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 sanction order refills. Pharmacy aides help with administrative duties, such as answering phones, handling purchases, stocking shelves and other clerical duties.
Annual Salary
| Entry: $21,715 | Mean: $27,082 | Experienced: $32,656 |
| Source: Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, 2006 Salary Data | ||
Hourly Wage
| Entry: $10.44 | Mean: $13.02 | Experienced: $15.70 |
| Source: Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, 2006 Salary Data | ||
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
Heritage College
816/942-5474
High Tech Institute
866/502-2627
Pinnacle Career Institute
816/331-5700
Techskills — Kansas City
913/342-7100
Vatterott College
816/861-1000
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
