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.

Nature of the work

Pharmacy technicians and assistants help licensed pharmacists in providing medi­cation and health care to patients. They

Nancy Saffer is an economist formerly with the Office of Employment Projections, BLS.

In the world of pharmacy, it’s increasingly the technicians and assistants who are minding the store. Here’s a profile of these two health-related occupations.

fl& “™ ^9 .W   ” jW   r J

prepare prescribed medication for pa­tients and perform clerical tasks. Al­though their duties are often similar, technicians usually have more responsi­bilities than assistants.

Laws vary by State, but most States re­quire the work of technicians and assist­ants to be closely supervised by pharma­cists. Pharmacists must check every prescription technicians prepare before it can be given to a patient. And any ques­tions regarding prescriptions, drug infor­mation, or health matters are directed to a pharmacist.

Pharmacy technicians. Pharmacy tech­nicians follow a procedure for filling pre­scriptions. After receiving patients’ written

prescriptions or requests for prescription re­fills, they verify that the information on the prescription is complete and accurate. Then, technicians retrieve, count, pour, weigh, measure, and, if necessary, mix the medica­tion for the prescription. Next, they prepare the prescription labels, select a prescription container, and affix the prescription and other labels to the container. Once the pre­scription is filled, technicians price and file it. Technicians also establish and maintain patient profiles and prepare insurance claim forms.

In retail settings, technicians also stock and take inventory of prescription and over-the-counter medications, clean and help maintain equipment, and man­age the cash register in addition to their other duties.

In hospitals, technicians read physi­cian orders on patients’ charts and prepare and deliver medication after it is checked by a pharmacist. They also enter informa­tion about prescribed medications into patients’ medical records. They may as­semble a 24-hour supply of medicine for every patient, packaging and labeling each dose separately. Each package is checked by the supervising pharmacist before being given to a patient. Like their counterparts in retail establishments, pharmacy technicians in hospitals keep an inventory of the medicines and other supplies they use.

Occupational Outlook Quarterly •Spring 1 999

The duties of pharmacy technicians have changed recently, along with those of pharmacists. “Pharmacists are becoming more focused on patient care, so pharmacy technicians are needed to perform more of the distributive functions,” says Melissa Murer, Executive Director of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

And with technicians concentrating on preparing and dispensing medication, pharmacists have more time for patient consultation. “Preparing the work for the pharmacist is the most important duty of a pharmacy technician,” says Jennifer Corley, a Certified Pharmacy Technician in Haltom City, Texas. “This frees up the pharmacist to spend more time counsel­ing patients and less time behind the counter.”

Pharmacy assistants. Some hospitals and pharmacies employ pharmacy assist­ants, whose duties may be similar to those of technicians. Pharmacy assistants in re­tail pharmacies often work as clerks or cashiers. They may answer phones, handle money, and perform clerical func­tions. Assistants who work in hospitals deliver medication to patients. They also assist in the hospital pharmacy with du­ties such as stocking shelves.

Employment and working conditions

In 1996, pharmacy technicians and assist­ants held about 130,000 jobs—82,000 pharmacy technicians and 47,000 phar­macy assistants. Over two-thirds worked in retail trade, mainly in retail pharma­cies; about a quarter worked in hospitals; and most of the rest worked in other health-related settings such as clinics and nursing homes.

Pharmacy technicians and assistants work in clean, organized, well-lighted, and well-ventilated areas. They spend most of the workday on their feet. Techni­cians and assistants may be required to lift boxes weighing up to 40 pounds and may

Pharmacy technicians prepare routine prescriptions under the supen’ision of a pharmacist.

tablishments and hospitals, since they are paid less than pharmacists. Also, phar­macy workloads—and, consequently, the demand for technicians—are increasing because of society’s growing population of older people, who are more likely to need prescription medication than people in other age groups. Employment of phar­macy assistants likewise will grow as assistants take over some duties of higher-paid pharmacists and pharmacy tech­nicians.

Traditionally, States have required a ratio of one pharmacist to every techni­cian, but that is also expected to change. “Many of the major employers of techni­cians are expanding the number of their facilities, and boards of pharmacy in some States are allowing the legal ratio of tech­nicians to pharmacists to expand,” says

Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Spring 1999

The duties of pharmacy technicians and assistants vary according to their work setting.

In other words, automation is not ex­pected to replace technicians.

Earnings

There are no Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for pharmacy technicians and assistants. Based on the limited data available, pay appears to vary by geo­graphic location and employer. Accord­ing to estimates from experts in the field, technicians employed in retail pharma­cies earn between $5 and $8 per hour, and those working in hospitals start at about $7 to $9 per hour. Some hospitals pay more to technicians who work evenings, nights, or weekends.

