The job of pharmacy technicians is usually a well rewarded one. With the increase in diseases and hospitals, pharmaceuticals industry has had an unprecedented boom and pharmacy technicians enjoy a large part of that boom. Pharmacy technicians have wide opportunities. They have openings for both part time and full time jobs.

Technicians in any field are recognized only if they hold a relevant certificate. The pharmacy technicians are not an exception. Especially, people who hold a technician certificate and who have prior experience in the same field always have excellent opportunities.

The demand for pharmacy technicians will increase with more new pharmacy shops coming in the market. Mostly these technicians work with retail or mail order pharmacies. Some of them work in evenings or during week ends. Their job is to take care of the required information mentioned on the prescription. They also receive electronically sent prescriptions. Their job is to ensure that the prescription is perfect. The technicians prepare the required medicines. They stick the price tag and put the details in a separate file for each patient. They get it checked form the pharmacist before giving it to the patient. Technicians also maintain patient profiles and keep updating it regularly. They also take care of preparing their insurance claim forms and also take the stock into account. They ascertain with the in and out medicine stock.

In hospitals and nursing homes, they have to shoulder more responsibilities. They have to understand the patients’ problem, prepare the required medicines, check and then they should give it to the patient. Yet, before they give it to the patient, they should get it ascertained from the pharmacist. Technicians later have to make a profile of the patients and note down the medications. They have to specify the dosages and have to get it confirmed from the pharmacist. Communication skills should be good as they have to co-ordinate with patients, pharmacists, and healthcare professionals.

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While it is not mandatory that one is certified to be a pharmacy technician in the state of California, it is highly recommended and often required by various employers. Gaining one’s certification is not difficult though, and by observation in the job force or gaining a higher education, one is able to pass the boards with little difficulty. One important thing that cannot be taught is the board’s criminal record check. Anyone with any drug related charges or pharmacy related charges will not pass the board and anyone with a felony in the five years before the board will not pass.

Most pharmacy technicians in California are certified through the Institute for Certification of Pharmacy Technicians and/or Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Both of these certification boards employ a test and a criminal background check. The tests are important to weed out those pharmacy technicians who do not know their job and therefore could be a danger to society and business.

The criminal background check is to weed out all those who have a potential for drug related crimes and those who have had drug related crimes. It can be very tempting for those who have had a drug history to revert back to that condition when surrounded by drugs all of the time. It is also very tempting for those with current felonies to revert back to a criminal lifestyle when surrounded by drugs and money.

In addition to having passed the initial boards, each of the certification boards requires an ongoing education and subsequent recertification every two years. In order to be recertified every two years, the pharmacy technician must have at least twenty hours of continuing education throughout those two years. This can be obtained by visiting and receiving credit for attending educational seminars, classes, other educational activities. Ten of the hours can be earned at the work site under the instruction and supervision of a pharmacist. At least one of those hours must be related to pharmacy law.

While certification is not necessary mandatory by the state or by some employers, it is a very important thing to pursue if one wishes to make pharmacy technician their life calling. Being certified opens the possibilities of a management position or of even becoming a pharmacist. Becoming certified is not overly difficult for those who are good at their positions and can lead to a higher pay scale. There is no reason not to become certified as a pharmacy technician in California.

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Pharmacy technicians are recognized only if they have a certificate from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Candidates with a high school diploma or GED (General Equivalent Diploma) can undergo training for this course. Candidates with technician certificates are entertained by pharmacists, as they can be sure of their capabilities. These certified candidates have to get a recertification within two years. During this period of two years these candidates have to work for twenty hours with pharmacy related jobs. This enables them to earn and as well to become a competent pharmacy technician.

There are online courses for pharmacy technicians to continue education. They can continue their education if they secure 70% in their tests. The American college of clinical pharmacy has courses on respiratory, nutrition, pediatrics, men and women’s health to do on an online basis. They provide assistance and efficient guidance for clinical pharmacists.

The drug information associations also offer e-learning courses. Recently, drug stores have been given permission by the American Council to enhance continuing of pharmaceutical education. Some of the continuing courses are like understanding cough or cold symptoms and providing options and making a note of frequently committed medication errors in the pharmaceutical field. They also are given courses to know the essentials of self managing and controlling diabetes and also the guidelines to take care of such patients. The George Washington University Hospital is recognized by the American Council to enhance online education for pharmacy technicians. Some of the courses are managing and providing treatments for tuberculosis and smoking.

The continuing education is a career development program. This also helps pharmacy technicians gain knowledge about drugs, which is very essential. This course of education facilitates technicians to have accurate product information. As they are aware of the details and symptoms, they can do counseling, give guidelines as well as handle the patients effectively.

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Have you always wanted to hold a position in the healthcare sector but were unsure as to what position you should apply for? Well, why not try out as a pharmacy technician. They are the ones who assist pharmacist with basic duties such as filling prescriptions and making appointments. You don’t need any degrees or qualifications as you can learn it all on the job.

Why should you be a pharmacy technician? Well, here are the top five reasons:

1. Good employment trend with high demand in job market. According to the statistics currently, 82% of the graduates who have passed through the pharmacy technician certification exam are able to get a job right after they complete their education in either government sector or private sector.
2. Better business opportunities. You will have the chance to gain wide working experience and learn A to Z in operating drug stores and pharmacies; they can venture into pharmaceutical business to be their own boss.
3. Contribute to the society. Pharmacy technicians can enjoy the good feeling of assisting people in need in health care and make their contribution to the community.
4. Certified pharmacy technicians are recognized internationally. For those who possess the qualification of certified pharmacy technicians from internationally recognized universities and colleges and those who have gone through the pharmacy technician certification exam are able to get a job easily in any country in the world with good pay.
5. Ideal income. Currently the average salary of pharmacy technicians ranges from USD$8.50 per hour (junior position) to USD$17.65 per hour (senior position) and the salary is expected to increase another 15% to 30% by the year of 2012. The average annual salary for a fresh graduates starts from USD$35, 000. It shows that this profession generates lucrative income.

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Do I have to go to school to become a certified pharmacy technician in Georgia?

I have been on several sites including the Secretary of State and ptcb.org site but I cannot find a site that tells me specifically if I have to go to school to become a certified pharmacy tech or if I can just buy a study guide and take the exam. Thanks in advance for your responses.

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