What does it take to become a great pharmacy technician?
In most states, you are first required to become certified. Finding a good, reputable pharmacy technician program would be your first step. During the program, you will learn the skill sets, work ethic and acquire the knowledge needed to complete the PTCB exam and become certified. Once completed and a passing grade is earned, you will be able to proudly display CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician) after your name.
Just getting certified does not necessarily mean you will be a great pharmacy technician. While you did head in the right direction and armed yourself with knowledge, you should know that being great is so much more than holding a certification. In most fields, especially medical, you are required to handle customers with the utmost care, respect, patience, and concern. Customer service skills will be a must. Their privacy should always be number one, as this is also the law. Having amazing communications skills and the ability to answer questions and/or know when to refer to the Pharmacist is going to be vital to a productive career.
Lastly, as a Pharmacy Technician, your duties will include assisting and working with a Pharmacist. Being a great pharmacy technician means promptly and accurately taking prescriptions via the telephone and also in person. You will also be required to mix medications, count pills for filling and also label medications properly. The pharmacist and customers are greatly depending on you. This is a vital component to being a great pharmacy technician. Mistakes are costly, mistakes can cause great harm. Being a great pharmacy technician means being 100% accurate, and most importantly having excellent communication skills to properly and effectively communicate with customers, the Pharmacist and other health care professionals you will work with.