Experienced technicians may earn as much as $10 to $14 per hour, and techni­cians with certification are likely to be paid the most. “Hospitals are offering higher salaries to technicians who are cer­tified,” says Don Ballington, Director of the pharmacy technician program at Mid­lands Technical College in Columbia,

South Carolina. “Certified technicians are also given the first opportunity to ad­vance to a higher position.” More infor­mation about certification is in the next section.

Depending on geographic location, pay for pharmacy assistants ranges from minimum wage, currently $5.15 per hour, to $6.50 per hour.

Most retail pharmacies and hospitals also provide benefits. These include paid vacation and sick leave, medical and den­tal insurance, and retirement plans. Some employers pay overtime to technicians and assistants who work on holidays.

Qualifications, training, and certification

People who want to become pharmacy technicians and assistants should be pro­ficient in basic subjects such as math­ematics, spelling, and reading. A strong background in chemistry and health edu­cation is also recommended. Some em­ployers may prefer to hire people with ex­perience in typing, handling money, or operating special equipment. Pharmacy technicians cannot have prior records of drug or substance abuse.

Technicians and assistants must be alert, observant, organized, honest, and responsible; have good manual dexterity; and be able to perform repetitious work accurately. They need good interpersonal and communication skills because of their frequent interaction with patients, coworkers, and health care professionals. Technicians and assistants must be able to work as part of a team. Ability to take di­rection is also important, but technicians and assistants should be able to work on their own without constant instruction from a pharmacist.

There are few State and no Federal re­quirements for formal training of phar­macy technicians and assistants. Most pharmacy technicians and assistants re­ceive informal on-the-job training. But many employers—especially those who cannot invest the time or money required for on-the-job training—prefer to hire

OO Occupational Outlook Quarterly •Spring 1999

technicians who have completed formal training.

Pharmacy technician education pro­grams involve both classroom and labora­tory work in subjects such as medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceu­tical calculations, pharmacy record keep­ing, pharmaceutical techniques, and pharmacy law and ethics. Technicians must learn medication names, actions, uses, and doses. Students who success­fully complete requirements receive a di­ploma, certificate, or associate degree, de­pending on the program.

The American Society of Health-Sys­tem Pharmacists has accredited more than 50 programs for pharmacy technician education. Formal training programs are offered by some hospitals as well as pro­prietary schools, vocational and techni­cal colleges, community colleges, and colleges of pharmacy. The Society also offers an accredited program that requires 600 hours of training.

Pharmacy technicians may also dem­onstrate professional competency by earning certification. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board adminis­ters the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination, a standard­ized test of knowledge and skills required for pharmacy technicians. The exam cov­ers three function areas: Assisting the pharmacist in serving patients, medica­tion distribution and inventory control systems, and pharmacy operations. The cost is $105. About 20,000 pharmacy technicians were certified in 1996, ac­cording to the Board.

To be eligible for the certification exam, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Individuals who pass the exam earn the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician.

Like formal training, certification is not required for pharmacy technicians. However, being certified does provide ad­vantages. “Allowing technicians to be­come certified is one way for them to for­malize their career—they feel like part of a health-care team,” says the Board’s Mel-

Pharmacy technicians and assistants stock and take inventory of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

issa Murer. “Certification also gives em­ployers a sense of retention and recruit­ment in their employees.” Results of a 1994 Board survey confirm that assertion. Surveyed technicians cited better wages, job opportunities, and job security, along with improved self-worth and compe­tence, as a result of earning certification.

Jennifer Corley is among the certified technicians who support certification. “Since technicians are being handed more and more responsibilities, there is a need to have formally educated and well qualified people,” she says. “When I passed the certification exam, I got a $1 per hour raise. I also gained more recogni­tion and respect for my work.”

Certified technicians must be recerti­fied every 2 years. Recertification re­quires completion of 20 “contact” hours—defined as class time or training received in addition to usual duties—of pharmacy-related topics within the 2-year certification period. At least 1 hour must be in the area of pharmacy law. Techni­cians can earn contact hours from sources such as pharmacy associations, pharmacy colleges, and pharmacy technician train­ing programs. A technician working un­der the direct supervision and instruction of a pharmacist can earn up to 10 contact hours.

In contrast to the formal training and certification available to technicians,

pharmacy assistants are almost always trained on the job. Pharmacy assistants might start out observing a more experi­enced worker. After becoming familiar with hospital or store equipment, poli­cies, and procedures, they are able to work on their own. Assistants are not likely to receive additional training unless their employer introduces new equipment or changes policies or procedures.

Working in a community pharmacy or volunteering in a hospital is helpful for someone interested in becoming a phar­macy technician or assistant. Other jobs that may prove useful include work that involves checking inventories, counting, measuring, and using a computer. Many pharmacy technician training programs include clerkships or internships, which provide opportunities for hands-on expe­rience in pharmacies.

