Pharmacy Technician/Aide
Career Description
Pharmacy technicians function as support personnel for pharmacists.
They may straighten and organize the
pharmacy, assist in updating patient records, keep the pharmacy fully
stocked and complete prescription labels under a pharmacist’s
direction. Some also may receive prescription orders and contact physicians
to approve order refi lls. Pharmacy aides help with administrative
duties, such as answering phones, handling purchases, stocking shelves
and other clerical duties.
Academic Requirements
Educational requirements for pharmacy technicians and aides vary according to the type and extent of duties they are hired to perform. Aides work only under direct supervision and may be hired without any formal training. Pharmacy technicians usually attend a community college or vocational-technical school for training in the fundamentals of pharmaceutical science. An associate’s degree is the most significant degree awarded for this field, which takes two years to obtain.
Schools
Allied College - North Campus (St. Louis)
866/502-2627
Allied College - South Campus (Fenton)
866/502-2627
Midwest Institute for Medical Assistants
800/695-5550
St. Charles Community College
636/922-8000
St. Louis College of Health Careers
314/845-6100
Professional Associations
National
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
American Pharmacists Association
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
State
Missouri Pharmacy Association
Missouri State Board of Pharmacy
MSHP - Missouri Society of Health-System Pharmacists
Additional Information
