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You may have seen the term “healthcare worker” being used a lot lately, but what does it actually mean? And is a pharmacy technician considered a healthcare worker?
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The Role of a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians play an important role in the healthcare industry. They are responsible for filling prescriptions, preparing over-the-counter medications, and providing customer service. Pharmacy technicians must have excellent customer service skills, as they are often the first point of contact for patients. They must also be able to work well under pressure, as the pharmacy can be a busy place.
Duties of a pharmacy technician
A pharmacy technician is a health care worker who performs a variety of tasks in a pharmacy. They may be responsible for receiving and filling prescriptions, preparing and labeling medications, stocking shelves, and maintaining records. In some states, pharmacy technicians may also be allowed to administer vaccinations.
Pharmacy technicians typically receive on-the-job training from a licensed pharmacist. However, some states have certification programs for pharmacy technicians. Certification is not required in all states, but it may improve job prospects.
The duties of a pharmacy technician vary depending on the state in which they work. However, all pharmacy technicians must comply with the regulations set forth by the state Board of Pharmacy.
Education and training requirements
Although formal education and training requirements vary by state, most pharmacy technicians complete a short certificate or diploma program and/or an on-the-job training program. Some states require pharmacy technicians to pass a competency exam.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), pharmacy technicians earned a median annual salary of $32,700 in 2018 and projected job growth of 7% from 2018 to 2028.
In most states, pharmacy technicians must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some states have additional requirements, such as completing an accredited training program or passing a competency exam.
Is a Pharmacy Technician a Healthcare Worker?
There is some debate over whether or not a pharmacy technician is a healthcare worker. The majority of people agree that pharmacy technicians are, in fact, healthcare workers. They play an important role in the healthcare industry by helping to dispense medications and provide customer service.
Definition of healthcare worker
A healthcare worker is someone who is employed in the healthcare industry. This includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical professionals. A pharmacy technician is a healthcare worker who works in a pharmacy, assisting pharmacists with filling prescriptions and answering customer questions.
The role of a pharmacy technician in healthcare
A pharmacy technician is a healthcare worker who helps licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medication to patients. Pharmacy technicians typically work in hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, or in the pharmacy department of a grocery or drug store. Some pharmacy technicians may also work in long-term care facilities or in the pharmaceutical industry.
While the duties of a pharmacy technician vary depending on their employer and location, they generally include receiving and verifying prescription orders, preparing and dispensing medications, maintaining patient records, and answering questions from patients and other healthcare professionals. In some states, pharmacy technicians may also be responsible for billing insurance companies for reimbursement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pharmacy technicians are considered healthcare workers. They assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications, and they play an important role in the healthcare system. Although they do not directly provide patient care, they are an important part of the healthcare team.