Related occupations

Workers in other medical support occupa­tions include medical secretaries, hospi­tal admitting clerks, dental assistants, medical record clerks, occupational therapy assistants and aides, licensed nursing aides, surgical technologists, and physical therapy assistants and aides.

For more information

For information on certification and re-certification or to receive a National Phar­macy Technician Certification Examina­tion Candidate Handbook, contact:

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board

2215 Constitution Ave., NW.

Washington, DC 20037-2985

(202) 429-7576

www.ptcb.org

For a directory of accredited pharmacy technician programs, contact:

American Society of Health-System

Pharmacists
7272 Wisconsin Ave.
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 657-3000                          OOQ

‘ccupational Outlook Quarterly • Spring 1 999 O /

Pharmacy Technicians and assistants is a post from: Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools

All items of information requested in this application are mandatory. Failure to provide any of the requested information will result in the application being rejected as incomplete. The information will be used to determine qualifications for registration under the California Pharmacy Law. The official responsible for information maintenance is the executive officer, (916) 574-7900,1625 N. Market Blvd, Suite N219, Sacramento, California 95834. The information may be transferred to another governmental agency such as a law enforcement agency if necessary for it to perform its duties. Each individual has the right to review the files or records maintained on them by our agency, unless the records are identified as confidential information and exempted by Section 1798.40 of the Civil Code.

Print or type

*Once you are licensed with the board, the address of record you enter on this application is considered public information pursuant to the Information Practices Act (Civil Code section 1798 et seq.) and the Public Records Act (Government Code section 6250 et seq.) and will be placed on the Internet. This is where the board will mail all correspondence. If you do not wish your residence address to be available to the public, you may provide a post office box number or a personal mail box (PMB). However, if your address of record is not your residence address, you must also provide your residence address to the board, in which case your residence will not be available to the public.

** Disclosure of your U.S. social security account number is mandatory. Section 30 of the Business and Professions Code, section 17520 of the Family Code, and Public Law 94-455 (42 USC § 405(c)(2)(C)) authorize collection of your social security account number. Your social security account number will be used exclusively for tax enforcement purposes, for purposes of compliance with any judgment or order for child or family support in accordance with section 17520 of the Family Law Code, or for verification of license or examination status by a licensing or examination entity which utilizes a national examination and where licensure is reciprocal with the requesting state. If you fail to disclose your social security account number, your application will not be processed and you may be reported to the Franchise Tax Board, which may assess a $100 penalty against you.

Name of Applicant:

Social Security No:

AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLETED COURSEWORK OR GRADUATION This portion must be completed by the university, college, school or course provider

This is to certify that

Name of Applicant

attended

Name of College, University or School

From:

To:

and has

Completed all requirements for graduation; or

Completed 240 hours of instruction as required by section 1793.6 (c) of the California Code of Regulations

The degree of
Signed    ____

was conferred on her/him on Title

Date

Address:

Affix Seal Here

You must provide a written explanation for all affirmative answers indicated below. Failure to do so may result in this application being deemed incomplete and being withdrawn.

1.    Do you have a medical condition which in any way impairs or limits your ability to practice your profession with reasonable skill and safety without exposing others to significant health or safety risks? If “yes,” attach a statement of explanation. If “no,” proceed to #2.

Are the limitations caused by your medical condition reduced or improved because you receive
ongoing treatment or participate in a monitoring program?    Yes   D             No D

If “yes,” attach a statement of explanation.

If you do receive ongoing treatment or participate in a monitoring program, the board will make an individualized assessment of the nature, the severity and the duration of the risks associated with an ongoing medical condition to determine whether an unrestricted registration should be issued, whether conditions should be imposed, or whether you are not eligible for registration.

Yes   D   No D

2.   Do you currently engage, or have you been engaged in the past two years, in the illegal use of controlled substances?

If “yes,” are you currently participating in a supervised rehabilitation program or professional
assistance program which monitors you in order to assure that you are not engaging in the illegal
use of controlled dangerous substances?                Yes D     No D

Attach a statement of explanation.

Yes   D   No D

3.    Has disciplinary action ever been taken against your pharmacist license, intern permit or technician registration in this state or any other state?

If “yes,” attach a statement of explanation to include circumstances, type of action, date of action and type of license, registration or permit involved.

YesD     No D

Continue on next page

4.   Have you ever had an application for a pharmacist license, intern permit or technician registration denied in this state or any other state?

If “yes,” attach a statement of explanation to include circumstances, type of action, date of action and type of license, registration or permit involved.

Yes   D   No

5.    Have you ever had a pharmacy permit, or any professional or vocational license or registration, denied or disciplined by a government authority in this state or any other state? If “yes,” provide the name of company, type of permit, type of action, year of action and state.

