Pharmacy Technicians assist pharmacists by mixing and filling prescriptions and maintaining the pharmacy's stock levels.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Pharmacy Technicians may:

Mix pharmaceutical preparations under the direction and supervision of the pharmacist

Count stock and enter data in the computer to maintain inventory records

Order supplies to maintain stock levels

Receive and place supplies in stock

Package and label drugs, chemicals, and other pharmaceutical preparations

Fill prescriptions with prepared drugs and compound sterile intravenous solutions under the supervision of the pharmacist

Fill cups with the specified amount and type of drugs for distribution to hospital patients by the nursing staff

Clean equipment and work areas in the pharmacy

Sterilize bottles, beakers, and other glassware according to prescribed methods

Compute charges for drugs

Deliver prepared medications and run errands

Perform other duties designated by and under the supervision of the pharmacist

Click here to see Pharmacy Technicians at work!

Machines, tools, and equipment used may include:

074.382-010  PHARMACY TECHNICIANS assist pharmacists by mixing and filling prescriptions and maintaining the pharmacy's stock level.

You may also wish to explore the program information for the following related Career Exploration Scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Pharmacy Technicians work under the direction and close supervision of a pharmacist. They may also work with other Technicians in large hospitals. All Pharmacy Technicians work in clean, well lighted, well ventilated areas.

Most Pharmacy Technicians work a 5-day, 40-hour week during daytime hours. Those working in larger hospitals, having pharmacies which are open 24 hours a day, may work evening or night shifts. Technicians working in hospitals and pharmacies which are open seven days a week, might be required to work overtime or on weekends.

Pharmacy Technicians may have to travel to other hospitals or pharmacies to pick up supplies or drugs of which they are short. Technicians working at hospitals are generally provided transportation, whereas most others are reimbursed for travel costs.

Pharmacy Technicians working in hospitals usually are required to wear uniforms. Those working in retail pharmacies may wear a uniform or a light jacket.

Some Pharmacy Technicians belong to unions representing other employees in hospitals and must pay periodic membership dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities which involve the use of machines, processes, or methods

• Activities which help others

You Should Be Able To:

• Repeat activities/tasks according to required routine procedure/order

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Understand medical and pharmaceutical terms

• Follow written and oral instructions exactly

Workers in hospitals or clinics should also be able to:

• Work with the infirm and critically ill

• Understand patients and patient care procedures

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Painkillers include any substance that gives temporary relief from pain; preferably without causing a loss of consciousness.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a letter to your suppliers requesting certain products that for which you need a refill.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide from past records what types of products you use most often and need to buy in larger quantities.

Most employers require applicants to have a physical exam and TB test. Since Pharmacy Technicians deal with controlled substances, applicants must not have been convicted of a felony and may be required to submit to a background check. Applicants without prior experience or training may be required to pass a test to determine if they have the necessary aptitude to learn the job. Some typing is required on this job. Pharmacy Technicians may obtain professional certification from the Michigan Pharmacists Association

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES 

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond High School) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

 0700 CAREERS, 0900 COMMUNICATIONS, 1000 COMPUTERS, 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS, 2200 MATH, 2900 SCIENCE, 3100 STUDY & WORK OPTIONS, 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

 018 PHARMACY ASSISTING

 Approved vocational education programs in Pharmacy Assisting prepare students to work under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist. Students learn how to perform routine duties related to maintaining and dispensing pharmaceutical supplies and medications.

The following courses may be required for completion of this program:

PHARMACY ASSISTING

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

130   PHARMACY TECHNOLOGY

Pharmacy Technology programs provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed to work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists in preparing and distributing drugs, labeling, packaging, and keeping records.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at http://www.todaysmilitary.com/   

PHARMACY TECHNICIANS

Prescription drugs and medicines are important to medical treatment. Patients and physicians depend on military pharmacies to fill their prescriptions accurately. Pharmacy technicians prepare and dispense prescribed drugs and medicines under the supervision of pharmacists or physicians. They also maintain pharmacy supplies and records.

What They Do   

Pharmacy technicians in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Read physicians' prescriptions to determine the types and amount of drugs to prepare

• Weigh and measure drugs and chemicals

• Mix ingredients in order to produce prescription medications

• Prepare labels for prescriptions

• Dispense medications to patients

• Keep records of drugs prescribed

• Store shipments of drugs and medications

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include algebra, chemistry, biology, physiology, anatomy, and typing. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in body chemistry

• Ability to work using precise measurements and standards

• Ability to follow strict procedures and directions

Training Provided

Job training consists of 12 to 17 weeks of classroom instruction. Course content typically includes:

• Pharmacy laws and regulations

• Drug types and uses

• Mixing and dispensing drugs

Physical Demands

Normal color vision is required as is the ability to speak clearly. Some specialties may involve heavy lifting.

