What A Regulated Pharmacy Technician Can Do

Becoming regulated as a pharmacy technician effectively means that you will have more responsibility for your own actions. The scope of practice for a pharmacy technician with pharmacy technician regulation status includes receiving and transcribing verbal prescriptions from practitioners, ensuring that a prescription is complete and authentic, transferring prescriptions to and receiving prescriptions from other pharmacies, ensuring the accuracy of a prepared prescription, performing the final check of a prepared prescription, and ensuring the accuracy of drug and personal health information in the PharmaNet patient record. In relation to these tasks the pharmacy technician will be held liable for any actions taken and any mistakes made. The following tasks will, however, remain the responsibility of the actual pharmacist:

• The pharmacist must be involved in every new and refill prescription

• The pharmacist is still responsible for assessing the appropriateness of drug therapy

• The pharmacist is still responsible for patient assessment

• The pharmacist is still responsible for confirming dose and interval amounts

• The pharmacist is still responsible for checking the relevant PharmaNet profile

• The pharmacist is still responsible for identifying any drug related problems in a patient

• The pharmacist is still responsible for providing patient consultation

So, although the pharmacy technician will have far more freedom and independence, double-checking the work of the pharmacy technician remains the responsibility of the pharmacist in charge of that technician. If a pharmacist does not perform the above roles, the medication in question cannot be released to the patient as there is no guarantee that is has been accurately measured or that the appropriate instructions have been included n the packaging.

Becoming Regulated

Steps to regulation for current technicians:

The following steps need to be completed by current pharmacy technicians employed in Canada if they intend to become regulated:

• They must have worked in ‘pharmacy practice’ for a minimum of 2000 hours in the past 3 years.

• They must complete both the PEBC Evaluating Exam and the College of Pharmacists (CPBC) Bridging Program (these two steps can be completed in any order).

• They must successfully complete a Jurisprudence Exam to test relevant provincial legislation and ethics which is not included on the national PEBC Qualifying Exam.

• They must complete the PEBC Qualifying Exam consisting of two parts – a written multiple choice question exam (MCQ) and a performance based exam called an Objective Structured Performance Exam (OSPE).

Steps To Regulation For Future Technicians

The steps that future pharmacy technicians are advised to take in order to become regulated (whether or not it is required in their province as the rules are changing across the nations) are as follows:

• They must complete an accredited program offered by either a public or private post-secondary institute that has met the accreditation standards for a regulated pharmacy technician program established by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP).

• They must successfully complete a Structured Practical Training (SPT) program which is a supervised competency based training period within a pharmacy that includes regular assessment by a pharmacist or another regulated technician.

• They must successfully complete a Jurisprudence Exam to test relevant provincial legislation and ethics which is not included on the national PEBC Qualifying Exam.

• They must complete the PEBC Qualifying Exam consisting of two parts – a written multiple choice question exam (MCQ) and a performance based exam called an Objective Structured Performance Exam (OSPE).

FAQ

What Is Pharmacy Technician Regulation?

Pharmacy technician regulation is very similar to pharmacy technician registration or certification. All of these words essentially imply that the profession will be monitored and manage din some way in the best interests of all those who work within it. Through regulation you will be established as a regulated healthcare professional which essentially speaks volumes for your professional demeanor and your ability to do your job well. In fact the title of pharmacy technician is now restricted in Canada to refer only to those pharmacy technicians who are regulated (or certified, or registered). This is a trend that may become more and more prevalent in many different countries as people begin to understand the benefits involved in ensuring that pharmacy technicians are properly monitored.

It is interesting to note that becoming a regulated pharmacy technician is voluntary but you will not be able to use the title of ‘pharmacy technician’. Those who choose not to become regulated, or are unsuccessful in becoming regulated, will no longer be able to refer to themselves as pharmacy technicians as of January 1, 2011 and will likely be called ‘pharmacy assistants’, a more lowly position that may affect your salary and employment opportunities within the pharmaceutical industry. Through the process of pharmacy technician regulation you will become responsible, accountable and liable for a specific scope of practice, which is the same as your job description.

Generally speaking, pharmacy technician regulation means that you have more power, but also that you have more personal responsibility in your role as a pharmaceutical expert within your specified scope of practice in the industry.

Liability Insurance

As a regulated pharmacy technician you will, due to the marked increase in your responsibilities and liability, need liability insurance. The insurance that you will need to have does, according to bcpharmacists.org, have to meet the following basic criteria:

• Your insurance package must provide a minimum of $2 million in coverage.

• Your insurance package must provide occurrence based coverage or claims made coverage with extended reporting period of at least 3 years.

