How to Excel in Pharmacy Tech Programs: Key Skills and Techniques

Are you considering a career as a pharmacy technician? If so, you’re likely looking for tips and tricks on how to excel in your chosen field. Pharmacy tech programs are rigorous and require dedication and hard work to succeed. Here are some key skills and techniques to help you become an outstanding pharmacy tech.

Stay Organized

Organization is key in any profession, but particularly important when it comes to pharmacy tech work. Pharmacies are often busy, and you will be expected to manage multiple tasks at once. Keeping track of orders and medications, filling prescriptions, and managing customer information all require a great deal of organization.

One of the best ways to stay organized is to create a filing system to store information. You can also use a calendar to keep track of appointments and deadlines, and use a task list to note any tasks that need to be completed. Finally, make sure to take notes during meetings and other training sessions.

Develop Communication Skills

Excellent communication skills are essential in any job, but especially so as a pharmacy technician. You will need to communicate effectively with customers, doctors, and other healthcare professionals, as well as your colleagues.

Make sure to develop your listening skills, as they are essential for understanding customer needs and requests. Additionally, practice your verbal communication skills. Speak calmly and clearly, and make sure to use polite language. You should also take the time to learn the medical terminology used in the pharmacy.

Understand Pharmacy Regulations

Pharmacy technicians must be familiar with all of the relevant laws and regulations that govern the industry. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the regulations in your state, as well as the standards set by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. You should also be aware of the various policies and procedures set by your pharmacy.

It’s also important to keep up to date with any changes to regulations, as these can have a major impact on your job. Make sure to attend any relevant training to stay up to date.

Learn Computer Skills

In today’s world, computer literacy is essential in any profession. As a pharmacy technician, you will need to be familiar with different software programs. In particular, you should be comfortable with databases, spreadsheets, and word processing programs.

You should also be familiar with the software that is used to manage customer orders and prescriptions. This will enable you to accurately and efficiently fill orders and manage customer information.

Be Detail-Oriented

Accuracy is of the utmost importance when it comes to pharmacy tech work. You will need to be able to pay attention to detail and double-check orders and prescriptions to make sure that everything is accurate. Additionally, you should be able to quickly spot mistakes and rectify them.

Finally, make sure that you take the time to learn the different medications and their uses. This will enable you to quickly identify medications and ensure that the right medications are prescribed.

Conclusion

Pharmacy tech programs require dedication and hard work. By following these key skills and techniques, you can become an outstanding pharmacy technician. Make sure to stay organized, develop your communication skills, understand pharmacy regulations, learn computer skills, and be detail-oriented. With a little hard work, you can excel in your chosen field and make an impact.