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After passing the PTCB exam, you will earn the title CPhT. For example: Jane R. Doe, CPhT
We have created a Pharmacy Technician Training Program that is both comprehensive and innovative. Our course will provide instruction on all material necessary to pass both the National PTCB exam and the VA state exam. In addition, the course will cover other subjects that are not included in traditional programs, namely customer service, interpersonal skills, test taking strategies, and interviewing techniques. Our unique program will give our students the edge they need to succeed. Providing both didactic and interactive types of learning environments will engage the students' interest and better prepare them to enter the field of pharmacy. We feel that this additional training will give our students a competitive advantage in gaining an entry-level position as a Certified Pharmacy Technician. Our instructors and tutors will make it happen, one student at a time!
Pharmacy
Technician?
Technician
Job Description
The exact definition of a pharmacy technician varies based on the state you live in. However, the basic definition is a person who works under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist and performs many pharmacy-related functions. Pharmacy technicians practice in a wide variety of settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, the military, in home health care, long-term care, mail service facility, managed health care facilities, and educational/training programs. For the purposes of national voluntary certification, pharmacy technicians are defined as individuals working in a pharmacy, who under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assist in pharmacy activities not requiring the professional judgement of a pharmacist. The pharmacy technician is accountable to the supervising pharmacist, who is legally responsible by virtue of state licensure for the care and safety of patients served by the pharmacy. The pharmacy technician performs activities as the result of having certain knowledge and skills.
Job Duties
Specific responsibilities will depend on the pharmacy setting and scope of practice. Below is a list of duties that a pharmacy technician might find in many practice settings:
Assist pharmacist in labeling and filling prescriptions;
Assist patients in dropping off and picking up prescriptions;
Entering prescriptions into the computer;
Verify that customer receives correct prescription(s);
Compound oral solutions, ointments, and creams;
Scheduling and maintaining workflow;
Prepackage bulk medications;
Screen calls for pharmacists;
Medication ordering;
Work with insurance carriers to obtain payments and refilling authority;
Prepare medication inventories;
Prepare chemotherapeutic agents;
Compound total parenteral nutrition solutions;
Compound large-volumes of intravenous mixtures;
Assisting in outpatient dispensing;
Assisting inpatient dispensing;
Preparing IV mixtures;
Purchasing and billing;
Knowledge, Skills, Training, and Education
State practice acts and employer policies determine training and education requirements. Below is a list of some characteristics that may be desired:
Professional attitude;
Strong communication skills;
Ability to work in teams;
Previous customer service experience;
Ability to type 35 words a minute;
Understanding of medical terminology and calculations;
Attention to detail;
Outgoing;
Hard working;
Be a quick learner;
PTCB certification may be desired or mandatory;
Salary Surveys
The pay of technicians depends on many factors, including PTCB certification, previous experience, employment setting, area of the country, and years practicing as a pharmacy technician. The average pay ranges from $6.50 to $13.00 an hour usually based upon certification and length of employment. However, many CPhTs earn over $15 an hour.
Growth in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Working as a pharmacy technician is a great place to start if you are interested in having a career in the pharmaceutical industry. Starting as a pharmacy technician gives the person the type of background training that would be necessary to become a pharmacist or work elsewhere in the pharmaceutical industry.
General Definition
Responsibilities
Qualifications
II. Hospital Pharmacy Sample Job Description
General Definition
Responsibilities
Qualifications
Training and Experience
Knowledge and Skills
III. Managed Care Sample Job Description
Education
Qualifications
Duties
Community Pharmacy Sample Job Description
General Definition
The purpose of the pharmacy technician is to assist the pharmacist with the day-to-day activities in the pharmacy.
Responsibilities
Help patients who are dropping off or picking up prescription orders;
Enter prescription orders into the computer;
Create and update patient’s health and insurance information in the computer;
Assist the pharmacist, under direct supervision, in the practice of pharmacy, in accordance with local, state, federal, and company regulations;
Communicate with insurance carriers to obtain payment for prescription claims;
At point of sale, verify that customer receives correct prescription(s);
Complete weekly distribution center medication orders, place orders on shelves, and verify all associated paperwork;
Assist the pharmacist with filling and labeling prescriptions;
Prepare the pharmacy inventory;
Screen telephone calls for the pharmacist;
Communicate with prescribers and their agents to obtain refill authorization;
Compound oral solutions, ointments, and creams;
Prepackage bulk medications;
Maintain an awareness of developments in the community and pharmaceutical fields that relate to job responsibilities and integrate them into practice;
Assist in training new employees;
Assist other pharmacy technicians;
Assist pharmacist in scheduling and maintaining workflow;
Maintain knowledge of loss prevention techniques;
Qualifications
National certification desirable or preferred;
Professional demeanor;
Ability to respect confidentiality of patient data;
Strong communication skills;
Courteous attitude;
Understanding of medical terminology and calculations;
Ability to type at least 35 words per minute;
Knowledge of computer operations;
Knowledge of medication brand and generic names;
Knowledge of insurance and third-party payment systems;
High school diploma or graduate equivalent degree;
Hospital Pharmacy Sample Job Description
General Definition
Under the direction of a pharmacist, the pharmacy technician performs pharmacy-related functions, in compliance with department policies and procedures, that provide optimal pharmaceutical care.
