4 Traits That a Pharmacy Tech Should Have to Achieve Success
If you’re considering a career as a pharmacy technician, you may be wondering if you have what it takes to fill this vital role in the healthcare field. Here’s a prescription for success as a pharmacy tech, and how the flexible, affordable online pharmacy technician program at Ashworth College helps you excel on the job.
1. Attention to Detail
In your role, you’ll likely have to measure doses and possibly operate a pill-counter. Since patient health is on the line, strict attention to detail is critical to ensure that they receive the right medication in the correct amounts. You will also need to be a good listener, paying close attention to patients and other healthcare providers as you respond to their concerns or are called upon to supply necessary information.
2. Skills and Knowledge
Of course, you’ll need to be familiar with dosing instructions, as well as the tools of the trade. At Ashworth College, we provide comprehensive coursework to give you the skills and knowledge that are highly sought-after by employers. Course offerings include:
- Medical and Pharmaceutical Technology
- Trade Names and Generic Names
- Dosage Forms and Routes of Administration
- Systems of Measurement
- Regulatory Laws and Professional Standards
3. Flexibility and Adaptability
As a pharmacy tech, you’ll work under the supervision of a pharmacist and will be responsible for a variety of tasks, such as filling prescriptions, preparing medications to be dispensed, and talking to patients about both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Pharmacies are typically fast-paced environment, so you will need to take initiative to find out what needs to be done and fill in wherever help is needed, sometimes even running the cash register.
4. Compassion
Some patients are polite and upbeat when they visit the pharmacy, while others may be a little more challenging to interact with, especially if they’re not feeling well or have just received devastating news from the doctor. It’s important to stay positive and ensure that you include a dose of kindness and compassion along with their approved prescriptions.
Pharmacy Technician School at Ashworth College
When you study with us, you’ll have access to self-paced learning that fits your schedule. In addition to online coursework, the pharmacy tech program at Ashworth College includes externship opportunities at Walgreens and CVS, so you can get real-world experience before you start your job. If pharmacy technician school sounds like what the doctor ordered, contact us to request info or enroll today.