• If your insurance package is not in the pharmacists’ or regulated pharmacy technicians’ name, the group policy covers the pharmacist or pharmacy technician as an individual.

It is important to remember here that, although the pharmacist for whom you work will still be in charge of overseeing and double checking all of the work you do, you yourself will also be held liable for any mistakes that are made. Remember as well that no matter how careful you are, you are human and you will make the odd mistake form time t time, most of which will not be serious. In addition there have been many cases of pharmacy technicians being sued even though they did not do something wrong. This can arise due to a basic misunderstanding or as a result of a deliberate ploy by a patient or colleagues in order to get money out of the situation or to discredit you for some reason. The bottom line is that you cannot assume that you will not need liability insurance as even the best pharmacy technicians have run into trouble of this nature from time to time. Therefore it is a requirement that you have liability insurance in order to become regulated.

Continuing Education And Assessment

Like many healthcare professionals across the board pharmacy technicians are required to engage in continuing education and assessment. This will depend on the rule of your province. The purpose of this form of continuing education is to ensure that the standards in the industry remain high and that patients and clients receive only the best care and treatment from the pharmacy technicians who serve them. This is an essential aspect of pharmacy technician regulation. Specifically you will be required (in the same way as a qualified pharmacist is) to complete the Professional Development and Assessment Program (PDAP) which includes a continuing education component and an assessment component.

Continuing education should be looked at in a positive light. It is a way for you to improve your knowledge and a way for you to ensure that you are up to date with all of the developments in the field. This will in turn make you more marketable when the time comes to look for a new job. In addition it will improve your confidence in your role and allow you to work more quickly and more efficiently as a pharmacy technician. Continuing education and assessment is a fairly new standard for pharmacy technicians in Canada, but this is another sign that the discipline is becoming more professional and gaining greater significance in its own right. It is therefore important that you, as a member of the profession, embrace these changes and complete the necessary continuing education with the correct attitude. The idea of pharmacy technician regulation is very strong in Canada at present and it is believed that it is a concept that will soon spread to other nations, such as the United States of America.

How To Become A Pharmacy Technician In Canada

Because at this stage pharmacy technician regulation applies mainly to Canadian pharmacy technicians, we will now look at the steps involved in becoming a pharmacy technician in Canada:

• The first step involves doing some careful research. The different territories and provinces within Canada have different rules when it comes to regulation. In other words some require you to be a regulated pharmacy technician while others do not. In addition there may be examination and certification requirements that differ between these areas. Finding out well in advance what will be expected of you in that territory or province can make your path to becoming a pharmacy technician far easier.

• Once you are aware of what requirements you will need to meet you can enroll in a pharmacy technician program. These will take about 2 years to complete and they tend to include a work placement program in Canada. If you are interested in pursuing this career and if you are still in high school, you should consider taking math, biology, chemistry and English in order to start preparing yourself for the coursework you are likely to cover in your course.

• The next step involves taking the Pharmacy Technician Evaluating Examination. This exam is absolutely essential and necessary if you want to work in a province where pharmacy technicians are required to be regulated. Even if your province does not have that requirement, it will still be better to take the exam and pass it as this will improve your resume. To become licensed in areas that require pharmacy technician regulation this exam is an essential step in the process.

• The final step involves applying for a license in your home province (although this is not required in all Canadian provinces). Generally, applying for a license involves submitting proof of your education and evidence that you passed the Pharmacy Technician Evaluating Examination. Once you have submitted these documents you will be well on your way to working as a regulated (or unregulated) pharmacy technician (this depends, once again, on the province you wish to work in).

Taking the examination as stated above will not take a lot of your time or money, comparatively speaking, making it a worthwhile to do even if your province does not require it. In the near future all Canadian provinces may require you to be regulated, so it is worth preparing for that change now.

There are a number f benefits to becoming a regulated pharmacy technician in Canada. It does, for one, indicate that you have the capability to work on your own without supervision and may boost your resume considerably. Although pharmacy technician regulation is a fairly new concept and does not yet seem to be a prevalent idea in countries such as the US, there are certainly a number of merits to the movement that will most likely result in a similar trend in other countries in the very near future.

The post Pharmacy Technician Regulation In Canada appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

Medical assistant industries and their job description may vary, but the basic places where you will find a medical assistant is the following:

• General medical and surgical hospitals
• Outpatient care centers
• Offices of physicians
• Offices of Chiropractors
• Offices of Optometrists

General Medical And Surgical Hospitals

In hospitals and surgical hospitals, the medical assistant does very important duties such as all of the administrative work and organizing appointments and client information. With so many patients coming in and out of hospitals it is very important that everything runs extremely smoothly and it is the responsibility of the medical assistant to keep things running smoothly and according to a system that works for everyone.

