Pharmacy Tech to Pharmacist
For many people, becoming a pharmacy technician is a stepping stone to becoming a pharmacist. A pharmacy technician assists the pharmacist with preparing medication, waiting on customers and performing various administrative duties such as stocking shelves and answering phones. With added training and education, it is possible to advance from pharmacy tech to pharmacists.
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Pharmacy Tech Duties
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The job duties of a pharmacy technician vary based on work setting. Pharmacy techs work in pharmacies, hospitals and nursing homes. Pharmacies can be either retail settings or mail order. Upon receiving a prescription, the pharmacy technician verifies that the information is complete and accurate, and then prepares the medication by counting, weighing, mixing or pouring. Those that work in nursing homes or hospitals may deliver the prescriptions to nursing staff and input information into the patient's profile.
Pharmacy Tech Education
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Although there are no formal education requirements to become a pharmacy technician, most employers prefer candidates who have attended a formal training program through a community college, vocational school or the military. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, programs range from six months to two years long. Candidates learn pharmaceutical terminology, medical terminology, and pharmacy record keeping and techniques.
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Advancement
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly pay as of May 2008 for pharmacy technicians was approximately $13 an hour. With significant experience and training, pharmacy technicians can become supervisors. Pharmacy technicians may wish to pursue additional training and education in order to become pharmacists.
Pharmacist Education
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In the United States, candidates interested in becoming a pharmacist must earn a PharmD degree from an accredited pharmacy school or college. Two years of professional study in subjects such as math, biology, chemistry and social sciences are required before you are eligible to be admitted to a PharmD program. A PharmD program usually takes four years to complete. Some graduates from PharmD programs receive further training from a residency or fellowship.
Considerations
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Working as a pharmacy tech is a great way to learn whether working in a pharmacy is right for you. Advancing from pharmacy tech to pharmacist requires hard work and dedication. Other qualities needed to become a pharmacist are scientific aptitude, a genuine desire to help others and paying close attention to detail. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for pharmacists as of May 2009 was approximately $106,000.
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References
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