Working in a Pharmacy: What to Know
As you get ready to dive into your new career, you will find that you are full of excitement and questions at the same time. Your new career will be an opportunity for you to learn, grow, and advance.
Before you start running as fast as you can towards your new career, there are some things you should know about working in a pharmacy first. You probably already know what the job requirements are and what educational background you need, so we will avoid those topics in this blog.
Below, you will find a small preview of what you can expect as you move into a pharmacy to work whether it be in the hospital, nursing home, or retail setting.
As you think more about your career as a pharmacy technician, UEI College is here to support you and provide you with the guidance you need.
Consider enrolling in UEI College’s Pharmacy Technician Program. The program can be completed, and you can earn your diploma in as little as 10 months!
YOUR HOURS MAY NEVER BE THE SAME
If you are looking for a job where your hours are set in stone day in and out, year after year, this is not that type of career. In fact, pharmacy technician hours are often irregular. You can expect to work during days, afternoons, nights, evenings, and even holidays while in a pharmacy.
Sometimes, though rare, if you are employed in a hospital setting, you may find that you have a regular schedule, but that schedule could still mean nights and sometimes overnights, if the pharmacy is open 24 hours.
MISTAKES CAN HAVE DEVASTATING EFFECTS
One of the most important things that new pharmacy techs must understand is that even the smallest mistake can have devastating effects. In your role, you will be responsible for providing medications to patients.
Of course, the pharmacist will verify the prescription and medication before it goes out, but a small mistake that is missed can be deadly to a patient. It is vital that all pharmacy technicians are detail-oriented.
YOUR FEET MAY BE TIRED
Working in a pharmacy means being on your feet all day. You will enjoy the small breaks where you can sit down, and your feet may be sore until you get used to being on your feet. To help keep yourself comfortable and your feet from hurting, you may want to invest in a good pair of comfortable sneakers.
YOUR NEW CAREER COULD LEAD YOU TO BECOME A PHARMACIST
Many pharmacists started out as pharmacy technicians. Once you are in your new role, you may find a love for it and want to advance your career. Should you want to become a pharmacist, you will already have some of the skills and knowledge needed to help guide you.
BECOME A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN TODAY
Now is an excellent time for you to become a pharmacy technician. This is an in-demand career and it has many benefits that come along with it. Whether it is your dream to be a pharmacy tech or you want to use it as a steppingstone to advance your career, you can.
UEI College offers a pharmacy technician diploma program that can train you and prepare you for an entry-level role. Our students who have graduated from this program have found themselves working in a multitude of settings from retail centers to hospitals and nursing homes. Our pharmacy technician program can be completed in as few as 10 months and students can enroll on an ongoing basis. If you want to train for a new career, call UEI College today to discuss your options and enrollment dates.
