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Celebrating the Unsung Heroes: National Pharmacy Technician Day

October 15th, 2024, is National Pharmacy Technician Appreciation Day!

Pharmacy technicians are healthcare team members whose skills and dedication often go unnoticed by patients and the public. On this year’s National Pharmacy Technician Appreciation Day, WVJC aims to recognize pharmacy technicians for their hard work and dedication to their patients, the healthcare field, and the medical facilities they work in.

pharmacy technician

Pharmacy technicians work tirelessly to ensure the smooth operation of medical facilities and support pharmacists and patients. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 60,000 pharmacy technicians are employed in West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Virginia. 

WVJC is deeply grateful to the pharmacy technicians in West Virginia and the surrounding states for their compassion and expertise. National Pharmacy Technician Appreciation Day serves as a day to thank and celebrate the dedication, hard work, and learning commitment of the pharmacy technicians who prioritize their patients. Continue reading to learn more about how a career as a pharmacy technician can make a difference! 

What Does A Pharmacy Technician Do?

Pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician is an excellent choice for individuals who thrive in a fast-paced setting and want to utilize their education to make a difference in patients’ lives. Often working behind the scenes without direct patient contact, pharmacy technicians play a vital role in patient care. They collaborate with pharmacists in various medical environments, such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, mail-order pharmacies, and more.

Pharmacy technicians have practical skills, including filling customer prescriptions, managing pharmacy inventory, compounding medications, communicating effectively with patients, and more.

What Qualities Does A Pharmacy Technician Have?

To excel in their roles, pharmacy technicians must possess a range of essential qualities and skills. First and foremost, attention to detail is crucial due to the high stakes involved in medication dispensing; technicians need to ensure that medications are accurate and labeled correctly to prevent potentially harmful errors. Effective communication skills are also vital, as pharmacy technicians must clearly explain medication instructions to patients while collaborating with pharmacists and other healthcare providers. 

Additionally, compassion and empathy play a significant role, especially when working with patients who may be anxious about their medications; showing understanding can help ease their concerns and foster trust. 

Furthermore, strong problem-solving skills are crucial, as technicians face various challenges daily, such as inventory shortages and prescription discrepancies, and the ability to address these issues efficiently is vital. Along with problem-solving skills, pharmacy technicians must possess technical skills, including familiarity with pharmacy software, medication delivery systems, and basic medical knowledge, which is essential for success in this role.

How To Become A Pharmacy Technician?

To become a pharmacy technician, you can either attend a school that offers a pharmacy technician training program or gain real-world experience and independently study for industry certification exams. Attending a college that offers a program can be beneficial as it provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge and prepares you to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) ‘s Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPHT) exam. This can be done in less time than entering the field at an entry level and attempting to pass the exam independently.

Choosing a pharmacy technician training program such as WVJC Online can give students an advantage in their future careers. The WVJC Pharmacy Technician program includes online lectures and weekend lab days to practice hands-on skills led by instructors. Students can practice their skills at home with pharmacy technician kits mailed directly to their homes. Toward the end of the program, students will complete an externship experience that solidifies their understanding of the pharmacy technician position, and they will be prepared to sit for the CPHT certification* exam. 

As a graduate of the WVJC Online Pharmacy Technician program, you will be well-positioned to continue your career in pharmacy. Additionally, WVJC provides sterile compounding training, allowing our graduates the opportunity to become certified compounded sterile preparation technicians (CSPT)** and obtain their Advanced Pharmacy Technician** Certification.

WVJC Appreciates Pharmacy Technicians!

This October, WVJC hopes each individual expresses gratitude to pharmacy technicians who keep patients healthy behind the scenes. Their hard work, attention to detail, and vast knowledge have made a difference in the lives of each patient in a medical facility. 

Can you see your future self working as a pharmacy technician? If so, WVJC has the program and resources you need to achieve this exciting career. Your role as a pharmacy technician is not just a job, but a vital contribution to the healthcare field. Get started today and connect with the WVJC Online admissions team by requesting information

*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry certification exam.
**Certification is contingent on passing the corresponding certification exam. Optional at own expense upon completion of required post-graduate work experience.