How will the role of pharmacy support staff change over next 5 years?

Question

Pharmacy support staff e.g. the technicians, dispensing assistants and medicine counter assistants

Answer 1

Now this question si right up my alley! I actually teach Pharmacy-Tech program!
The US Department of Labor predicts the jobs as a CERTIFIED Pharmacy Technican (licensed by passing the PTCE), are expected to grow at a rate well above average over the years to come because so many "baby boomers" are getting older and will require medical care (prescriptions.)
Don't panic iver robotics. It takes pharmacy staff to run these machines (load them, check for expiration dates, etc.).
I'm seeing many hospital pharmacies outsourcing to private and corporate companies to prepare many IV's and chemotherapy solutions. Pharmacy support staff, particularly CPhT's (Certified Pharmacy Techs) are being called-upon to work as IV-techs, for major drug companies, to assist with DUR (Drug Utilization & Review), emplyment with insurance companies, etc. What I'm getting at is it's not just "Hospital or retail" for pharm techs anymore. A GOOD Pharm tech who is certified, should be able to earn approx. $20/hr to start. This all depends upon location, however.
What I expect is the pharmacists will rely more heavily upon their CERTIFIED pharm techs as each state will, in a few years, require ALL pharmacy support staff to be nationally licensed (in some states, a state license is also needed - or will be.)
Expect excellent job growth and opportunity, but also expect to LOOK for it. Ambition and good work ethics will separate you from the others.
Best of luck! If you have any other questions, email me at [e-mail].

Answer 2

I know that in my area in CA, there is a HUGE shortage of pharmacists. A huge amount per hour is being offered to the ones we do have, and they are ASKED to work overtime all the time..........as stores must close the pharmacy earlier and earlier, to make sure a pharmacist IS on duty when the dispensing must be done! This is a great job of the future!

Answer 3

I think that hospitals & clinics can employ a technician and assistants to do the footwork and have one or two actual pharmacists to oversee the outgoing medicine dispense.

Answer 4

in 5 years time, the role of pharmacy support staff will expand, increase and improve since pharmacists are diversifying into many more fields.

Answer 5

With the increase of automated dispensing technology, the demand for techs will decrease. This is not a secure area.

Answer 6

More computers and robots replacing much needed technicians.

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