While not a pharmacist, a pharmacy technician is the right-hand man, or woman, to the pharmacist. They assist in the preparation of prescription medications and work alongside the pharmacist to ensure medications are filled, processed and given to patients as safely and quickly as possible. They definitely fill an important role in the delivery of healthcare services.
If that sounds like a career for which you wish to prepare…stop for a minute and consider everything you can before jumping in feet-first. It’s not that we’re discouraging anyone from following their dreams into the pharmacy field, we just want you to know as much about the profession as possible before making it your goal.
For example, do you try to make everyone feel exceptional? Are you an active listener and a critical thinker? Are you good at algebra, geometry and able to solve math problems quickly? As a pharmacy technician, there’s a good chance you’ll be called upon to excel at all those tasks.
Consider also whether you enjoy working with details and data more than with ideas…or, if you like activities that result in practical, hands-on solutions. Even if your personality aligns with all of the above, you’d better like to do what a pharm tech has to do, day-after-day.
The job typically encompasses verifying information as pharm techs receive prescription and refill requests, as well as pre-packing bulk medications, typing and affixing labels, answering the phone, responding to questions, and maintaining both proper storage and security of drugs. All of that should excite you.
Here are the top five characteristics for a pharm tech: strong attention to detail; integrity; concern for others, cooperation; and dependability. And, Owl Guru reports the profession may be more suited to extroverts than introverts. How do you rate in all six of those categories?
After considering all the pros and cons of being a pharmacy technician, if you’re still gung-ho for the career, then you’re what the industry needs. We’d love to see you on one of our Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland or Tennessee campuses offering a Pharmacy Technician program. Visit our Pharmacy Technician program page to learn more about the program and how a Fortis education can point you down the path toward career success.
