Pharmacistst & Pharmacists Techs/Aides

Where do pharmacists have direct patient contact?

Clinical and Retail Settings

What do pharmacists advise health professionals and the public on?

The proper selection and use of medicines

What do pharmacists do?

Dispense drugs and medicines prescribed by physicians, dentists, and other health professionals

What do pharmacists understand?

Understand the use, composition, and effects of drugs and how they are tested for purity and strength

What companies do pharmacists work in coordination with?

with insurance companies on behalf of the patient, completing and submitting the necessary paperwork to ensure eligible medication costs are covered under the patient’s insurance policy

What are the four pharmacy specialties?

Pharmacotherapists

Nutrition support pharmacists

Radiopharmacists or nuclear pharmacists

Pharmaceutical industry pharmacists

What do Pharmacotherapists do?

work closely with physicians

may make hospital rounds with physicians, talk to patients, and monitor pharmaceutical use

What do Nutrition support pharmacists do?

help determine and prepare the drugs needed for nutrition

What do Radiopharmacists or nuclear pharmacists do?

apply the principles and practices of pharmacy and radiochemistry to produce radioactive drugs used for diagnosis and therapy

What do Pharmaceutical industry pharmacists do?

work in the sales, research and development, or marketing divisions of pharmaceutical companies

Where did a majority of pharmacists work?

Retail settings (42%)

How many states require a license for pharmacists?

All states

What degree must pharmacists obtain?

must earn a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree from a college of pharmacy

What exam do PharmD schools require applicants to take?

Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)

How long do PharmD programs generally last?

6 years

Where do students in PharmD programs spend about ¼ of their time?

in a variety of pharmacy practice settings under the supervision of licensed pharmacists

What degrees could be offered by PharmD programs?

A masters or PhD

What do pharmacy techs and aides do?

Help licensed pharmacists prepare prescription medications

What do pharmacy techs do?

generally are responsible for receiving prescription requests, counting tablets, and labeling bottles

What do pharmacy aides do?

perform administrative functions such as answering phones, stocking shelves, and operating cash registers

Where did most pharmacy techs and aides work?

Retail settings (51%)

Job opportunities are expected to be best for pharmacy techs and aides with what?

certification or work experience

Do all states require a highschool diploma or equivalent for Pharmacy techs and aides?

No, only some states require

Where do most pharmacy technicians and aides receive their training?

On the job

How long does on the job training for pharmacy techs and aides usually last?

Between 3 and 12 months

Do most states require pharmacy technicians to be registered with the state board of pharmacy?

Yes, in most states they do

What are the requirements to register with the state Board of pharmacy for pharmacy techs?

High school diploma or equivalent

payment of an application fee

Who offers certification for pharmacy technicians if their state requires it?

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association administer national certification examinations