Pharmacy Technicians

The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for Pharmacy technicians and aids.

There are no standard training requirements for pharmacy technicians, but some States require a high school diploma or its equivalent. Although most pharmacy technicians receive informal on-the-job training, employers favor those who have completed formal training and certification. On-the-job training generally ranges between 3 and 12 months.

Formal technician education programs are available through a variety of organizations, including community colleges, vocational schools, hospitals, and the military. These programs range from 6 months to 2 years and include classroom and laboratory work. They cover a variety of subject areas, such as medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy recordkeeping, pharmaceutical techniques, and pharmacy law and ethics. Technicians also are required to learn the names, actions, uses, and doses of the medications they work with. Many training programs include internships, in which students gain hands-on experience in actual pharmacies. After completion, students receive a diploma, a certificate, or an associate's degree, depending on the program.

There are no formal education requirements for pharmacy aides, but employers may favor applicants with a high school diploma or its equivalent. Experience operating a cash register, interacting with customers, managing inventory, and using computers may be helpful. Pharmacy aides also receive informal on-the-job training that generally lasts less than 3 months.

Certification and other qualifications. In most States, pharmacy technicians must be registered with the State board of pharmacy. Eligibility requirements vary, but in some States applicants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent and pay an application fee.

The good news for those interested in getting into this industry is that they wouldn't have to have a hard time searching for schools or training centers offering training programs for this as there are now tons of online providers distributing online pharmacy technician courses that is accredited and approved by state boards.

Most States do not require technicians to be certified, but voluntary certification is available through several private organizations. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT) administer national certification examinations. Certification through such programs may enhance an applicant's prospects for employment and is required by some States and employers. To be eligible for either exam, candidates must have a high school diploma or its equivalent and no felony convictions of any kind. In addition, applicants for the PTCB exam must not have had any drug-related or pharmacy-related convictions, including misdemeanors. Many employers will reimburse the cost of the exams.

Under these programs, technicians must be recertified every 2 years. Recertification requires 20 hours of continuing education within the 2-year certification period. Continuing education hours can be earned from several different sources, including colleges, pharmacy associations, and pharmacy technician training programs. Up to 10 hours of continuing education also can be earned on the job under the direct supervision and instruction of a pharmacist.

Good customer service and communication skills are needed because pharmacy technicians and aides interact with patients, coworkers, and healthcare professionals. Basic mathematics, spelling, and reading skills also are important, as technicians must interpret prescription orders and verify drug doses. Technicians also must be precise: details are sometimes a matter of life and death.

For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pharmacist salary was $106,410 in 2008. The highest 10 percent of pharmacists earned $131,440 a year.

Additional input from WikiAnswers contributors:

• The earnings of a pharmacist depends upon location and experience. A new graduate would earn more money on the West Coast of the United States. An experienced pharmacist could earn anywhere from $50USD per hour to as much as $75 per hour as a full time employee. Per diem and part-time rates may be a bit higher. A contracted employee may also earn $60-$80USD because the position isn't permanent. On the east coast, a brand new graduate can expect to make $50USD per hour ($104,000 per year) their first year. This doesn't include a sign on bonus or shift differentials.

• As a pharmacist, retail and mail order pay higher rates than a hospital pharmacist, but a hospital pharmacist has the broadest range of skills and the most opportunity for growth and advancement. A hospital pharmacist, once properly trained, can enter any arena of pharmacy-especially if they have a residency, or a specialty in a particular field. This is not necessarily true of the retail or mail order pharmacist. Ideally, an experienced hospital pharmacist with a proven track record can earn anywhere from $120,000USD to $170,000USD.

• As a UK pharmacist community locums can get around £23 - £25 per hour for a typical shift, i.e. not emmergency booking or unsociable hours. Typical employee community pharmacist in the UK can expect anywhere from £17 to £24 per hour for non-managerial roles. Pharmacist managers get higher rates for the addtional responsibility.