Responsibilities
Rotate through all work areas of the pharmacy;
Transport medications, drug-delivery devices, and other pharmacy equipment from the pharmacy to nursing units and clinics;
Pick up copies of physician orders, automated medication administration records, and unused medications from the nursing units and return them to the pharmacy;
Fill patient medication cassettes;
Prepare medications and supplies for dispensing, including:
Prepacking bulk medications;
Compounding ointments, creams, oral solutions, and other medications;
Preparing chemotherapeutic agents
Compounding total parenteral nutrition solutions;
Compounding large-volume intravenous mixtures;
Packaging and preparing drugs being used in clinical investigations;
Preparing prescriptions for outpatients;
Checking continuous unit dose medications;
Control and audit narcotics/stock substance;
Assist pharmacists in entering medication orders into the computer system;
Prepare inventories, order drugs and supplies from the storeroom, receive drugs and stock shelves in various pharmacy locations;
Screen telephone calls;
Perform monthly nursing unit inspections, maintain workload records, and collect quality-assurance data;
Assist in training new employees;
Assist other pharmacy technicians;
Coordinate insurance billing including third party prescriptions;
Unit dose delivery to automated dispensing technology;
Triage telephone/window inquiries;
Qualifications
National certification desirable or preferred;
Valid state pharmacy technician registration (required in some states);
High school diploma or graduate equivalent degree;
Training and Experience
Must have one year of hospital pharmacy experience, have completed a pharmacy technician vocational course, or be a pharmacy student.
Knowledge and Skills
Ability to work as a team member;
Good communication skills;
Knowledge of basic pharmacy practices and procedures;
Knowledge of medications and medical supplies;
Strong mathematical computation skills;
Knowledge of record-keeping techniques;
Attention to detail;
Accurate typing skills (minimum 35 words per minute);
Basic understanding of computer technology;
Managed Care Sample Job Description
Education
Nationally Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) - Required
High School Graduate – Required
Business/College Courses – Preferred
Medical Terminology Courses – Preferred
Qualifications
Strong organizational, prioritization, communications and mathematics skills (required)
Pharmacy Claims Processing Computer System experience (preferred)
Minimum two years experience in a retail pharmacy setting and/or managed care/pharmacy benefit environment
Comprehensive understanding of third party pharmacy benefit plan parameters
Ability to understand the importance of and respect the confidentiality of all patient information
Computer literacy with proficiency in general word-processing and data entry
Duties
Under the supervision of a pharmacist: daily handling of on-going pharmacy benefit telephone calls from members, pharmacy providers and physicians;
Troubleshooting third party prescription claims questions with an understanding of on-line rejections and plan parameters;
Developing and maintaining an electronic service log on all telephone calls with complete follow-up history;
Developing a trending report on the aforementioned service calls with an eye towards forecasting possible trends in pharmacy service;
Providing as needed telephone and administrative support for the department;
(Pharmacy Technicians often time tutor other Pharmacy Technician students to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).)
Since the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board's (PTCB) inception, PTCB has certified 221,658 pharmacy technicians through the examination and transfer process.
Demographics
The primary work environments for those pharmacy technicians who sat for the PTCB certification examination include: community (independent); community (chain); hospital; home health care; long-term care; mail service facility; managed health care; pharmaceutical industry; and the military. The primary area of work was assisting in prescription dispensing, followed by assisting in inpatient medication dispensing.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
(PTCB) Statistics*
Exam Date # Who Sat
for PTCE # Passed % Passed
1995-1999 Exams 58,382; 47,973; 82%
2000 Exams 33,359; 25,732; 77%
2001 Exams 31,107; 24,269; 78%
March 16, 2002 8,874; 7,072; 80%
July 27, 2002 13,399; 10,681; 80%
November 16, 2002 11,521; 9,164; 80%
March 29, 2003 12,147; 9,506; 78%
July 26, 2003 14,212; 11,720; 82%
November 15, 2003 13,451; 11,006; 82%
March 20, 2004 11,508; 9,100; 79%
July 17, 2004 15,942; 12,196; 77%
November 13, 2004 13,795; 10,818; 78%
March 19, 2005 13,009; 10,514; 81%
July 23, 2005 17,587; 13,751; 80%
September 17, 2005 1,992; 1,486; 75%
Total: 270,285; 214,988; 80%
Total # Who Passed PTCE 214,988
Total # Who Completed Transfer Process 6,670
Total # of Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) 221,658
Application
Registration for the March 2006 exam is now open. You can easily and efficiently apply online for the exam, or Contact PTCB to request a paper application. Please review the Application Instructions (in PDF format) prior to completing the application. All applications, whether online or paper, must be received by Friday, January 13, 2006 at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
{If you need a tutor to help you prepare for the PTCB Exam, contact one of our experienced, patient tutors}
Exam Sites
The site list for the March 2006 exam is not yet available. You can check the test center list (in PDF format) to see if an exam will be offered in your city.
