Pharmacy Technician Milan Topalov, Pharm.D. Staff Pharmacist New York Presbyterian Hospital Columbia and Cornell

Pharmacy Technician  Entry Level Titles: Pharmacy Associate, Pharmacy Technician  Definition: supports the pharmacist in the physical day to day activities of the pharmacy Responsibilities: 1.Obtain patient/customer related information 2. Measure amounts of medication for prescriptions 3. Package and label prescriptions 4. Inventory Management 5. Payment processing and insurance claims 6. Pharmacy Informatics 7. Answer phone calls from customers 8. Arrange for customers to speak with pharmacists if customers have questions about medications or health matters  Entry Level Salary: $25,000-$40,000 Entry Level Description

Pharmacy Technician  Hospitals and Healthcare facilities (Nursing Homes)  Retail Pharmacies (Chain Stores and Independent)  Insurance Companies.  Laision between providers and patients  Nuclear Pharmacies  Record keeping of nuclear regulatory commission documentation  Storage, receiving and shipping of radiopharmeuticals (Iodine 125, Thallium 201) Career Environment

 Job growth in the field is expected to increase 20% increase between 2012 and 2022, much faster than the average occupation*  Pharmacists are becoming increasingly involved in direct patient care such as Medical Therapy Management, giving flu shots, and inpatient rounding in hospitals  Pharmacy Technicians are filling the void in the technical operation of the pharmacy * U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Pharmacy Technician Employment Potential

Pharmacy Technician  Strong problem solving skills/ computer skills  Ability to work with pharmacists, doctors, and other healthcare professionals  Some general mathematical skill and ability to do dose calculations  The ability to work in a fast paced and high pressure environment  Basic knowledge of the medical industry and medical terminology  Knowledge of key drug classes  Minimum requirements-  High school diploma/GED  Some states now require certification as a Pharmacy Technician  Many employers prefer certified technicians Requirements