Pharmacy Specialist Job Description

Pharmacy Policies and Malpractice Detection

Depending on the type of pharmacy, the amount and types of medications can be different. A variety of commonly prescribed medications are available at a retail pharmacy. A hospital may carry additional prescriptions, such as samples of recently developed drugs, and may also carry a similar supply.

A cancer center may carry specific drugs for cancer patients, but may not carry other drugs. Some pharmacy policies only cover the business and not the employees, so if you're a pharmacy owner, you should be aware of this. Additional insurance may be purchased by pharmacists to cover situations that are not covered by their employer's insurance.

Pharmacy Practice Regulations

Everyone in a pharmacy has a responsibility to keep patient files up to date, to make sure needed products are stocked, and to file required reports. Administrative duties can be more time consuming than patient care if you hold a supervisor position. To maintain and renew their licenses, pharmacy technicians have to take continuing education courses, keep up to date on drug approvals, product recalls and changes to medications, and comply with federal and state laws regulating pharmacy.

The last item is important. Each state and U.S. territory has its own pharmacy practice law. Learning about complying with practice regulations can be difficult if you are not a member of a pharmacy association.

The Job Description of a Pharmacy Technician

A pharmacy technician is in charge of the operations of the pharmacy, interacts with customers, and complies with regulatory laws. Pharmacy technicians work in hospitals, grocery stores, and other medical facilities. Pharmacy technicians have important qualities that support their ultimate goal of ensuring that drug therapy is carried out safely and successfully.

Soft skills are what pharmacy techs need to have. The technician needs to be able to follow directions, communicate with staff and customers, and be organized. Pharmacy technicians must master specific knowledge in order to work in the industry.

Being able to understand medical history, read prescriptions, and follow billing protocols can be difficult, but it is a key part of pharmacology. You will often be working with customers that are in pain or have just been discharged from a medical procedure. If a patient is still foggy from anesthesia, you need to know how to direct the customer.

You may be using help from a close friend or family member. Strong skills ensure that customers feel cared for and that they understand instructions for taking medication. The pharmacy technician has solid knowledge of brand generic drugs.