Work Environment   

Pharmacy technicians usually work in hospitals and clinics on land or aboard ships. They may also work in field hospitals.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies, drug stores, hospitals, and clinics under the direction of pharmacists. They are usually known as pharmacy helpers and generally do not have responsibility for the compounding and dispensing of drugs. They perform simple tasks, such as storing supplies, cleaning equipment, and delivering prescriptions. While military pharmacy helpers, they do not have the qualifications needed to become civilian pharmacists. Pharmacists must complete a college pharmacy degree program, pass a state board exam, and serve in a pharmacy internship.

    E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY 

Work as a cashier or stock clerk in a pharmacy may give you the opportunity to observe the work of both the pharmacist and the Pharmacy Technician, as well as to become familiar with the types of prescription and nonprescription drugs carried. Secondary vocational education programs in pharmacy assisting as well as postsecondary programs in pharmacy technology may offer co-op opportunities through which experience can be gained. There area also a limited number of apprenticeships available.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships 

job shadowing experiences 

touring a local Pharmacy Technician employer 

internships 

volunteer work with a Pharmacy Technician employer 

community service work with an agency 

To become employed as a Pharmacy Technician, apply directly to retail pharmacies, hospitals, large clinics, or medical centers. Some assistance in locating a job may be obtained from your high school, college, or private vocational school placement office and from local offices of Michigan Works!.  Applicants for government positions may be required to take and pass a civil service exam. Job openings may also be listed in newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as: 

Michigan Pharmacists Association Job Search & Recruitment Service

H Monster

HealthCare Job Bank

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

Michigan Talent Bank

simplyhired.com

Indeed | one search. all jobs.

Jobster

Yahoo! Careers

Classifieds Employment

MONSTER.COM

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services. 

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

Earnings of Pharmacy Technicians vary with employer, geographic location, training and experience, and level of responsibility. 

Nationally, the hourly wage of Pharmacy Technicians employed by hospitals and related institutions averaged $13.99 in mid 2007.  The median hourly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $16.78 in 2006.  

In Michigan, Pharmacy technicians earned an average of $13.46 per hour in early 2007.

Hospitals in Michigan paid the following hourly wage rates (mid 2007) to Pharmacy Technicians: 

Pharmacy Technicians working for the State of Michigan had hourly earnings ranging from $15.28 to $19.61 in late 2007.

Full time Pharmacy Technicians usually receive such fringe benefits as paid vacations and holidays, life and health insurance, and sick leave. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer. Some technicians also receive prescribed drugs and other personal purchases at cost or at reduced rates. 

Newly hired workers usually learn the skills for this occupation through on-the-job-training. Without additional education or training, Pharmacy Technicians have very few advancement opportunities. Some very large hospitals with several Pharmacy Technicians may have positions as pharmacy technician supervisors. Most Pharmacy Technicians, however, consider increased earnings a form of advancement. Those who do obtain additional education may transfer to other health-care occupations. 

  EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK 

Nationally, there were 258,200 Pharmacy Technicians employed in 2004. Employment of Pharmacy Technicians is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. The industry distribution for Pharmacy Technicians looked like this: 

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

In addition to those openings which occur due to replacement of those who retire or leave the occupation for other reasons, some openings will occur due to growth within the occupation. 

The growth and aging of the population and the development of new drugs for the treatment of diseases will continue to increase the demand for prescription drugs. However, the greater use of computers in pharmacies is expected to result in the increased productivity of pharmacists. This may adversely affect the demand for Pharmacy Technicians.

About 8,725 Pharmacy Technicians are employed in Michigan. Most worked in the pharmacies of hospitals, health clinics, health maintenance organizations, nursing homes, and medical centers. Some worked in retail pharmacies. According to a recent survey, about 8% of the Pharmacy Technicians in Michigan are male.

Employment of Pharmacy Technicians is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014.

An average of 260 annual openings is expected, with 140 due to growth and 120 to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations. Most openings will occur in hospitals and other large health care facilities.

As hospital pharmacy departments expand their scope of pharmaceutical services, an increasing reliance on Pharmacy Technicians to perform the more routine tasks is expected. Also, the move toward placing "Satellite" pharmacies on each floor of a hospital in addition to a central pharmacy will mean additional opportunities for Technicians. 

MICHIGAN'S AREA EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2014

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

  Copyright © 2008 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth