Position Description
Pharmacy Technicians assist licensed Pharmacists in providing medication to patients. Technicians who work in retail pharmacies perform tasks such as preparing medication and labels, selecting appropriate containers and affixing labels to containers, stocking and taking inventory of medications, preparing insurance claim forms, assisting in cleaning and maintenance of equipment and supplies, operating a cash register, and providing friendly customer service. Tecnicians also price and fill prescriptions, which must first be checked by a licensed pharmacist before being dispensed. Technicians who work in hospital pharmacies may also read patient charts and prepare and deliver medications to inpatients after the medications have been double checked by a licensed pharmacist.
Education and Training
While there are formal Pharmacy Technician programs in the State of Illinois, completion of coursework and/or a certification exam is not required to work as a Pharmacy Technician. If one's ultimate goal is to become a pharmacist, working as a pharmacy technician can provide wonderful experience and insight into the profession of pharmacy. To become a registered pharmacy technician in the State of Illinois, one must complete an application for licensure, which is available at the State of Illinois Department of Professional Regulation's website (http://www.idfpr.com/) and submit a fee of $40. All pharmacy technicians in the State of Illinois must be registered.
Wages
Average earnings for Pharmacy Technicians in Illinois is around $9.50 per hour. Pharmacy technicians who complete a formal education program and/or certification exam often earn higher wages. Completing a pharmacy technician program at a community college generally will not improve one's chances of being accepted to pharmacy school.