School Codes
The Pharmacy Technician School Codes List (in PDF format) is necessary to complete Box 16 of the exam application.
Registration Status
If you have already registered for the March 2006 exam, you can check the status of your registration online or call their customer service line at (877) 782-2888.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal requests for the March 2006 exam will be accepted through Friday, February 10, 2006 at 11:59pm Eastern Time. Please see our Absence Policies for further details.
July 2006 Exam
Application
Registration for the July 2006 exam is now open. You can easily and efficiently apply online for the exam, or Contact PTCB to request a paper application. Please review the Application Instructions (in PDF format) prior to completing the application. All applications, whether online or paper, must be received by Friday, May 26, 2006 at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Exam Sites
The list of 2006 Exam Cities will be available soon.
If you sign up for the PassPTCB.com course, you will receive a practice exam with more than twice as many questions for FREE!
{If you need a tutor to help you prepare for the PTCB Exam, contact one of our experienced, patient tutors}
Composition
Format
Study Materials
II. Knowledge Statements
Assisting the Pharmacist in Serving Patients
Maintaining Medication and Inventory Control Systems
Participating in the Administration and Management of Pharmacy Practice
III. Content Outline
Assisting the Pharmacist in Serving Patients
Maintaining Medication and Inventory Control Systems
Participating in the Administration and Management of Pharmacy Practice
IV. Bibliography
About the PTCE
Composition
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) samples your knowledge and skill base for activities performed in the work of pharmacy technicians. Each question is carefully written, referenced, and validated to determine its accuracy and correctness. The Certification Council and Pharmacy Technician Resource Panel (composed of pharmacists, CPhTs, and pharmacy technician educators drawn from various practice settings and geographic areas) have developed the actual test items under the direction of PES testing experts. In addition, the content framework of the entire examination is supported by a nationwide study of the work pharmacy technicians perform in a variety of practice settings including community and institutional pharmacies.
Format
The PTCE contains 125 multiple-choice questions plus an additional 15 non-scored questions, for a total of 140 questions. The 15 additional non-scored questions are pre-test questions and are not used in calculating your score. The pre-test questions provide statistical information for possible use on future examinations; this information is vital in building a quality test. The pre-test questions are randomly placed throughout the exam. Candidates are encouraged to answer all questions. Each exam question provides four choices, with only ONE designated as the correct or best answer. The questions from the three functions tested are distributed randomly throughout the total exam. It is to your advantage to answer every question on the exam since the final score is based on the total number of questions answered correctly. You will have three hours to complete the national PTCE.
Study Materials
The Knowledge Statements below list the three major function areas of the pharmacy technician, as well as the knowledge base required to perform activities associated with each.
The Content Outline lists the specific responsibilities and activities that pharmacy technicians may perform within each of the three major function area
Major reference texts used during test item construction, review and editing are listed in the Bibliography. You may use these books in conjunction with the contents of this page to review and refresh your knowledge. (See Useful Numbers to contact publishers.).
The national PTCE applies to all practice settings. In preparing for the national PTCE, familiarity with the material contained in any basic pharmacy technician-training manuals or books may be helpful. Your supervising pharmacist may also be helpful in designing a study plan. The PTCB does not endorse, recommend or sponsor any review course, manuals, or books for the PTCB examination.
NOTE: Your review for the examination should not be limited to these noted sources only. Various training and educational opportunities are available for pharmacy technicians. Contact your local/state pharmacy organization or pharmacy technician training programs for further information.
