working in hospitals may work different shifts, including overnight or weekends, especially in facilities with 24-hour pharmacies. They may also be on rotating shifts, depending on the needs of the hospital. Part-Time and Flexible Schedules:
- Some pharmacy technicians work part-time, with schedules that can vary more widely based on their personal preferences and the pharmacy’s needs.
Education requirements
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Pharmacy Technician Training
- Completing a formal pharmacy technician training program can enhance your skills and job prospects. These programs typically offer both classroom instruction and hands-on experience.
- Certification (Recommended)
- Can significantly improve employment opportunities and earning potential. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) offers the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification, which demonstrates your knowledge and competence in the field.
- Louisiana State Board of Pharmacy Registration
- Pharmacy Technician License: To legally work as a pharmacy technician in Louisiana, you must be registered with the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Programs in Louisiana
- The University of New Orleans
- 2000 Lakeshore Drive New Orleans, LA 70148
- Nicholls State University
- 906 East 1st Street Thibodaux, LA 70301
- Baton Rouge Community College
- 201 Community College Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70806
- Louisiana State University- Eunice
- PO Box 1129 Eunice, LA 70535
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for pharmacy technicians will grow 12% through 2028
The BLS notes that on average, pharmacy technicians earn an annual salary of $32,700. Top earners can make up to $47,000 per year.