Pharmacy technician job description and career information
1. Pharmacy Technician: Job Description and Career Information
A pharmacy technician assists pharmacists in daily operations and is directly involved in
Receiving and dispensing prescriptions in compliance with the laws
Communicating with patients
Entering prescriptions into database
Making clients understand about their the usage and dosage of medicines
Maintaining inventory
Contacting physicians regarding prescriptions (whenever necessary)
Maintaining proper storage for drugs
Verifying accuracy of prescriptions
Correctly labeling and packaging drugs
Answering questions referring to medications and health matters
Checking in the orders, processing and delivering them
Apart from retail drug stores, the professionals are also employed with nursing homes, hospitals,
schools and other healthcare organisations. Additional duties may include delivering medications to
patients, working closely with the nursing staff, maintaining assigned work areas and ensuring that the
patients are given medications in the right amount. However, their exact job roles and responsibilities
vary depending upon the employment, job title and area they work.
Career Prospects
The pharmaceutical industry is rapidly growing with no signs of slowing down any time soon.
Considering the decreasing life expectancy rate, environmental conditions, hectic lifestyle,
demographic factors and aging baby booming generation, there is an increased demand for the
healthcare professionals.
Additionally, increasing number of healthcare facilities and retail drug stores are
opening doors to many career opportunities for pharmacy technicians. However,
they need to have hands-on-experience with formal education of minimum two
years to enter the industry.
Despite a major shift in the industry, the employers are not ready to
compromise on any aspect when it comes to hiring pharmacy professionals.
They are keen on hiring people who
Have undergone a formal education
Have hands-on-experience
Possess effective communication and interpersonal skills
Are able to handle busy/stressful situations
Are comfortable with working on a computer
Are enthusiastic, professionals and courteous
Are excellent team plays
Are ready to work flexible hours
Can maintain confidentiality of patient details and store business
Are well versed in industry standards, laws and legislation
Have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Possess knowledge about store operations, inventory management,
accounting and pharmaceutical calculations
A post-secondary pharmacy technician course can prepare you to work in
healthcare, particularly pharmaceutical industry. It provides you with in-depth
knowledge and skills necessary to grab job opportunities and build rewarding career.
2. Pharmacy Technician Programs in Canada
Many colleges in Canada offer post-secondary pharmacy technician programs. But not all are
accredited. The pharmacy technician program at Centennial College is accredited by the Canadian
Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs. Besides, there is a hands-on practical laboratory
experience along with the opportunities for work experience in community, hospital and corporate
environments.
The program typically runs for two years and covers a wide range of subjects including business ethics,
pharmaceutical calculations, community practice theory, professional practice and drug programs,
community pharmacy dispensing, home healthcare and non-prescription drugs, compounding,
pharmacology, aseptic techniques, anatomy and physiology and pharmacy management. It combines
classroom learning, hands-on-laboratory, and community practice and field placement.
To enroll in this program, you will need:
Secondary school diploma or equivalent
English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent
Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 C or University or equivalent
Science Grade 11 M or 12 C or University or equivalent in at least one subject (biology,
chemistry, physics or exercise science)
Minimum 75 % scores in each required subject
Canadian English or French language proficiency
Additional requirements include:
Annual clear police check with vulnerable sector screening
Complete a recognised course in CPR
Complete a course in Standard First Aid
Completed pre-clearance health form from a physician
Undergo a mask fit testing provided by the college you’re applying with