Yes   D   No D

6.    Have you ever been convicted of or pled no contest to a violation of any law of a foreign country, the United States or any state laws or local ordinances? You must include all misdemeanor and felony convictions, regardless of the age of the conviction, including those which have been set aside under Penal Code section 1203.4. Traffic violations of $500 or less need not be reported. If “yes,” attach an explanation including the type of violation, the date, circumstances, location and the complete penalty received..   In addition to this written explanation, please provide the Board of Pharmacy with certified copies of all pertinent court documents or arrest reports relating to this conviction.

Yes   D   No D

7.   Are you currently or have you previously been listed as a corporate officer, partner, owner, manager, member, administrator or medical director on a permit to conduct a pharmacy, wholesaler, medical device retailer or any other entity licensed in this state or any other state? If yes, provide company name, type of permit, permit number and state where licensed.

Yes   D   No D

APPLICANT AFFIDAVIT

_, hereby attest to the fact that I am the applicant

whose signature appears below.   I understand that falsification of the information on this form may constitute grounds for denial or revocation of the license. I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California to the truth and accuracy of all statements, answers and representations made in this application, including all supplementary statements. I also certify that I have read and understand the instructions attached to this application.

Signature of Applicant

Date

MANDATORY REPORTER

Under California law each person licensed by the Board of Pharmacy is a “mandated reporter” for both child and elder abuse or neglect purposes.

California Penal Code section 11166 and Welfare and Institutions Code section 15630 require that all mandated reporters make a report to an agency specified in Penal Code section 11165.9 and Welfare and Institutions Code section 15630(b)(l) [generally law enforcement, state, and/or county adult protective services agencies, etc... ] whenever the mandated reporter, in his or her professional capacity or within the scope of his or her employment, has knowledge of or observes a child, elder and/or dependent adult whom the mandated reporter knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of child abuse or elder abuse or neglect. The mandated reporter must contact by telephone immediately or as soon as possible, to make a report to the appropriate agency(ies) or as soon as is practicably possible. The mandated reporter must prepare and send a written report thereof within two working days or 36 hours of receiving the information concerning the incident.

Failure to comply with the requirements of Section 11166 and Section 15630 is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in a county jail, by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.

For further details about these requirements, consult Penal Code sections 11164 and Welfare and Institutions Code section 15630, and subsequent sections.

17A-5 (2/07)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING A

“REQUEST FOR LIVE SCAN SERVICE” FORM

(California Residents)

The following instructions are provided to assist you in completing this form accurately. Please follow all instructions carefully and print clearly; failure to do so may result in processing delays of your application.

NOTE TO APPLICANT and LIVE SCAN OPERATOR: The applicant’s name, date of birth and US Social Security Number must be entered in at the time of the Live Scan transmission in order for the results to be accepted by the Board of Pharmacy. If any of the applicant’s name, date of birth or US Social Security Number are not entered at the time of Live Scan transmission, the applicant may have to have a new Live Scan transmission completed.

1. Job Title or Type of License, Certification, or Permit: Enter the type of license, certification or permit
   for which you are applying. Appropriate license types include pharmacist, pharmacy technician, intern
   pharmacist, exemptee, or if an owner or officer of a pharmacy, hospital, clinic, wholesaler or hypodermic
   permit enter appropriate title of the facility.
2. Name of Applicant: Enter your last name, first name and middle name. Do not use initials or name
   abbreviations.
3. AKA: Enter all other names you have used, including your maiden name.
4. CDL No: Your California Driver’s License Number.
5. DOB: Your date of birth (month/day/year).
6. SEX: Your gender (male or female).
7. HT: Your height in feet and inches.
8. WT: Your weight in pounds.
9. Misc. No.: Enter other identifying numbers, (e.g., Other State Driver’s License Number)

1. EYE Color: Color of your eyes
2. HAIR Color: Color of your hair
3. Home Address: Your residence address
4. POB: Enter your place of birth.
5. SOC: Enter your Social Security Number
   1. Level of Service: While the Live Scan forms contained in the board’s application package are pre-
      slugged to indicate level of service at the DOJ and FBI level, please ensure at the time of Live Scan
      transmission that the Live Scan operator selects both the DOJ and FBI levels of service. If FBI is not
      selected at the time of original transmission, you may be required to have your Live Scan redone at
      another time and have to repay for the DOJ and FBI levels of services again. The board has been notified
      by the DOJ that effective 9/1/07, if the FBI level of service is not requested at the time of original
      transmission both DOJ and FBI levels of service will have to be redone. Any issue of cost for
      resubmission should be handled at the Live Scan Site level.

Take the completed form to your nearest Live Scan site for fingerprint scanning. There are more than 130 Live Scan sites throughout the state. An up-to-date Live Scan site list is on the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Internet web page at http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/publications/contact.htm or call your local police or sheriff’s department.

Contact the live scan service for hours of operation, an appointment (if necessary), acceptable forms of payment and identification requirements. Be prepared to pay ALL applicable fees (DOJ processing fee of $32, FBI processing fee of $19, and fingerprint scanning service fee) at the time your prints are taken. The live scan fingerprinting service fee varies from about $5 to $20. The cost to electronically submit your fingerprints is determined by the local Live Scan agency and the agency can charge a fee sufficient to recover its costs. The lower portion of the Request for Live Scan Service form must be completed by the live scan operator. The original of the form is retained by the scanning service; the second copy is to be attached to your application and submitted to the board; and the third copy is for your records.

FINGERPRINTING AUTHORITY

Section 144(b) of the Business and Professions Code authorizes the Board of Pharmacy to require an applicant for licensure to furnish a full set of fingerprints for purposes of conducting criminal history record checks. Fingerprints are required in order for the DOJ/FBI to conduct background checks for criminal convictions.

17M-15(11/08)

Page 1 of 1

REQUEST FOR LIVE SCAN SERVICE

Applicant Submission

Type of Application: (check one) I      I Employment \*L\ License, Certification, Permit I—I Volunteer

Code assigned by DOJ

^”-gn^Byuuu                                          Pharmacy Technician-Sect 4015
Job Title or Type of License, Certification or Permit: ______ :___________________

(See instruction sheet for appropriate license types)

Agency Address Set Contributing Agency:
Board of Pharmacy____________

Agency authorized to receive criminal history information

1625 N. Market Blvd. Suite N219

Street or PO Box

Sacramento, CA 95834

State

Zip Code

05712

Mail Code (five-digit code assigned by DOJ)

Licensing

Contact Name (Mandatory for all school submissions)

(916   )  574-7900_______________

Contact Telephone No.

Name of Applicant:_______

(Please print)                      Last

AKA’s:_________________

Last

First

CDL No.

First

California Driver’s License Number

Middle

DOB:.

SEX: [•] Male 0 Female             Misc. No.  BIL – Applicant Must Pay Fees

Agency Billing Number (if applicable)

HT:,

Height

WT:

Weight

Misc. No.

Other State Driver’s License Number

EYE Color:.

HAIR Color:

Home Address:

POB:

Place of Birth

Street or PO Box

SOC:_

Social Security Number

City, State and Zip Code

Your Number:

OCA No. (Agency Identifying No.)

If resubmission, list Original ATI No._______

Level of Service     DOJ

FBI

Employer:       (Additional response for Department of Social Services, DMV/CHP licensing, and Department of Corporations submissions only) N/A

Employer Name

N/A

N/A

Street No. N/A

City

Street or PO Box

State

Zip Code

Mail Code (five digit code assigned by DOJ)

N/A

)__________________

Agency Telephone No. (Optional)

Live Scan Transaction Completed By:

Name of Operator

Date

Transmitting Agency

ATI No.

Amount Collected/Billed

BCII 016 (rV 10/98)

M-Live Scan Operator; SECOND COPY-Board of Pharmacy; THIRD COPY-Applicant

REQUEST FOR LIVE SCAN SERVICE

Applicant Submission

Type of Application: (check one) I      I Employment \*L\ License, Certification, Permit I—I Volunteer

ORI:-

Code assigned by DOJ

Job Title or Type of License, Certification or Permit:   Pharmacy Technician-Sect 4015

(See instruction sheet for appropriate license types)

Agency Address Set Contributing Agency:
Board of Pharmacy____________

Agency authorized to receive criminal history information

1625 N. Market Blvd, Suite N219

Street or PO Box

Sacramento, CA 95834

State

Zip Code

05712

Mail Code (five-digit code assigned by DOJ)

Licensing

Contact Name (Mandatory for all school submissions)

(916   )  574-7900_______________

Contact Telephone No.

Name of Applicant:_______

(Please print)                      Last

AKA’s:_________________

Last

First

CDL No.

First

California Driver’s License Number

Middle

DOB:.

SEX: [•! Male 0 Female                Misc. No.  BIL – Applicant Must Pay Fees

Agency Billing Number (if applicable)

HT:,

Height

WT:

Weight

Misc. No.

Other State Driver’s License Number

EYE Color:.

HAIR Color:

Home Address:

POB:

Place of Birth

Street or PO Box

SOC:_

Social Security Number

City, State and Zip Code

Your Number:

OCA No. (Agency Identifying No.)

If resubmission, list Original ATI No.____

Level of Service     DOJ

FBI

Employer:       (Additional response for Department of Social Services, DMV/CHP licensing, and Department of Corporations submissions only) N/A

Employer Name

N/A

N/A

Street No. N/A

City

Street or PO Box

State

Zip Code

Mail Code (five digit code assigned by DOJ)

N/A

}__________________

Agency Telephone No. (Optional)

Live Scan Transaction Completed By:

Name of Operator

Date

Transmitting Agency

ATI No.

