Getting a hospital pharmacy technician job is a great way to begin a rewarding, fulfilling career in a stable field. But how do you get the job itself?
Similar to any position, you’ll need to learn how to do the job, along with the terminology and major functions associated with it.
You’ll also want to understand the difference between the different types of pharmacy technicians jobs.
Let’s take a closer look at how to get a hospital job as a pharmacy technician, what a pharmacy tech is and the steps required as well as the skills you’ll need to succeed in the role.
Hospital Pharmacies vs. Retail Pharmacies
The first question you may ask yourself is, “What is it like working in a hospital pharmacy?” The first thing you should understand is the two major types of pharmacies: hospital pharmacies and retail pharmacies. You should also recognize the differences between the two.
Retail pharmacies are drug stores. On the other hand, hospital pharmacies are pharmacies located in a hospital. Hospital pharmacies have many of the same functions as retail pharmacies, but there are important distinctions.
For example, hospital pharmacy technicians can sometimes consult with onsite doctors directly as opposed to over the phone. They also handle slightly different kinds of medications than retail pharmacy technicians do – IV drugs, feeding solutions, and others that need a bit more mixing and special care.
Hospital pharmacies feature less interaction between patients and those working at the pharmacy, as well. Instead, they involve more direct contact with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers located onsite. Whereas retail pharmacies include more direct contact with customers.
The next question to consider is the role of pharmacy techs in a hospital setting.
Can Pharmacy Techs Work in Hospitals?
Yes, pharmacy techs can absolutely work in hospitals. A pharmacy tech who works in a hospital has largely the same qualifications as hospital pharmacy technicians who work anywhere.
But, what does a pharmacy tech do in hospitals or health systems? For the most part, they do exactly what pharmacy technicians do in all types of pharmacies, regardless of the location.
Pharmacy technicians working in hospital pharmacy.
A pharmacy technicians duties and tasks often include the following:
- Work with either patients or providers (in hospitals, it’s more common than it’s providers) to gather all their information needed to fill the desired prescription.
- Measure the amount of medication needed for specific prescriptions.
- Label and bottle the patients’ prescriptions.
- Manage with the hospital medication inventory, keeping track of what they have in supplies and letting pharmacists know when there are potential supply shortages.
- Process either payments or insurance claims (again, in the hospital, it is more likely to be an insurance claim than a customer payment).
- Enter patient data such as their prescription or insurance information into a record-keeping system.
- Handle communication with hospital staff, doctors, or nurses.
- Arrange for the pharmacist to speak with a nurse or doctor if there is a question about a patient’s medication or health.
How To Become A Hospital Pharmacy Technician
You may be wondering, “How do you become a pharmacy tech in a hospital?” Or you may ask yourself, “Do I have to be certified to work in a hospital pharmacy?”
There are pros and cons to working in a hospital as a pharmacy tech. One benefit is that you’ll gain more experience dealing directly with healthcare providers and nurses in a hospital environment.
One potential drawback is that you’ll still need to pursue the same requirements of any other pharmacist tech – though that’s true of any type of pharmacy you’d work in.
You can work in your hospital pharmacy technician job part-time or full time. It depends on how much experience you have.
The path to becoming a hospital pharmacy technician is simple: training, registration/certification, and getting hired. However, just because the path is simple, doesn’t mean it’s always easy.
Getting Hired As A Pharmacy Tech
To get a hospital pharmacy technician job, there are several steps you must go through.
Can you work in a pharmacy without a degree? Yes, but you’ll still need training and certification. You’ll need a high school degree, but you can work as a pharmacy tech without a college or post secondary degree.
The other requirements you’ll need to achieve depend on the state. In the State of Texas, for example, you’ll need certification and registration through the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. Texas also requires you to apply for a license and their process requires passing an exam.
Is it easy to get a hospital pharmacy technician job? It depends on your experience level and the training program you’ve used. If you have any hospital pharmacy experience, it certainly gives you an advantage, but having your certification is a must.
How long does it take to be a certified pharmacy tech? Simply put, it depends on your training program. With the right educational program, you can achieve your certification in a short amount of months.
Lastly, what constitutes the “right” training program for hospital pharmacy technician training? Well, that will depend on you – and it will depend on what you look for in training program.
Hospital Pharmacy Technician Job Training
Pharmacy technicians are in high demand. It’s a stable job that allows you to help those in need of medical care. Plus, it also has solid pay.
In order to get in the position to enjoy those benefits, you’ll need the right hospital pharmacy technician training program. It will significantly help you on your path to becoming a hospital pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee.
The right training program will be flexible, meaning you can take it when you want, and where you want.
A hybrid-online or hands-on training program at SCI allows you to fit your education to your schedule. It will also give you all the tools you need to get certified and obtain the proficiency needed to succeed.
If you’re still looking for that training program, look no further than Southern Careers Institute. SCI offers one of the single best hospital pharmacy technician training programs in the state of Texas. It will prepare you for certifications you’ll need to start your career and advance in the field.
Give yourself a fresh start and take on a new path. For more on how SCI can help, contact us today!
Sources
- https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/retail-or-hospital-pharmacy
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm#tab-2
- https://www.pharmacy.texas.gov/
Blog Disclaimer: Information stated in this blog is for general information purposes only. SCITexas.edu does not assume or guarantee income earning potential or salary expectations based on the programs offered at Southern Careers Institute. Career and program information stated in this blog does not guarantee that programs and specifics are offered at Southern Careers Institute.
This article was published on: 04/23/20 9:30 AM
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