Paid Pharmacy Tech Training

According to the United States Department of Labor, employment for pharmacy technicians is expected to increase 31 percent between the years 2008 and 2018. Pharmacy technicians require training to become familiar with individual pharmacy procedures.

Type of Training

• As a retail technician, you learn how to use the point-of-sale system to charge medications and capture patient signatures. You will also become familiar with restrictions for certain over-the-counter medications. Technicians will also be trained on the procedures regarding the filling, dispensing and handling of medications. In addition, hospital technicians may be trained in intravenous (IV) compounding and unit dose packaging.

Time Frame

• Retail training occurs at a rapid pace. Cashier training is usually completed in one day while it may take up to a few weeks to become comfortable with other processes. Hospital training may take months as the technician responsibilities may be more complicated.

Pay

• Pharmacy technicians are usually paid during training shifts. Pay may range from $9.05 to $15.73 per hour (as of October 2010) depending on the employer and work setting.

Tips and Advice

• Take the time to learn as much as you can during the training period. Utilize any additional resources such as computer training modules and procedure manuals if available. Ask other experienced technicians for tips and clarification of any questions you have. The time allotted for technician training is short and you will continue to learn on the job when the training period is over.