Compounding Pharmacy Technician
Compounding Pharmacy Technicians are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist to prepare and dispense medications. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics. The main responsibilities of a Compounding Pharmacy Technician include preparing and dispensing medications, maintaining inventory, and providing customer service.
Required Skills and Education
To become a Compounding Pharmacy Technician, you will typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete a certification program in compounding pharmacy technology. Certification programs are typically offered by community colleges or technical schools, and take about one year to complete. Some states may require Compounding Pharmacy Technicians to be licensed. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) offers a national certification for Compounding Pharmacy Technicians.
What Does a Compounding Pharmacy Technician Do?
Compounding Pharmacy Technicians perform a variety of tasks, including:
- Preparing and dispensing medications under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
- Measuring, mixing, and compounding medications according to specific orders.
- Maintaining inventory and ordering supplies.
- Providing customer service and answering questions about medications.
- Sterilizing and cleaning equipment.
- Following safety protocols and procedures.
Career Growth
With experience, Compounding Pharmacy Technicians may advance to supervisory roles, such as Lead Compounding Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacy Manager. They may also choose to specialize in a particular area of compounding pharmacy, such as sterile compounding or hazardous drug compounding.