{If you need a tutor to help you prepare for the PTCB Exam, contact one of our experienced, patient tutors}
Knowledge Statements
The knowledge base required to perform activities associated with each function of the pharmacy technician are:
I. Assisting the Pharmacist in Serving Patients
Knowledge of federal, state, and/or practice site regulations, codes of ethics, and standards pertaining to the practice of pharmacy
Knowledge of pharmaceutical, medical, and legal developments which impact on the practice of pharmacy
Knowledge of state-specific prescription transfer regulations
Knowledge of pharmaceutical and medical abbreviations and terminology
Knowledge of generic and brand names of pharmaceuticals
Knowledge of therapeutic equivalence
Knowledge of epidemiology
Knowledge of risk factors for disease
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of signs and symptoms of disease states
Knowledge of standard and abnormal laboratory values
Knowledge of drug interactions (such as drug-disease, drug-drug, drug-laboratory, drug-nutrient)
Knowledge of strengths/dose, dosage forms, physical appearance, routes of administration, and duration of drug therapy
Knowledge of effects of patient’s age (for example, neonates, geriatrics) on drug and non-drug therapy
Knowledge of drug information sources including printed and electronic reference materials
Knowledge of pharmacology (for example, mechanism of action)
Knowledge of common and severe side or adverse effects, allergies, and therapeutic contraindications associated with medications
Knowledge of drug indications
Knowledge of relative role of drug and non-drug therapy (for example, herbal remedies, lifestyle modification, smoking cessation)
Knowledge of practice site policies and procedures regarding prescriptions or medication orders
Knowledge of information to be obtained from patient/patient’s representative (for example, demographic information, allergy, third-party information)
Knowledge of required prescription order refill information
Knowledge of formula to verify the validity of a prescriber’s DEA number
Knowledge of techniques for detecting forged or altered prescriptions
Knowledge of techniques for detecting prescription errors (for example, abnormal doses, early refill, incorrect quantity, incorrect patient ID #, incorrect drug)
Knowledge of effects of patient’s disabilities (for example, visual, physical) on drug and non-drug therapy
Knowledge of techniques, equipment, and supplies for drug administration (for example, insulin syringes and IV tubing)
Knowledge of non-prescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) formulations
Knowledge of monitoring and screening equipment (for example, blood pressure cuffs, glucose monitors)
Knowledge of medical and surgical appliances and devices (for example, ostomies, orthopedic devices, pumps)
Knowledge of proper storage conditions
Knowledge of automated dispensing technology
Knowledge of packaging requirements
Knowledge of NDC number components
Knowledge of purpose for lot numbers and expiration dates
Knowledge of information for prescription or medication order labels
Knowledge of requirements regarding auxiliary labels
Knowledge of requirements regarding patient package inserts
Knowledge of special directions and precautions for patient/patient’s representative regarding preparation and use of medications
Knowledge of techniques for assessing patient’s compliance with prescription or medication order
Knowledge of action to be taken in the event of a missed dose
Knowledge of requirements for mailing medications
Knowledge of delivery systems for distributing medications (for example, pneumatic tube, robotics)
Knowledge of requirements for dispensing controlled substances
Knowledge of requirements for dispensing investigational drugs
Knowledge of record-keeping requirements for medication dispensing
Knowledge of automatic stop orders
Knowledge of restricted medication orders
Knowledge of quality improvement methods (for example, matching NDC number, double-counting narcotics)
Knowledge of pharmacy calculations (for example, algebra, ratio and proportions, metric conversions, IV drip rates, IV admixture calculations)
Knowledge of measurement systems (for example, metric and avoirdupois)
Knowledge of drug stability
Knowledge of physical and chemical incompatibilities
Knowledge of equipment calibration techniques
Knowledge of procedures to prepare IV admixtures
Knowledge of procedures to prepare chemotherapy
Knowledge of procedures to prepare total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solutions
Knowledge of procedures to prepare reconstituted injectable and non-injectable medications
Knowledge of specialized procedures to prepare injectable medications (for example, epidurals and patient controlled analgesic [PCA] cassettes)
Knowledge of procedures to prepare radiopharmaceuticals
Knowledge of procedures to prepare oral dosage forms (for example, tablets, capsules, liquids) in unit-dose or non–unit-dose packaging
Knowledge of procedures to compound sterile non-injectable products (for example, eyedrops)
Knowledge of procedures to compound non-sterile products (for example, ointments, mixtures, liquids, emulsions)
Knowledge of procedures to prepare ready-to-dispense multidose packages (for example, ophthalmics, otics, inhalers, topicals, transdermals)
Knowledge of aseptic techniques (for example, laminar flow hood, filters)
Knowledge of infection control procedures
Knowledge of requirements for handling hazardous products and disposing of hazardous waste
Knowledge of documentation requirements for controlled substances, investigational drugs, and hazardous wastes
Knowledge of pharmacy-related computer software for documenting the dispensing of prescriptions or medication orders
Knowledge of manual systems for documenting the dispensing of prescriptions or medication orders
Knowledge of customer service principles
Knowledge of communication techniques
Knowledge of confidentiality requirements
Knowledge of cash handling procedures
Knowledge of reimbursement policies and plans
Knowledge of legal requirements for pharmacist counseling of patient/patient’s representative
II. Maintaining Medication and Inventory Control Systems
Knowledge of drug product laws and regulations and professional standards related to obtaining medication supplies, durable medical equipment, and products (for example, Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act; Controlled Substances Act; Prescription Drug Marketing Act; USP-NF; NRC standards)
Knowledge of pharmaceutical industry procedures for obtaining pharmaceuticals
Knowledge of purchasing policies, procedures, and practices
Knowledge of dosage forms
Knowledge of formulary or approved stock list
Knowledge of par and reorder levels and drug usage
Knowledge of inventory receiving process
Knowledge of bioavailability standards (for example, generic substitutes)
Knowledge of the use of DEA controlled substance ordering forms
Knowledge of regulatory requirements regarding record-keeping for repackaged products, recalled products, and refunded products
Knowledge of policies, procedures, and practices for inventory systems
Knowledge of products used in packaging and repackaging (for example, child-resistant caps and light-protective unit-dose packaging)
Knowledge of risk management opportunities (for example, dress code, personal protective equipment [PPE], needle recapping)