Amount Collected/Billed

bcii 016 (Rev 10/98)               ORIGINAL-Live Scan Operator;

SECOND COPY

Board of Pharmacy; THIRD COPY-Applicant

REQUEST FOR LIVE SCAN SERVICE

Applicant Submission

Type of Application: (check one) I      I Employment \*L\ License, Certification, Permit I—I Volunteer

ORI:-

Code assigned by DOJ                                                 _.                  _..,.._        ,»..-

Job Title or Type of License, Certification or Permit:   Pharmacy Technician-Sect 4015

(See instruction sheet for appropriate license types)

Agency Address Set Contributing Agency:
Board of Pharmacy____________

Agency authorized to receive criminal history information

1625 N. Market Blvd. Suite N219

Street or PO Box

Sacramento, CA 95834

State

Zip Code

05712

Mail Code (five-digit code assigned by DOJ)

Licensing

Contact Name (Mandatory for all school submissions)

(916   )  574-7900______________

Contact Telephone No.

Name of Applicant:_______

(Please print)                      Last

AKA’s:_________________

Last

First

CDL No.

First

California Driver’s License Number

Middle

DOB:.

SEX: [•! Male 0 Female                Misc. No.  BIL – Applicant Must Pay Fees

Agency Billing Number (if applicable)

HT:,

Height

WT:

Weight

Misc. No.

Other State Driver’s License Number

EYE Color:.

HAIR Color:

Home Address:

POB:

Place of Birth

Street or PO Box

SOC:_

Social Security Number

City, State and Zip Code

Your Number:

OCA No. (Agency Identifying No.)

If resubmission, list Original ATI No.____

Level of Service     DOJ

FBI

Employer:       (Additional response for Department of Social Services, DMV/CHP licensing, and Department of Corporations submissions only) N/A

Employer Name

N/A

N/A

Street No. N/A

City

Street or PO Box

State

Zip Code

Mail Code (five digit code assigned by DOJ)

N/A

}__________________

Agency Telephone No. (Optional)

Live Scan Transaction Completed By:

Name of Operator

Date

Transmitting Agency

ATI No.

Amount Collected/Billed

bcii 016 (Rev 10/98)               ORIGINAL-Live Scan Operator; SECOND COPY   – Board of Pharmacy;

THIRD COPY

Applicant

Source: www.pharmacy.ca.gov

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN – source www.pharmacy.ca.gov is a post from: Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools

Prepare for a Pharmacy Technician Career

Become a Pharmacy Technician

The field for Pharmacy Technicians has increased due to more
retail and grocery stores providing pharmacy services.
Jobs are available in many settings including hospitals, drug stores, grocery, club and some retail chain stores.

Simply put, pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists fill prescriptions. A qualified pharmacy technician needs to know much more than how to count medication.

1. Study mathmatics, health and life sciences in high school.
2. Step 2

   Medical terminology is also helpful.

3. Step 3

   Complete a vocational, ROP, technical or community college certificate program for Pharmacy Technician, typically a 1-year program.

4. Step 4-1

   Gain work experience as a pharmacy assistant, while completing your certificate. Pharmacy assistants usually have less complex responsibilities than technicians. They often serve as clerks, cashiers or stock shelves. Experienced assistants often have as easier time finding technician jobs after graduation.

5. Step 5

   Take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam after graduating your certification program. This exam is voluntary, yet will formalize your education and allow employers to know you have a standardized body of knowledge and skills. The passed exam will earn you the title Certified Pharmacy Technician.

6. Step 6

   Keep up with your education and re-certify every two years by completing 10 contact hours of related pharmacy education each year.

Use our Pharmacy Technician Career Center to learn how to become a pharmacy technician. Explore this solid health care career with our in-depth resources on:

• Finding the best pharmacy technician school
• schools.com/faqs/pharmacy-technician-online.php”>Online pharmacy technician courses
• Pharmacy technician certification
• Pharmacy technician salary
• Pharmacy technician career outlook
• Canadian pharmacy technicians
• Pharmacy technician training resources and organizations

1. Get training. Google for a list of schools that close to your location and offer pharmacy technician training. It usually takes a year to complete training. You can complete faster if you have background in biology, mathematic, science. You can also study online and work as pharmacy assistant as the same time.
2. Step 2

   Get certification. Go to www.ptcb.org and read about Pharmacy Technician certification and sit in this exam for $129. The state regulation may not require to get certification to work as pharmacy technician, but most jobs require that to prove that you have complete standard education.

3. Step 3

   Apply for job. Start online by google it. For example jobsearch.monster.com/Pharmacy-Technician/get-jobs-5.aspx
   Entry level salary is about $30K, 4 year experience is about $40K, and supervisor is about $40-$50K. You also should consider the benefits beside paycheck.

4. Step 4

   Upgrading yourself. You can read more information here: http://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/faqs/pharmacy_technician
   Good luck on your career!

