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 approve order refills. Pharmacy aides help with administrative duties, such as answering phones, handling purchases, stocking shelves and other clerical duties.
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
Franklin Technology Center (Joplin)
417/659-4400
Ozarks Technical Community College (Springfield)
417/447-7500
Rolla Technical Center
573/458-0160
Vatterott College-Joplin
417/781-5633
Vatterott College-Springfield
417/831-8116
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
