The healthcare system is becoming complex and regulated, and the role of the pharmacy technician is becoming more vital. With the increasing number of medication options and the growing number of patients requiring medication therapy, the pharmacy technician’s role is vital in helping pharmacists manage their workload.
If you are pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician, here are some key skills to become a successful pharmacy technician.
1. Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is vital for pharmacy technicians because even minor errors can have serious consequences. Medication errors can result in harm or even death to patients, so pharmacy technicians must take the time to ensure they are preparing and dispensing the proper medication in the correct dosage to the right patient.
Pharmacy technicians must also be meticulous when maintaining medication inventory and patient records. They must accurately record dispensed medications, the dates, and the drug recipient. It will ensure they are providing safe and effective medication to patients.
2. Strong Ethics
Strong ethics is critical for pharmacists because they handle sensitive patient information and controlled substances. Pharmacy technicians must have a high level of integrity and professionalism to ensure patients access proper medication.
A successful pharmacy technician should protect patient information by keeping the patient records private and secure and sharing them with authorized individuals. It will help prevent cases of identity theft and other forms of financial fraud.
Another essential aspect of pharmacy ethics is ensuring controlled substances are well-handled and dispensed. Pharmacy technicians must know the laws and regulations governing controlled substances and ensure they comply. They should also know the potential for abuse or diversion of controlled substances and be vigilant in detecting and preventing such activity.
3. Organization
Being organized is an important trait for a pharmacy technician to have because it allows them to efficiently and effectively perform their job responsibilities. In a pharmacy setting, pharmacy technicians should complete and prioritize tasks such as processing prescriptions, preparing medication, and keeping track of inventory.
Being organized can help a pharmacy technician complete and stay on top of these tasks. Additionally, an organized pharmacy technician is better equipped to handle multiple tasks at once and can quickly locate and retrieve information when needed, helping reduce errors and prevent mistakes in the pharmacy.
4. Knowledge of Medicine
Pharmacy technicians must know about medication because they assist licensed pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medication to patients. Pharmacy technicians need to understand the different types of medications, their uses, side effects, and potential interactions with other drugs. This knowledge is critical for ensuring patients receive the proper medication in the correct dosage for safe and effective medication therapy.
They must also know the different dosage forms of medication, such as tablets, capsules, creams, and injectable solutions, including the different routes of administration, such as oral, topical, and intravenous. This knowledge will help the pharmacy technician give accurate instruction to the patient.
5. Technical Skills
As a pharmacy technician, having technical skills is essential for performing the day-to-day tasks required for the job. These skills include knowledge of pharmacy terminology, dosage calculations, and the ability to use and maintain equipment, such as automated dispensing machines and computer programs used to process prescriptions.
Additionally, technical skills are important for ensuring the accurate and safe preparation and dispensing of medication. Without these skills, a pharmacy technician may not be able to perform their job effectively, which could lead to medication errors and potential harm to patients.
6. Communication Skills
Communication skills allow pharmacy technicians to communicate effectively with patients, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. Good communication skills help ensure patients receive effective medications, therapy, and guidance on their wellness journey.
A pharmacy technician should explain medication instructions and usage to patients, like when to take it and potential side effects or interactions. They must also answer patient questions and provide clear and accurate information.
Effective communication with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals allows them to provide accurate and complete information when filling prescriptions and convey concerns or issues which may arise during the dispensing process.
7. Adaptability
Pharmacy technicians must be adaptable because they work in an evolving field. The healthcare system is becoming complex and regulated, and new technology and medications are regularly introduced. It is vital to adapt to changes in the healthcare system and regulations, as well as new technology and medications, to succeed as a pharmacy technician.
One of the main challenges for pharmacy technicians is keeping up with new regulations and laws. These can change frequently, and pharmacy technicians must be able to adapt to these changes fast. They must also be able to understand and comply with these regulations, which include laws governing the handling and storage of medication and laws related to controlled substances.
8. Customer Service Skills
Pharmacists’ customer service skills are critical because they work with patients and their families. Providing excellent customer service helps ensure patients receive accurate medication and therapy. Effective communication can also help pharmacy technicians to handle customer complaints or concerns professionally and courteously.
In addition, they should communicate well with other healthcare professionals to provide accurate and complete information when filling prescriptions, patient records, and updating medication on the computer. It helps ensure patients receive the correct medication and services, and they can identify any potential medication interactions or allergies.
Start Your Training and Build the Key Skills to Become a Successful Pharmacy Technician in Texas
If you are looking to get fast, hands-on training on becoming a successful pharmacy technician, Southern Career Institute (SCI), a Texas trade school, can train you on the skills needed to pursue this career path.
The pharmacy technician program can prepare you to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). Contact us today to seek more information about the pharmacy technician program.
