Chapter 2

Learning Objectives understanding of basic roles of technicians. understanding the basic supervisory role of the pharmacist. understanding personal standards. understanding the importance of respect for patient privacy and HIPAA regulations. understanding training and competency issues. knowledge of certification process.

Pharmacy Technician Technicians are individuals who are given a basic level of training to perform certain tasks Pharmacists rely on the technician for assistance Pharmacy Technicians perform task like filling prescriptions, packaging doses, performing inventory control, and recordkeeping

Personal Standards If you are interested in becoming a Pharmacy Technician are you: Dependable Detail oriented Trustworthy See pages 20, 21

Personal Standards Health Hygiene Appearance Math and problem solving skills Knowledge of pharmacy terminology Computer skills Interpersonal skills

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) The patient's welfare is the most important consideration in health care Health care providers are responsible for the privacy and security of all identifiable patient health information

HIPAA con’t Governs communication in any form -- electronic, paper, and oral No discussion of patient information within earshot of others No discussion of patient information with family members Use a private discussion area when discussing medications or other personal health issues Securely store files and documents

Training and Competency Training and proof of competency vary from state to state. The State of Alaska requires that all pharmacy technicians take a written examination for certification One the test has been passed you become a licensed Pharmacy Technician Every two years you must complete at least 10 hours of continuing education to renew your license

Bell Work 1/11, 1/12 Name three personal qualities a pharmacy tech should have? Organized Math Skills Interpersonal Skills Dependable Trustworthy And more What does HIPAA stand for? Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Pharmacy Technician. What does a pharmacy technician do? As a pharmacy tech, you will not have the same education and responsibilities that a pharmacist has, but you will play an important role in the preparation and distribution of medications. Pharmacy technician duties include a variety of tasks that assist the pharmacist with keeping the pharmacy running efficiently. There will always be a licensed pharmacist on duty and some of the ways you will assist him are her will be:

Typical Duties of a Pharm Tech counting and bottling pills labeling prescription bottles entering patient information into the pharmacy computer helping to keep pharmacy records up to date coordinating information with insurance companies waiting on customers

Limitations A Pharmacy Technician does not have advanced training and education like a pharmacist, so they are not be expected or permitted to answer questions about specific medications or offer medical advice to a patient about any conditions they may have Even though pharmacists and pharmacy technicians perform many of the same duties behind the counter, pharmacists go through extensive training to be able to give information and advice to patients about their prescription medications

Benefits to pursuing a career as pharmacy technician. The position only requires a moderate amount of education Pharmacies may only require certification and will do on-the-job training when filling pharmacy tech positions There will always be a high demand for pharmacy technicians

Other benefits Being a pharmacy technician is a very rewarding job. You have the opportunity to help people on a daily basis and whether you realize it or not A good number of your customers will be the elderly and to them, having someone take an interest in their health and well-being, even if only for a moment, means so much

Education and training To make yourself more marketable, obtaining a pharmacy technician certification is advisable Proper education and training, you put yourself in a better position for more responsibilities, higher wages and substantial growth potential

Outlook the outlook for employment for pharmacy technicians with the proper training and education is extremely positive. Whether you are a student looking for a job to get you through college, someone who is looking for a career change, or someone who is researching careers for the first time, you may want to give serious thought to a pharmacy technician career.

Salary Pharm Tech Salary

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