Knowledge of the FDA’s classifications of recalls
Knowledge of systems to identify and return expired and unsalable products
Knowledge of rules and regulations for the removal and disposal of products
Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements and professional standards governing operations of pharmacies (for example, prepackaging, difference between compounding and manufacturing)
Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements and professional standards (for example, FDA, DEA, state board of pharmacy, JCAHO) for preparing, labeling, dispensing, distributing, and administering medications
Knowledge of medication distribution and control systems requirements for the use of medications in various practice settings (for example, automated dispensing systems, bar coding, nursing stations, crash carts)
Knowledge of preparation, storage requirements, and documentation for medications compounded in anticipation of prescriptions or medication orders
Knowledge of repackaging, storage requirements, and documentation for finished dosage forms prepared in anticipation of prescriptions or medication orders
Knowledge of policies, procedures, and practices regarding storage and handling of hazardous materials and wastes (for example, Materials Safety Data Sheet [MSDS])
Knowledge of medication distribution and control systems requirements for controlled substances, investigational drugs, and hazardous materials and wastes
Knowledge of the written, oral, and electronic communication channels necessary to ensure appropriate follow-up and problem resolution (for example, product recalls, supplier shorts)
Knowledge of quality assurance policies, procedures, and practices for medication and inventory control systems
III. Participating in the Administration and Management of Pharmacy Practice
Knowledge of the practice setting’s mission, goals and objectives, organizational structure, and policies and procedures
Knowledge of lines of communication throughout the organization
Knowledge of principles of resource allocation (for example, scheduling, cross training, work flow)
Knowledge of productivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction measures
Knowledge of written, oral, and electronic communication systems
Knowledge of required operational licenses and certificates
Knowledge of roles and responsibilities of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and other pharmacy employees
Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements for personnel, facilities, equipment, and supplies (for example, space requirements, prescription file storage, cleanliness, reference materials, storage of radiopharmaceuticals)
Knowledge of professional standards (for example, JCAHO) for personnel, facilities, equipment, and supplies
Knowledge of quality improvement standards and guidelines
Knowledge of state board of pharmacy regulations
Knowledge of storage requirements and expiration dates for equipment and supplies (for example, first-aid items, fire extinguishers)
Knowledge of storage and handling requirements for hazardous substances (for example, chemotherapeutics, radiopharmaceuticals)
Knowledge of hazardous waste disposal requirements
Knowledge of procedures for the treatment of exposure to hazardous substances (for example, eyewash)
Knowledge of security systems for the protection of employees, customers, and property
Knowledge of laminar flow hood maintenance requirements
Knowledge of infection control policies and procedures
Knowledge of sanitation requirements (for example, handwashing, cleaning counting trays, countertop, and equipment)
Knowledge of equipment calibration and maintenance procedures
Knowledge of supply procurement procedures
Knowledge of technology used in the preparation, delivery, and administration of medications (for example, robotics, Baker cells, automated TPN equipment, Pyxis, infusion pumps)
Knowledge of purpose and function of pharmacy equipment
Knowledge of documentation requirements for routine sanitation, maintenance, and equipment calibration
Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements (for example, physical accessibility)
Knowledge of manual and computer-based systems for storing, retrieving, and using pharmacy-related pharmacy information (for example, drug interactions, patient profiles, generating labels)
Knowledge of security procedures related to data integrity, security, and confidentiality
Knowledge of downtime emergency policies and procedures
Knowledge of backup and archiving procedures for stored data and documentation
Knowledge of legal requirements regarding archiving
Knowledge of third-party reimbursement systems
Knowledge of healthcare reimbursement systems (for example, home health, respiratory medications, eligibility and reimbursement)
Knowledge of billing and accounting policies and procedures
Knowledge of information sources used to obtain data in a quality improvement system (for example, the patient’s chart, patient profile, computerized information systems, medication administration record)
Knowledge of procedures to document occurrences such as medication errors, adverse effects, and product integrity (for example, FDA Med Watch Program)
Knowledge of staff training techniques
Knowledge of employee performance evaluation techniques
Knowledge of employee performance feedback techniques
Content Outline
The pharmacy technician performs activities related to three broad function areas. The specific responsibilities and activities that pharmacy technicians may perform within each function area are:
I. Assisting the Pharmacist in Serving Patients (64% of exam)
Receive prescription or medication order(s) from patient/patient’s representative, prescriber, or other healthcare professional
Accept new prescriptions or medication order from patient/patient’s representative, prescriber, or other healthcare professional
Accept new prescription or medication order electronically (for example, by telephone, fax, or computer
Accept refill request from patient/patient’s representative, prescriber, or other healthcare professional
Accept refill request electronically (for example, by telephone, fax, or computer)
Contact prescriber/originator for clarification of prescription or medication order refill
At the direction of the pharmacist, assist in obtaining from the patient/patient’s representative such information as diagnosis or desired therapeutic outcome, medication use, allergies, adverse reactions, medical history and other relevant patient information, physical disability, and reimbursement mechanisms
At the direction of the pharmacist, assist in obtaining from prescriber, other healthcare professionals, and/or the medical record such information as diagnosis or desired therapeutic outcome, medication use, allergies, adverse reactions, medical history and other relevant patient information, physical disability, and reimbursement mechanisms
At the direction of the pharmacist, collect data (for example, blood pressure and glucose) to assist the pharmacist in monitoring patient outcomes
Assess prescription or medication order for completeness (for example, patient’s name and address), accuracy (for example, consistency with products available), authenticity, legality, and reimbursement eligibility
