| It's no big secret that health care industry is | | | | TECHNICIAN? |
| thriving and will continue to do so in the immediate | | | | According to the California State Board of |
| and long term future. The baby boomers, the | | | | Pharmacy, there are three ways to qualify for |
| largest consumer demographic the world has ever | | | | work as a Pharmacy Technician in California: |
| seen, are moving on to their golden years and | | | | 1) Finish an academic coursework or graduate |
| defining active retirement. Here in California, | | | | from a qualifying school: |
| they're taking scuba diving lessons, learning | | | | - get an associate degree in pharmacy technology |
| different dance styles, and taking up hiking. | | | | - complete a training course accredited by the |
| However, in order to keep up a busy lifestyle, | | | | American Society of Health-System |
| they'll have to maintain their health. Already, we | | | | Pharmacists (ASHP); |
| are seeing hospitals, clinics, and physicians group | | | | - complete a course that provides a minimum of |
| growing next to retirement communities and | | | | 240 hours instruction as specified insection 1793.6 |
| vice-versa. Google search for San Diego | | | | (c) of Title 16 of the California Code of |
| retirement community and many of them highlight | | | | Regulations. |
| easy access to health care. | | | | - graduate from a school of pharmacy accredited |
| One of the primary necessity for senior health | | | | by the American Council on |
| care is access to prescription medicine. The only | | | | Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE). |
| professionals that are licensed by the state of | | | | 2) Certification (with proof) from a branch of the |
| California who can provide such services are the | | | | military. |
| pharmacists. But they need assistance and the | | | | 3) Certification by passing the PTC Exam as given |
| help is provided by pharmacy technicians. | | | | by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board |
| WHAT DO PHARMACY TECHNICIANS DO? | | | | (PTCB). |
| Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists provide | | | | A completed application with the filing fee of $50 |
| medicine and other prescribed health care | | | | and fingerprints are also required. |
| products to patients. In a retail setting, pharmacy | | | | Finally, becoming a pharmacy technician is a great |
| techs typically provide the customer service, the | | | | career choice. The health care field is expanding. |
| stocking of medicine and medical supplies, answer | | | | And those looking for a challenging job requiring |
| the phone, and other tasks. | | | | detail-oriented skills will find the position fulfilling. It |
| In hospitals and physicians offices, pharmacy | | | | can be a lifelong career choice because it's a 9-5 |
| technicians check prescriptions for accuracy, | | | | job that will allow for family life. But it is flexible |
| prepare the proper dosage of medicine, and | | | | enough so that it can be used as a stepping stone |
| maintain medicine data on the patients. They also | | | | to other positions in the healthcare industry such |
| assist as required by the licensed pharmacist. | | | | as becoming a licensed pharmacist. |
| HOW DO CAN I BECOME A PHARMACY | | | | |