Pharmacy Technician Career Overview

If you have strong attention to detail, a talent for working with customers and the desire to help people improve their health, a pharmacy technician career could be just the prescription for you. Pharmacy technicians work closely with licensed pharmacists to ensure safe and accurate handling of each prescription.

As a pharmacy technician professional, your precision and care in your daily job will serve an important function in the medical field. Your typical duties may vary depending on your state’s regulations; however, they will most likely include the following:

• Assisting with prescriptions by counting pills
• Measuring medications
• Labeling products
• Verifying prescriptions from doctors
• Maintaining patient records
• Tracking insurance information
• Assisting patients with insurance forms

Pharmacy technicians are not permitted to consult with patients about their medication. Those questions fall under the expertise of the licensed pharmacist.

Read the interview with a pharmacy technician professional for more details about a pharmacy technician career.

Become a Pharmacy Technician is a post from: Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools

• 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.
• Request Information from Lincoln Tech

Medix

• Location: Smyrna, Georgia and Landover, Maryland
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician
• Quick Summary: Learn pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, compounding, and computer pharmacy software in this program, which includes a 160 hour externship.
• Request Information from Medix

National American University

• Location: Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado; Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, and Roseville, Minnesota; Kansas City, Missouri; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician associate degree
• Quick Summary: Designed for individuals new to pharmacy, or for technicians interested in increasing their skills, the program in a format suitable for traditional students and working adults.
• Request Information from National American University

careers.org/schools/national-college.html”>National College

• Location: Indianapolis, Indiana; Danville, Florence, Lexington, Louisville, Pikeville and Richmond, Kentucky; Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Stow and Youngstown, Ohio; Bartlett, Bristol, Knoxville, Madison, Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee; Bluefield, Charlottesville, Danville, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Martinsville, and Roanoke, Virginia
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician Diploma or Associate degree Program.
• Quick Summary: Learn to assist licensed pharmacists, and prepare to take the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification exam.
• Request Information from National College

North Florida Institute

• Location: Orange Park, Florida
• Programs: Pharmacy Technology Associate degree
• Quick Summary: Prepare for employment as a pharmacy technician in a hospital or retail drug store.
• Request careers.org/go/to.php?id=532″ target=”_blank”>Information from North Florida Institute

Northwestern Business College

• Location: Bridgeview and Chicago, Illinois
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician certificate
• Quick Summary: Students learn to prepare and dispense medications in this program, which is offered during the day, evenings, and on weekends.
• Request Information from Northwestern Business College

Pharmacy Technician Schools and Training Programs letter L, M and N is a post from: Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools

• 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.
• Request Information from Everest College

Everest Institute

• Locations: Fort Lauderdale, Hialeah, Kendall and North Miami, Florida; Jonesboro, Georgia; Detroit and Kalamazoo, Michigan; Eagan, Minnesota; South Plainfield, New Jersey; Columbus, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Houston Bissonnett, Texas
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician
• Quick Summary: Learn to assist licensed pharmacists in providing medications to patients with courses in pharmacology, medical terminology, and pharmacy administration.
• Request Information from Everest Institute

Everest University

• Locations: Brandon, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Melbourne, North Orlando, South Orlando and Tampa, Florida
• Program: Pharmacy Technician
• Quick Summary: This program includes academic and clinical training in the areas of pharmacology, pharmacy administration, pharmaceutical calculations, and organizational skills needed for this expanding industry.
• Request Information from Everest University

Fortis College

• Location: Dothan, Mobile and Montgomery, Alabama, Pensacola, Florida and Richmond, Virginia
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician associate degrees.
• Quick Summary: Students learn pharmacy practice basics, including filling prescriptions, recordkeeping, legal responsibilities and drug interactions..
• Request careers.org/go/to.php?id=294″ target=”_blank”>Information from Fortis College

Harris School of Business

• Location: Linwood, New Jersey
• Programs: Pharmacy Tech
• Quick Summary: Taught either in the day or in the evenings, this program prepares students to assist registered pharmacists.
• Request Information from Harris School of Business

Herzing College

• Location: Ottawa and Toronto, Ontario, Winnipeg, Manitoba
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician Diploma
• Quick Summary: Learn prescription processing, recordkeeping, and pharmacy procedures.
• Request careers.org/go/to.php?id=920″ target=”_blank”>Information from Herzing College

High-Tech Institute

• Location: Sacramento, California, Orlando, Florida, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Las Vegas, Nevada, Memphis, Tennessee, and Dallas, Texas.
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: Students receive training in the procedures used in hospital and retail pharmacies, along with knowledge of physiology, and pharmacy law.
• Request Information from High-Tech Institute

Kaplan Career Institute

• Location: Cleveland, Ohio, McAllen and San Antonio, Texas
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician
• Quick Summary: A combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training teaches skills in preparing and filling medication orders, maintaining patient information, and working with insurance claims.
• Request Information from Kaplan Career Institute