Update the medical record/patient profile with such information as medication history, allergies, medication duplication, and/or drug-disease, drug-drug, drug-laboratory, and drug-food interactions
Process a prescription or medication order
Enter prescription or medication order information onto patient profile
Select the product(s) for a generically written prescription or medication order
Select the product(s) for a brand-name prescription or medication order (consulting established formulary as appropriate)
Obtain medications or devices from inventory
Measure, count, or calculate finished dosage forms for dispensing
Record preparation of prescription or medication, including any special requirements, for controlled substances
Package finished dosage forms (for example, blister pack, vial)
Affix label(s) and auxiliary label(s) to container(s)
Assemble patient information materials
Check for accuracy during processing of the prescription or medication order (for example, matching NDC number)
Verify the measurements, preparation, and/or packaging of medications produced by other technicians
Prepare prescription or medication order for final check by pharmacist
Compound a prescription or medication order
Assemble equipment and/or supplies necessary for compounding the prescription or medication order
Calibrate equipment (for example, scale or balance, TPN compounder) needed to compound the prescription or medication order
Perform calculations required for usual dosage determinations and preparation of compounded IV admixtures
Compound medications (for example, ointments, reconstituted antibiotic suspensions) for dispensing according to prescription formula or instructions
Compound medications in anticipation of prescription or medication orders (for example, bulk compounding for a specific patient)
Prepare sterile products (for example, TPNs, piggybacks)
Prepare chemotherapy
Record preparation and/or ingredients of medications (for example, lot number, control number, expiration date)
Provision of medication to patient/patient’s representative
Store medication prior to distribution
Provide medication to patient/patient’s representative
Place medication in dispensing system (for example, unit-dose cart, robotics)
Deliver medication to patient-care unit
Record distribution of prescription medication
Record distribution of controlled substances
Record distribution of investigational drugs
Determine charges and obtain reimbursement for services
Communicate with third-party payers to determine or verify coverage and obtain prior authorizations
Provide supplemental information (for example, patient package leaflets, computer generated information, videos) as requested/required
Ask patient if counseling by pharmacist is desired
Perform drug administration functions under appropriate supervision (for example, perform drug/IV rounds, anticipate refill of drugs/IVs)
Assist the pharmacist in monitoring patient laboratory values (for example, blood pressure, cholesterol values)
II. Maintaining Medication and Inventory Control Systems (25% of exam)
Identify pharmaceuticals, durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies to be ordered (for example, want book)
Place orders for pharmaceuticals, durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including investigational and hazardous products and devices), and expedite emergency orders in compliance with legal, regulatory, professional, and manufacturers’ requirements
Receive goods and verify against specifications on original purchase orders
Place pharmaceuticals, durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous materials and investigational products) in inventory under proper storage conditions
Perform non–patient-specific distribution of pharmaceuticals, durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (for example, crash carts, nursing station stock, automated dispensing systems)
Remove from inventory expired/discontinued/slow-moving pharmaceuticals, durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies
Remove from inventory recalled pharmaceuticals
Communicate changes in product availability (for example, formulary changes, recalls) to pharmacy staff, patient/patient’s representative, physicians, and other healthcare professionals
Implement and monitor policies and procedures to deter theft and/or drug diversion
Maintain a record of controlled substances received, stored, and removed from inventory
Perform required inventories and maintain associated records
Maintain record-keeping systems for repackaging, bulk compounding, recalls, and returns of pharmaceuticals, durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies
Compound medications in anticipation of prescription/medication orders (for example, bulk compounding)
Perform quality assurance tests on compounded medications (for example, for bacterial growth; for sodium, potassium, dextrose levels; for radioactivity)
Repackage finished dosage forms for dispensing
Participate in quality assurance programs related to products and/or supplies (for example, orange book equivalence, formulary revision, nursing unit audits, performance evaluations of wholesalers)
Communicate with representatives of pharmaceutical and equipment suppliers
III. Participating in the Administration and Management of Pharmacy Practice (11% of exam)
Coordinate written, electronic, and oral communications throughout the practice setting (for example, route phone calls, faxes, verbal and written refill authorizations; disseminate policy changes)
Update and maintain information (for example, insurance information, patient demographics, provider information, reference material)
Collect productivity information (for example, the number of prescriptions filled, fill times, money collected, rejected claim status)
Participate in quality improvement activities (for example, medication error reports, customer satisfaction surveys, delivery audits, internal audits of processes)
Generate quality assurance reports
Implement and monitor the practice setting for compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and professional standards (for example, Materials Safety Data Sheet [MSDS], eyewash centers, JCAHO standards)
Implement and monitor policies and procedures for sanitation management, handling of hazardous waste (for example, needles), and infection control (for example, protective clothing, laminar flow hood, other equipment cleaning)
Perform and record routine sanitation, maintenance, and calibration of equipment (for example, automated dispensing equipment, balances, robotics, refrigerator temperatures)
Maintain and use manual or computer-based information systems to perform job-related activities (for example, update prices, generate reports and labels, perform utilization tracking/inventory)
Maintain software for automated dispensing technology, including point-of-care drug dispensing cabinets
Perform billing and accounting functions (for example, personal charge accounts, third-party rejections, third-party reconciliation, census maintenance, prior authorization)
Communicate with third-party payers to determine or verify coverage
Conduct staff training
Aid in establishing, implementing, and monitoring policies and procedures
Bibliography
Major reference texts used during test item construction, review and editing include:
"Handbook of Non-Prescription Drugs," 12th ed., Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000.
