How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Texas
A pharmacy tech is an important healthcare team member. They are responsible for ensuring patients receive their medications safely and on time.
If you are detail-oriented and have good customer service skills, then a job as a pharmacy tech might be the right job for you.
Keep reading to learn more about what it takes to become a pharmacy tech in Texas.
History of Pharmacy Tech
The history of pharmacy techs can be traced back to the early 1950s when hospitals began using them to help with the increasing demand for prescription medications.
In the beginning, pharmacy techs were only responsible for stocking shelves and counting pills. However, as the role of pharmacists became more hands-off, pharmacy techs began assuming more responsibilities, such as answering phone calls, filling prescriptions, and entering patient information into computer systems.
What Is A Pharmacy Tech (Job Description)
A pharmacy tech is a healthcare professional who works closely with pharmacists to dispense prescription medications. They are responsible for answering customer questions, verifying insurance coverage, entering patient information into computer systems, and preparing medications for dispensing.
In some states, they may also be allowed to perform certain duties normally reserved for pharmacists, such as checking for drug interactions and verifying correct dosages.
Typical WorkDay As A Pharmacy Tech
A typical workday for a pharmacy tech usually starts with checking voicemails and emails from customers who have questions about their medications. They will also spend time on the phone verifying insurance coverage and entering patient information into the computer system.
Once all the administrative tasks are complete, they can begin filling prescriptions. This involves counting pills, measuring liquids, and labeling bottles. After all the prescriptions have been filled, they will need to be delivered to the correct patients.
Annual Salary Of A Pharmacy Tech In Texas
The annual salary of pharmacy tech in Texas ranges from $28,000 to $38,000 per year. The hourly wage ranges from $13 to $18 per hour.
Education and Training Needed To Become A Pharmacy Tech In Texas
To become a pharmacy tech in Texas, you must complete a training program approved by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP). These programs typically take between six months and one year to complete and can be found at community colleges, technical schools, and online institutions.
Once you have completed your training program, you must pass the national certification exam administered by the National Healthcare Association or the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians.
Certifications Needed To Be A Pharmacy Tech In Texas
In addition to completing an approved training program and passing the national certification exam, you must also obtain a license from the TSBP to work as a pharmacy tech in Texas. You can apply for this license online through the TSBP website.
Skills Needed To Be A Pharmacy Tech
To succeed as a pharmacy tech, you will need good customer service skills to communicate effectively with patients and answer their questions. You should also be detail-oriented to accurately enter patient information into computer systems and fill prescriptions correctly. Finally, good time management skills are also important since you must juggle multiple tasks throughout your shifts.
Where Do Pharmacy Techs Work?
Pharmacy techs typically work in retail pharmacies (such as CVS or Walgreens), hospitals, or clinics. Some may also work in long-term care facilities or home health agencies.
Where To Search For Pharmacy Tech Jobs
The best place to search for open positions is on job boards such as Indeed or Monster. You can also check with your local pharmacies or clinics to see if they have any open positions. Finally, you can contact your state’s Board of Pharmacy to inquire about open positions.
Is A Job As A Pharmacy Tech The Right Job For You?
If you are interested in working as part of the healthcare team while still having plenty of customer interaction, then a job as a pharmacy tech might be right for you. If you enjoy helping people, are detail-oriented, and have good time management skills, consider becoming a pharmacy technician!
Conclusion
Becoming a pharmacy technician is a great way to enter the healthcare field. It offers good pay, flexible hours, and plenty of opportunities for advancement. If you think this might be the right career path, follow the steps outlined in this blog post to get started!
Hey, I’m Nick Bryant, author of Understanding Healthcare Is Half the Battle and the creator of Houston Case Managers Academy. I’ve worked in the social services field for over 13 years, connecting folks with government assistance programs. One important lesson I’ve gained from working with 7,000+ clients is that having fewer job skills can make life tougher. That’s why I started Texas Trade Schools – to show you the career options available and guide you on how to get the training you need. If you have questions about employment-related resources, please let me know I’m happy to help!