All About Pharmacy Technician Jobs

The healthcare industry in Canada is rapidly growing, and so are the opportunities for pharmacy technicians. Pharmacy technicians are essential members of the healthcare team who work closely with pharmacists to provide patients with quality care. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about a pharmacy technician job, including responsibilities, skills, education and experience, salaries, job prospects, and more.

What Is A Pharmacy Technician Job?

A pharmacy technician job is a healthcare job that involves assisting pharmacists in dispensing medications and providing patient care. Pharmacy technicians work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and more. The main responsibilities of a pharmacy technician include:

• Filling prescriptions accurately and efficiently
• Compounding medications
• Managing inventory and ordering supplies
• Providing patient care and counselling
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements

What Is A Pharmacy Technician Responsible For?

Pharmacy technicians are responsible for many tasks related to medication management. They are responsible for accurately and efficiently filling prescriptions and compounding medications. They are also responsible for managing inventory, ordering supplies, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. In addition, pharmacy technicians provide patient care and counselling. They may also assist in drug research and development and participate in quality assurance initiatives.

Pharmacy Technician Job Skills

As a pharmacy technician, you need to have a range of technical and soft skills to perform your job effectively. Here are the essential pharmacy technician job skills:

• Proficient in pharmacy software for dispensing medications, inventory management, and record-keeping
• Knowledge of drug classifications, dosage forms, and drug interactions
• Ability to compound medications and prepare sterile products
• Proficient in handling dispensing equipment such as pill counters and labelling machines
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations for dosage measurements
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and legislation related to medication management

While technical skills are necessary for performing the technical aspects of a pharmacy technician job, soft skills are equally important for success in the role.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for interacting with patients and other healthcare professionals
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for managing inventory and ensuring accuracy in dispensing medications
• Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals
• Empathy and compassion for patients, particularly those who may be experiencing illness or hardship
• Adaptability and flexibility to changing priorities and demands
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in handling sensitive information.

Having these pharmacy technician job skills is critical to providing quality patient care, maintaining regulatory compliance, and contributing to the smooth operation of the pharmacy.

Education And Experience Necessary To Become A Pharmacy Technician

Becoming a pharmacy technician requires a combination of education and experience. Here are the details on the education and experience necessary to become a pharmacy technician:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of a pharmacy technician program from a recognized institution
• The program must be accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP)
• Some pharmacy technician programs require the completion of certain prerequisites, such as courses in biology, chemistry, and math

Experience:

• Completion of a pharmacy technician program includes a practicum, which provides hands-on experience in a pharmacy setting
• Some programs may offer additional opportunities for experiential learning, such as co-op placements or internships

In addition to the education and experience requirements, pharmacy technicians must also be registered with the corresponding regulatory body in their province or territory. This ensures that pharmacy technicians meet the standards for practice and are competent in providing patient care.

It's also worth noting that continuing education is essential for pharmacy technicians to maintain their knowledge and skills. Pharmacy technician regulatory bodies require ongoing professional development to ensure that pharmacy technicians are up-to-date on the latest developments in pharmacy practice.

Pharmacy Technician Salaries In Canada

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, the median salary for pharmacy technicians in Canada is $46,530 per year. Salaries vary depending on the location, experience, and type of employer. Pharmacy technicians working in hospitals and long-term care facilities tend to earn more than those working in retail pharmacies.

How To Find Pharmacy Technician Jobs In Ontario

There are several ways to find pharmacy technician jobs in Ontario. You can search online job boards, such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. You can also contact local pharmacies and hospitals directly to inquire about job openings. Networking is also important, as many job openings are not advertised publicly. Attending job fairs and industry events can help you meet potential employers and learn about job opportunities.

There’s also Caring Support, an all-in-one platform connecting healthcare workers, including pharmacy technicians, with healthcare organizations across Canada. With Caring Support, healthcare organizations can post job openings and connect with qualified candidates, while pharmacy technicians can search for job opportunities that match their skills and experience. This platform allows for the perfect match to be found, providing a seamless and efficient process for both parties.

By using Caring Support, pharmacy technicians can easily search for job openings in their area, upload their resumes and credentials, and apply for positions directly through the platform. Healthcare organizations can create a profile, post job openings, and search for qualified candidates using filters such as experience, education, and location. Caring Support streamlines the hiring process, allowing for a more efficient and effective recruitment experience for pharmacy technicians and healthcare organizations.

The Future Of Pharmacy Technician Jobs

The future of pharmacy technician jobs in Canada looks promising. As the population ages and healthcare services become more in demand, the need for pharmacy services is also expected to increase. With healthcare identified as a priority sector by the Canadian government, funding for healthcare services is expected to rise in the coming years, creating more job opportunities for pharmacy technicians.

In addition to increased demand, technological advancements in pharmacy software and automation may also impact the future of pharmacy technician jobs. As pharmacies continue to adopt new technologies, pharmacy technicians must stay up-to-date on these changes and adapt to new working methods.

Where Can I Work As A Pharmacy Technician?

Pharmacy technicians can work in various settings, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and compounding pharmacies. Hospital pharmacy technicians work in hospital settings and are responsible for filling prescriptions for inpatients and outpatients, preparing medications for surgery, and compounding sterile products. Retail pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies in grocery stores, drug stores, and mass merchandisers, filling prescriptions and providing customer service. Long-term care pharmacy technicians work in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, ensuring that residents receive the correct medications. Compounding pharmacy technicians work in compounding pharmacies, specializing in creating customized patient medications.

How To Write An Ideal Resume For Pharmacy Technician?

When applying for a pharmacy technician job, a well-crafted resume is essential. Here are some tips for writing an ideal resume:

• Tailor your resume to the job: Highlight your skills and experiences that match the job requirements you are applying for.
• Use clear, concise language: Avoid jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to the reader.
• Highlight your education and certifications: Mention your pharmacy technician diploma and any relevant certifications or licenses.
• Showcase your experience: Highlight any previous work experience in a pharmacy or healthcare setting.
• Emphasize your soft skills: Mention your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Provide references: Include the names and contact information of references who can vouch for your skills and experience.

Conclusion

A pharmacy technician job is a rewarding career in the healthcare industry that requires technical and soft skills, as well as a pharmacy technician diploma from an accredited institution. Pharmacy technicians can work in various settings, and job prospects are expected to increase in the coming years. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician, start by researching accredited pharmacy technician programs and preparing a well-crafted resume that highlights your skills and experience.

Healthcare organizations and pharmacy technicians alike benefit from the services provided by Caring Support. By connecting qualified candidates with healthcare organizations, Caring Support helps to create the perfect match, providing a seamless and efficient recruitment process. Whether you are a pharmacy technician looking for a job or a healthcare organization looking for a qualified candidate, Caring Support can help you achieve your goals.

Source: https://www.caringsupport.com/blog/all-about-pharmacy-technician-jobs