"Pharmacy Technician Certification: Quick-Study Guide," 2nd ed., Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000.
"Complete Review for Pharmacy Technician", Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 2001.
"Complete Math Review for the Pharmacy Technician", Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 2001.
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U.S. Department of Labor | Bureau of Labor Statistics | Bulletin 2540
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Pharmacy Technicians
(contents)
Nature of the Work | Working Conditions | Employment | Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement | Job Outlook | Earnings | Related Occupations | Sources of Additional Information
Significant Points
Job opportunities are expected to be good, especially for those with certification or previous work experience.
Many technicians work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Two-thirds of all jobs are in retail pharmacies.
Nature of the Work [About this section] Back to Top
Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists provide medication and other healthcare products to patients. Technicians usually perform routine tasks to help prepare prescribed medication for patients, such as counting tablets and labeling bottles. Technicians refer any questions regarding prescriptions, drug information, or health matters to a pharmacist. (See the statement on pharmacists elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Pharmacy aides work closely with pharmacy technicians. They are often clerks or cashiers who primarily answer telephones, handle money, stock shelves, and perform other clerical duties. (See the statement on pharmacy aides elsewhere in the Handbook.) Pharmacy technicians usually perform more complex tasks than do pharmacy aides, although, in some States, their duties and job titles overlap.
Pharmacy technicians who work in retail or mail-order pharmacies have varying responsibilities, depending on State rules and regulations. Technicians receive written prescriptions or requests for prescription refills from patients. They also may receive prescriptions sent electronically from the doctor’s office. They must verify that the information on the prescription is complete and accurate. To prepare the prescription, technicians must retrieve, count, pour, weigh, measure, and sometimes mix the medication. Then, they prepare the prescription labels, select the type of prescription container, and affix the prescription and auxiliary labels to the container. Once the prescription is filled, technicians price and file the prescription, which must be checked by a pharmacist before it is given to a patient. Technicians may establish and maintain patient profiles, prepare insurance claim forms, and stock and take inventory of prescription and over-the-counter medications.
In hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted-living facilities, technicians have added responsibilities. They read patient charts and prepare and deliver the medicine to patients. The pharmacist must check the order before it is delivered to the patient. The technician then copies the information about the prescribed medication onto the patient’s profile. Technicians also may assemble a 24-hour supply of medicine for every patient. They package and label each dose separately. The package is then placed in the medicine cabinet of each patient until the supervising pharmacist checks it for accuracy. It is then given to the patient.
Working Conditions [About this section] Back to Top
Pharmacy technicians work in clean, organized, well-lighted, and well-ventilated areas. Most of their workday is spent on their feet. They may be required to lift heavy boxes or to use stepladders to retrieve supplies from high shelves.
Technicians work the same hours that pharmacists work. These may include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Because some hospital and retail pharmacies are open 24 hours a day, technicians may work varying shifts. As their seniority increases, technicians often have increased control over the hours they work. There are many opportunities for part-time work in both retail and hospital settings.
Employment [About this section] Back to Top
Pharmacy technicians held about 211,000 jobs in 2002. Two-thirds of all jobs were in retail pharmacies, either independently owned or part of a drugstore chain, grocery store, department store, or mass retailer. About 22 percent of jobs were in hospitals and a small proportion was in mail-order and Internet pharmacies, clinics, pharmaceutical wholesalers, and the Federal Government.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement [About this section] Back to Top
Although most pharmacy technicians receive informal on-the-job training, employers favor those who have completed formal training and certification. However, there are currently few State and no Federal requirements for formal training or certification of pharmacy technicians. Employers who have neither the time nor money to give on-the-job training often seek formally educated pharmacy technicians. Formal education programs and certification emphasize the technician’s interest in and dedication to the work. In addition to the military, some hospitals, proprietary schools, vocational or technical colleges, and community colleges offer formal education programs.
