Today, many different types of doctors make a diagnosis on the many ailments that people and animals may experience. One of the steps that can help humans and animals recover from the ailments that they experience is by participating in prescription therapy. Numerous healthcare professionals write prescriptions. These include general doctors, pediatricians, psychiatrists, optometrists, dentists, and even veterinarians. The pharmacy is the location where the prescriptions, or drug orders, are filled and then dispensed to the proper individuals.

In a pharmacy, you will normally find two types of jobs. That of the pharmacist and that of the pharmacy technician. You may also find pharmacy assistants or sales associates in the pharmacy as well. These individuals must take the prescription, decipher the handwriting on it, make an overall interpretation of the prescription, select the medication from the stock, count out or measure the prescription, and make an appropriate label for the medication.

In addition to the above task, the patient must receive counseling on the medications that they are going to be ingesting. It is also the duty of the individuals who have careers in pharmacies to maintain the records of the customers. Insurance information must also be gathered, confirmed, documented, and recorded so that the companies may pay their share of an individuals cost that are associated with medications. This profession can be quite stressful due to the laws and liabilities that are dealt with. This is why careers in pharmacies require an individual to be properly educated.

Pharmacists

Pharmacists are considered to be the “drug information specialists”. These are the most highly trained individuals in the pharmacy. While pharmacy technicians and assistants may have the same basic understanding as a pharmacist on many things, the pharmacist is the one with the official educational background and certification to accurately perform their duties within the state that they practice. These individuals verify the prescriptions that are filled prior to being given to the patient. There are also responsible for discussing the medication with the patients.

In addition to the above information, a pharmacist may find that they are in a position where they must offer advice to doctors and other professionals on certain kinds of medications. Some of these individuals have the ability to write prescriptions. However, the ability to perform this task is directly related to what the laws outline in regards to the specific area in which that pharmacist works.

Individuals who are interested in acquiring the ability to become a pharmacist must attend college. Those that attend college for four to five years are issued a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. Once this is acquired, an R.Ph will be added to the end of the name of the individual. There is also a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree that many choose to obtain in the field. These can be obtained once the BS degree is obtained. Individuals may elect to simply enter an add on program that enriches their current degree.

The following classes outline the coursework that pharmacists are generally subjected to when acquiring a degree in pharmacology:

1. Writing 2. Sociology 3. History 4. Ethics 5. Communications 6. Psychology 7. Advanced Math Courses 8. Biology 9. Chemistry 10. Medications and Drug Courses 11. Pharmacology Machinery 12. Pharmacological Calculations

This particular job pays an average of $50,000.00 – $175,000.00 annually, depending on the size of the area in which the individual works, the demand, and the educational background achieved in the areas related to the profession.

Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacy technicians play a very important role in pharmacies in the United States and Canada. These individuals normally work to greet the customers that visit the pharmacy and answer telephone calls. It is very common for the pharmacy technician to deal with customers, insurance companies, and doctors directly. They assist in the filling and dispensing process within the pharmacy as well. Operating computers, understanding the technical aspects of the inner workings of the pharmacy and dealing with pharmacological calculations and measurements is a common task.

A certification is normally required to become a pharmacy technician. The most common classes for an individual in this career include:

1. Regulations for Drug Development 2. Drug Manufacturers 3. Medical Terminology 4. Pharmaceutical Calculations 5. Dosages forms and Administration 6. Prescriptions 7. Pharmaceutical Dispensing 8. Anatomy and Physiology 9. Basic Chemistry of Drug Molecules 10. Over-The-Counter Drugs 11. Package Inserts 12. Drug Emergencies

The average pharmacy technician can receive their education in less than two years time. The average pay rate for this position ranges from $12.00 – $18.00 per hour depending on the location of the pharmacy and the demand for certified pharmacy technicians.

Without the right training, you may find yourself struggling to find work. There are many companies out there who are in need of PTs. As a career choice, taking your pharmacy technician training will enable you to find jobs in any city. Without the right training, however, you may find yourself wondering why all of those other guys are getting hired, and you aren’t.

With hundreds of options to receive your Pharmacy Technician Training, finding the right school can be confusing. You can learn to become a PT at technical schools, colleges, universities, and even with from some private schools/businesses. Since choosing the right program is the key to getting the right start, we have developed this guide to help you get started.

Characteristics of a Good PT Technician Course

Choosing the right program isn’t difficult. It’s as simple as paying attention to a few key areas. Looking for these characteristics will ensure you’ll be getting the right start in your new career as a PT.

What the Course Teaches
The first thing to look at is the content of the course itself. Good PT training should include elements in: pharmaceutical compounding, pharmacology, drug distribution, and the industry itself. The program should also provide an introduction to law as it applies to pharmacies.

Time Frame
The next area to look at when choosing your Pharmacy Technician training is the length of the program. You will find that these courses range from 6 months up to two years. Choosing an accelerated program, which will put you into the workforce in less than 1 year, will cost you less in the long run.

Both Classroom, and On the Job Training
Another aspect that will help you learn faster, and gain experience, is an externship. The better PT training programs will include a portion that gets you out on the job, and working with a pharmacy in the area. The experience you gain here will help you find work faster once you graduate.

Availability of Student Financing
One area that really separated a good school, from the pretenders, is student financing. A school that has programs in place to help you get financing for your course, is important. Not only does it make paying for your training more convenient, it also means that they are actually qualified to provide your PT training (most countries require an institution to become certified before gaining the ability to provide financing).

Placement Assistance
The last important part of a good PT training program is help getting a job when you’re done. It isn’t that you won’t be able to find a position yourself. With the demand in the industry, you very likely will be able to. If the school does offer placement assistance though, it means they have developed relationships with pharmacies, and that they are respected as a school.

Taking the time to go to school and get educated in any field is a big step. By paying attention to the program you are about to take, you will help to ensure that you get the best education possible.