Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools

Technicians and assistants

by Nancy Saffer

n  the  past,  a  pharmacist probably filled the prescrip­tions you ordered. Today, although  pharmacists   are   on duty wherever medications are dispensed, a pharmacy techni­cian or pharmacy assistant of­ten does most of the work in pre­paring and selling prescriptions.

The role of pharmacy technicians and assistants has changed for a number of rea­sons. One reason is that using these work­ers minimizes health care costs. Another is that because pharmacy technicians and assistants handle routine work, pharma­cists are able to focus more on supervisory duties and patient care and advice.

This article describes what pharmacy technicians and assistants do, as well as where they work, what their job outlook is, how much they earn, and how they train for these careers. Lincoln Tech®

• Location: Allentown, Center City Philadelphia and Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Lincoln Rhode Island
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician
• Quick Summary: Classroom instruction, lab experience, and an internship teach students to mix medications, fill out insurance claims, and assist with filling prescriptions.
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Everest College

• Location: Alhambra, City of Industry, Ontario, Reseda, San Francisco, Torrance and West Los Angeles, California; Chicago, Merrionette Park, and Skokie, Illinois; Portland, Oregon; Arlington (Mid-Cities) and Ft. Worth, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Bremerton, Everett, Renton, and Tacoma Washington
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician
• Quick Summary: Learn the administrative and clinical aspects of pharmacy work, and prepare for an entry-level position in retail and hospital pharmacies, clinics and home IV facilities.
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Cambridge College

• Location: Beaverton, Oregon
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: This program teaches the duties of a pharmacy technician, including processing drug orders, maintaining inventory, and managing records. Students learn about pharmacy law, and practice their new skills in an externship.
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Career Centers of Texas

• Location: El Paso and Fort Worth, Texas
• Programs: Pharmaceutical Technician certificate
• Quick Summary: Prepare for the Certified Pharmacy Technician exam as you learn pharmacology, sterile processing and hospital and retail pharmacy procedures. Practice your new skills in a 160 hour externship.
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Berdan Institute

• Location: Wayne, New Jersey
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician certificate
• Quick Summary: Students learn the administrative and clinical skills for positions in retail, hospital, clinic and home IV facilities.
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Brookline College

• Location: Mesa, Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona and Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician certificate
• Quick Summary: 36 week day or 45 week evening program prepares graduates for positions in retail or hospital pharmacies.
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Brown Mackie College

• Location: Atlanta, Georgia; Fort Mitchell and Louisville, Kentucky; and Akron, Canton, Cincinnati and Findlay, Ohio
• Programs: Associate of Applied Science degree in Pharmacy Technology
• Quick Summary: Learn pharmacy procedures, medical terminology, and medical administrative practices.
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