Formal pharmacy technician education programs require classroom and laboratory work in a variety of areas, including medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy recordkeeping, pharmaceutical techniques, and pharmacy law and ethics. Technicians also are required to learn medication names, actions, uses, and doses. Many training programs include internships, in which students gain hands-on experience in actual pharmacies. Students receive a diploma, a certificate, or an associate degree, depending on the program.
Prospective pharmacy technicians with experience working as an aide in a community pharmacy or volunteering in a hospital may have an advantage. Employers also prefer applicants with strong customer service and communication skills and with experience managing inventories, counting, measuring, and using computers. Technicians entering the field need strong mathematics, spelling, and reading skills. A background in chemistry, English, and health education also may be beneficial. Some technicians are hired without formal training, but under the condition that they obtain certification within a specified period to retain employment.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board administers the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination. This exam is voluntary in most States and displays the competency of the individual to act as a pharmacy technician. However, more States and employers are requiring certification as reliance on pharmacy technicians grows. Eligible candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and no felony convictions, and those who pass the exam earn the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). The exam is offered several times per year at various locations nationally. Employers, often pharmacists, know that individuals who pass the exam have a standardized body of knowledge and skills. Many employers will also reimburse the costs of the exam as an incentive for certification.
Certified technicians must be recertified every 2 years. Technicians must complete 20 contact hours of pharmacy-related topics within the 2-year certification period to become eligible for recertification. Contact hours are awarded for on-the-job training, attending lectures, and college coursework. At least 1 contact hour must be in pharmacy law. Contact hours can be earned from several different sources, including pharmacy associations, pharmacy colleges, and pharmacy technician training programs. Up to 10 contact hours can be earned when the technician is employed under the direct supervision and instruction of a pharmacist.
Successful pharmacy technicians are alert, observant, organized, dedicated, and responsible. They should be willing and able to take directions. They must enjoy precise work—details are sometimes a matter of life and death. Although a pharmacist must check and approve all their work, they should be able to work on their own without constant instruction from the pharmacist. Candidates interested in becoming pharmacy technicians cannot have prior records of drug or substance abuse.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills are needed because there is a lot of interaction with patients, coworkers, and healthcare professionals. Teamwork is very important because technicians are often required to work with pharmacists, aides, and other technicians.
Job Outlook [About this section] Back to Top
Good job opportunities are expected for full-time and part-time work, especially for technicians with formal training or previous experience. Job openings for pharmacy technicians will result from the expansion of retail pharmacies and other employment settings, and from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
Employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012 due to the increased pharmaceutical needs of a larger and older population, and to the greater use of medication. The increased number of middle-aged and elderly people—who, on average, use more prescription drugs than do younger people—will spur demand for technicians in all practice settings. With advances in science, more medications are becoming available to treat more conditions.
Cost-conscious insurers, pharmacies, and health systems will continue to emphasize the role of technicians. As a result, pharmacy technicians will assume responsibility for more routine tasks previously performed by pharmacists. Pharmacy technicians also will need to learn and master new pharmacy technology as it surfaces. For example, robotic machines are used to dispense medicine into containers; technicians must oversee the machines, stock the bins, and label the containers. Thus, while automation is increasingly incorporated into the job, it will not necessarily reduce the need for technicians.
Almost all States have legislated the maximum number of technicians who can safely work under a pharmacist at one time. In some States, technicians have assumed more medication dispensing duties as pharmacists have become more involved in patient care, resulting in more technicians per pharmacist. Changes in these laws could directly affect employment.
Earnings [About this section] Back to Top
Median hourly earnings of wage and salary pharmacy technicians in 2002 were $10.70. The middle 50 percent earned between $8.74 and $13.19; the lowest 10 percent earned less than $7.44, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $15.82. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of pharmacy technicians in 2002 were as follows:
General medical and surgical hospitals $12.32
Grocery stores 11.34
Drugs and druggists' sundries merchant wholesalers 10.60
Health and personal care stores 9.70
Department stores 9.69
Certified technicians may earn more. Shift differentials for working evenings or weekends also can increase earnings. Some technicians belong to unions representing hospital or grocery store workers.
Related Occupations [About this section] Back to Top
This occupation is most closely related to pharmacists and pharmacy aides. Workers in other medical support occupations include dental assistants, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, medical transcriptionists, medical records and health information technicians, occupational therapist assistants and aides, physical therapist assistants and aides, and surgical technologists.
Sources of Additional Information [About this section] Back to Top
Disclaimer:Links to non-BLS Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
For information on the Certified Pharmacy Technician designation, contact:
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, 2215 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington DC 20037. Internet: http://www.ptcb.org
For a list of accredited pharmacy technician training programs, contact:
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 7272 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814. Internet: http://www.ashp.org
OOH ONET Codes [About this section] Back to Top
29-2052.00
Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05 Edition, Pharmacy Technicians, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos252.htm (visited December 09, 2005).
Last Modified Date: March 21, 2004
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
