What can I do as a pharmacy technician?
Pharmacy technicians work to connect people with their medications. Many times, they
are the main pharmacy team member who prepares, packages, and labels medications,
and are very skilled at insurance billing. Most of the time, they are the first person
who greets someone as they arrive or call the pharmacy and help people get the care
that they need. Pharmacy technicians can also be involved in doing testing for common
sicknesses, giving shots, and monitoring medication therapy.
What characteristics and skills do I need to work in this field?
Successful pharmacy technicians are very detail-oriented and accurate. They also enjoy
talking to people and are attentive listeners, treating everyone with compassion.
Having strong math skills is also very useful. Being a team player and able to work
in a fast-paced environment, while keeping their cool is also essential.
Where can I work?
Pharmacy Technicians work in a wide variety of pharmacy settings. Some work in more
familiar settings, such as community pharmacies and hospital pharmacies. Other less
known settings where pharmacy technicians work include compounding pharmacies, home
infusion pharmacies, long term care pharmacies, mail order pharmacies, specialty pharmacies,
and clinic pharmacies.
What is the future job outlook for like for pharmacy technicians?
According to the Board of Labor Statistics, jobs for pharmacy technicians are growing
“faster than average”, increasing 5.6% over the next decade. Most employers prefer
candidates that are Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT).
South Carolina law prohibits pharmacies from employing anyone with a felony controlled
substance conviction, and employers may require criminal background checks and routine
drug testing. Individual employers may have minimum immunization requirements for
employment.
What does Trident Technical College offer?
Trident Technical College offers a 2 semester (8-9 month) pharmacy technician training
program. Instruction in general pharmacy knowledge, law, pharmacology, and pharmacy
math, as well as hands-on simulation training are key elements of this program. Following
this instruction, students are given the opportunity to utilize their new skills and
knowledge in actual pharmacies to gain real world work experience.
This program will prepare graduates for employment as entry-level pharmacy technicians
and prepare them to be eligible to take national pharmacy technician certification
exams, which can result in achieving the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential,
preferred by employers. Within a few months, they can gain additional experience to
be eligible to become a SC State Certified Pharmacy Technician. Other states requirements
may differ so students seeking licensure in a state other than South Carolina are
encouraged to reach out to the Board of Pharmacy in that state.
Accreditation
The TTC Pharmacy Technician Program will be seeking accreditation by the American
Society of HealthSystems Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy
Education (ACPE).
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900,
Bethesda, MD 20814
asd@ashp.org
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
190 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 3000
Chicago, Illinois 60603-3446
Phone: 312-664-3575
info@acpe-accredit.org
Recommended Sequence of Course
Students are advised to meet with their faculty advisor to choose a pathway that fits
their unique academic and career goals.
Pharmacy Technician, AAS - Career Outlook