Kaplan College

• Location: Phoenix, Arizona, Palm Springs and Vista, California, Denver, Colorado, Las Vegas, Nevada and Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: Professional training program teaches students to price prescriptions, prepare medications, maintain patient histories, and bill for insurance claims.
• Request Information from Kaplan College

Pharmacy Technician Schools and Training Programs letter E, H and K is a post from: Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools

• 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.
• Request Information from Cambridge College

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.
• Request Information from Career Centers of Texas

Career College of Northern Nevada

• Location: Reno, Nevada
• Programs: Pharmaceutical Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: 60 week program provides training in compounding, dosage calculations and billing procedures for pharmacy prescription plans. Graduates are eligible to take the PCTB certification exam.
• Request careers.org/go/to.php?id=466″ target=”_blank”>Information from Career College of Northern Nevada

Central Coast College

• Location: Salinas, California
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician
• Quick Summary: Students learn the skills needed to work in a hospital pharmacy or retail drug store in this diploma program, which includes a 120 hour internship in a pharmacy.
• Request Information from Central Coast College

Charter College

• Location: Canyon Country, Lancaster and Long Beach, California
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician certificate
• Quick Summary: Eleven month program prepares students to assist licensed pharmacists in settings including drug stores, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies.
• Request careers.org/go/to.php?id=476″ target=”_blank”>Information from Charter College

CHI Institute

• Location: Broomall and Franklin Mills, Pennsylvania
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: Offered in the day or in the evenings, this program includes training in inventory control, pharmacy terminology, and computer skills.
• Request Information from CHI Institute

Coyne American Institute

• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: Prepare for an entry-level position as a pharmacy technician with this program which emphasizes detailed product knowledge of different types of drugs and includes an internship in a retail or hospital pharmacy.
• Request Information from Coyne American Institute

Pharmacy Technician Schools and Training Programs letter C is a post from: Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools

• 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.
• Request Information from Berdan Institute

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.
• Request Information from Brookline College

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.
• Request careers.org/go/to.php?id=537″ target=”_blank”>Information from Brown Mackie College

Pharmacy Technician Schools and Training Programs letter B is a post from: Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools

• Location: Distance Learning Program
• Programs: Pharmacy Technology
• Quick Summary: Offered as a correspondence course or over the web, the Pharmacy Technology diploma program teaches terminology, pharmacy math and measurements, pharmaceutical dispensing, and inventory management.
• Request Information from Ashworth College

Algonquin Careers Academy

• Locations: Mississauga and Ottawa, Ontario
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: Learn pharmaceutical calculations, compounding and computer skills in this 40 week program, which includes a six week co-op placement+.
• Request Information from Algonquin Careers Academy

All-State Career – Healthcare Division

• Location: Baltimore, Maryland
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: Graduates are eligible to sit for the certification exam for Pharmacy Technicians through the Commission on Technician Certification.
• Request careers.org/go/to.php?id=237″ target=”_blank”>Information from All-State Career – Healthcare Division

Allied College

• Location: Fenton and Maryland Heights, Missouri
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician associate degree
• Quick Summary: Students learn the functions and procedures used in retail and hospital pharmacies, and practice their new skills in an externship at a clinical site.
• Request Information from Allied College

Allied Medical and Technical Institute

• Location: Forty Fort, Pennsylvania
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician Diploma
• Quick Summary: Learn drug preparation and distribution, records management, and patient care.
• Request careers.org/go/to.php?id=238″ target=”_blank”>Information from Allied Medical and Technical Institute

American Career College

• Location: Anaheim, Los Angeles and Ontario, California
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician Certificate
• Quick Summary: Learn the classifications and names of major drugs, along with how to calculate dosages. Students also learn medical and pharmaceutical terminology.
• Request Information from American Career College

Apollo College

• Locations: Mesa, Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Boise, Idaho; Albuquerque, New Mexico and Portland, Oregon
• Program: Pharmacy Technician
• Quick Summary: Students learn the terminology and symbols used in a pharmacy, and participate in an internship at a drug store, hospital, or pharmaceutical distributor.
• Request Information from Apollo College

ATI Career Training Center

• Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: Learn medical chemistry and laboratory procedures along with insurance billing and coding and medical records management.
• Request Information from ATI Career Training Center

Baker College

• Locations: Auburn Hills, Flint, Muskegon and Owosso, Michigan
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician certificate or associate degree
• Quick Summary: Students learn to work under the supervision of a pharmacist in preparing medications, and maintaining stock levels. Graduates are prepared for positions in hospital or retail drug stores, and are eligible to take the certification exam from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
• Request Information from Baker College

Pharmacy Technician Schools and Training Programs letter A is a post from: Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools

Becoming a pharmacist is a rewarding career move with many challenges is a post from: Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools

Pharmacy Technician- a Career Option is a post from: Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools