Healthcare for the Squeamish

If you are interested in a career in the ever growing health industry but are, “a little squeamish”, you may want to look into a career as a Pharmacy Technician.
This career will appeal to those who enjoy working with people and performing duties that are organized, clearly defined, and require accuracy and attention to detail. Other skills that would compliment this profession are time management skills, communication skills (one to one, phone skills, presentation skills, etc), teamwork and leadership skills.

“It is an excellent career for someone who enjoys working with people and wants to make a difference. The pharmacy roll completes the circle for health care and is a vital component toward the wellness of the community”, says Brad Newman an Educational Consultant for CTS Canadian Career College.

Where they work?
Employment statistics across North America list this as a stable, growing field with good job prospects. Pharmacy Technicians can enjoy a number of employment opportunities including retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, long term care pharmacies, health insurance companies and pharmaceutical suppliers.

What they do?
A pharmacy technician works under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist and performs many pharmacy-related functions including:
preparing, packaging and labeling prescription medications, maintaining proper storage and security conditions for drugs, entering patient information and doctors' prescriptions in computer systems, maintaining inventory record keeping systems, preparing sterile products such as intravenous (IV) admixtures, chemotherapy admixtures and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and the opportunity to progress to managing staff.

How can you start in this career?
Employers who have insufficient resources to give on-the-job training often seek formally educated Pharmacy Technicians. Formal education programs and working toward accreditation emphasizes a technician's interest in and dedication to the work. Students that complete the Pharmacy Technician program will begin a career that offers excellent employment opportunities immediately after graduating as well as a solid foundation for further specialization and study. The role of the technician is likely to increase in the next few years, due to aging population and as pharmacists adjust their duties to be able spend more time consulting and advising patients.

Accreditation
Recently the industry has moved to the regulation of Pharmacy Technicians to allow for support of pharmacists as they move toward more comprehensive patient care services and promotion of optimal pharmacy services for the public. Accreditation is the public recognition accorded to an academic program that meets established professional qualifications and education standards through initial and periodic evaluation. Accreditation is concerned with both quality assurance and program enhancement. It is important to realize the distinction between a Pharmacy Assistant and Pharmacy Technician as the governing bodies restructure the responsibilities of staff across the board.

Recognition from a regulated body is an important distinction to include with your resume as it represents proof of your knowledge and experience as compared to a standard created by your industry. This can make a difference with a hiring manager’s decision because they know the candidate has completed a comprehensive, standardized curriculum and been taught by qualified instructors in an institution and classroom that offers a learning environment conducive to the industry standards.

“There are only just over 25 institutions currently approved to offer the Pharmacy Technician program across the country so choose wisely”, says Brad, “There are many rewarding careers available. You just need to be sure to select the one that will suit and satisfy you. The next important decision is to choose a school that will complement your learning style, that way you get the most out of the education you need to get that new job!” “If you are looking for a growing profession that is challenging and rewarding then the Pharmacy Technician position is a great selection for a career.”