1. A Vital Role in the Profession of Pharmacy
Pharmacy Technician
A Vital Role in the
Profession of Pharmacy
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2. What is a Pharmacy Technician?
“An individual who, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assists in pharmacy activities that do not require the professional judgment of a pharmacist.”
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PTCB. January 5, 2009.

3. Duties of a Pharmacy Technician
Serve patients/pharmacy customers
Interpret prescriptions
Enter data and prepare prescription labels
Count, pour, and package prescription preparations*
Compound pharmaceutical preparations*
Transfer prescriptions*
Manage inventory
Assist with pharmacy administration
* Dependant upon State Regulations
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4. Becoming a Pharmacy Technician
Certification
Registration
Education
Licensure
Pharmacists Vs. Pharmacy Technicians
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Certification
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
Washington, DC
Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT)
St. Charles, MO
Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT)
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Registration
Many states require registration as a means to track who is working where and to track personnel to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the public
States may or may not require certification as a requirement to register with the Board
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Education
Non-accredited programs
ASHP-accredited programs
Only accrediting body for pharmacy technician training programs
Comprehensive classroom, laboratory, and practical education
Recognized in California, Florida, Nevada, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas, and other states
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Education Programs
Degrees Available
Non-Degree Programs (Certification Review Courses)
Certificate Programs
Associate Degree Programs
Programs offered at:
Community Colleges
Technical Schools
Career Schools
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Education Materials
What do instructors look for?
Alignment with ASHP standards
Attractive and accurate illustrations
Materials that demonstrate how knowledge is applied in the real world
Level appropriate presentation
Materials written by knowledgeable experts
Support materials
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Education Materials
What do students look for?
Easy to read
Up-to-date information
Clear instructions
Attractive illustrations
Demonstrates how knowledge is applied in the real world
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11. Job Market for Pharmacy Technicians
As the population ages and the pharmacist shortage increases, the need for a well-qualified pharmacy technician workforce is critical.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities are expected to increase faster than average through 2016.
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12. Future Trends for Pharmacy Technicians
What will technicians be doing on the job?
Opportunities beyond pharmacy practice
Tech-check-Tech
Further integration of technology
Clinical functions
Required education
Pending federal and state legislation
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Questions
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