Patients who come in need to be booked in and their details need to be captured and a file opened for them. If they have been there before, their file needs to be drawn and updated. The medical assistant carries the responsibility for these files to ensure that their contents remain confidential and that they are filed properly for safe keeping. Any filing systems that are being kept electronically on the computers need to be backed up and updated regularly.

This type of medical assistant can earn a salary of about $30 000 per year.

Outpatient Care Center Medical Assistants

In the outpatients ward things do not happen at such a fast pace as it would in the Emergency Room (ER) and the medical assistants get a lot more time to spend with the patients and making sure they have as much information as possible from the patients that the doctors may need to admit them or to treat them from the outpatients ward. The doctors rely heavily on the medical assistants to check and double check the patient’s information and to make sure they are loaded onto the system properly and that all filing is kept up to date. All the doctor then needs to do is see the patient, find out what their needs are, assess then and prescribe treatment.

The neatness and smooth running of the office is the responsibility of the medical assistant. The medical assistant in an outpatient care centre can expect a yearly earning of $27 000.

Offices Of Physicians

When a medical assistant works in the office of a physician they are often needed to do more than just the admin work. Sometimes these assistants are called upon to do basic vital sign checking to save the time of the physician. These checks could include taking blood pressure tests as well as blood glucose and urine tests. These tasks do not necessarily need the training from a medical school and can be taught in a matter of minutes. These recordings are then put down in the client’s file where the physician can then assist with medication according to the findings of the recordings of the medical assistant.

Apart from these checks, the medical assistant will be in charge of the physician’s diary and all of his appointments. These appointments do not only have to be taken down, but they have to be organized and they have to be followed up to avoid people forgetting about their appointments and having empty spots that could have been filled if due notice was given.

Other than at a hospital, there is not as much drama and the job is not as fast-paced as in the emergency room which gives the medical assistant working for a physician more time to get to know the patients. This assistant becomes the face of the practice so to speak and people associate coming there with the face at the front desk and not just the physician. The physician can be excellent but if you do not get good service at the front desk, chances are that you will just find another physician. The medical assistant is thus one of the most important people in the office and needs to have the outgoing personality and the will to help which is necessary for the job.

Just as a doctor needs to have a good bedside manner, the medical assistant needs to have the right kind of personality to take charge of the reception area but to also have a sympathetic ear to those coming in to see the physician.

A medical assistant in a physicians office can expect to earn around $26 000.

Offices Of Chiropractors

In the set up of a chiropractor’s office, you have a lot of similarities with the office of a physician, but a chiropractor doesn’t need to make any diagnosis of a patient and thus won’t need the assistant to perform any medical tests of the patients for him. The medical assistant of the chiropractor will basically have to make and follow up on appointments, do the filing, keep the files up to date and make sure that patients are comfortable while the are waiting to go in to see the chiropractor. In many ways the personality of the person in the reception area in this kind of medical office will make a difference in how many people come to the practice.

It is easy for a medical assistant who has the wrong attitude to scare away patients. Because the medical industry is so competitive and there are so many of the same type of industries available, health professionals have to do everything they possibly can to retain their patients and to have repeat business from their patients. A lot of advertising in this industry is done via word of mouth and all it takes to kill a practice is for word to spread of the rude medical assistant in reception.

The medical assistant to a chiropractor can expect to earn about $22 400 because the work is comprised completely of administrative work and not a lot of training is necessary for this type of job.

Office Of An Optometrist

Optometry is also such a specialized field and the person who treats these patients is not exactly a doctor, but is treated with the same respect. The optometrist is our first defense against blindness and they help us view the world in a much clearer way.

The optometrist’s medical assistant will be asked to do certain eye tests and color blindness tests. This is especially important for the children who come in to see the optometrist. While the optometrist speaks to the parents about the next step, the medical assistant can perform some of these basic tests. There is not machinery involved in the tests they do so they will not need to have any specialized training to perform their tasks.

Another task that a medical assistant at an optometrist may perform is to give a patient instruction on the insertion of contact lenses as well as how to take them out and how to care for them. The medical assistant may also give the patient instruction on how to care for the lenses of their prescription spectacles as well. All of this takes the weight off the optometrist who can see and treat many more patients because of the workload that has been taken over by the medical assistant. You may find in some optometrists’ offices there is more than one medical assistant and each person performs certain tasks. One assistant will do all of the bookings and instruction and the other will do all of the filing, the keeping of the database and the ordering of stock and lenses. Each person working at the optometrist has a special and specific function that contributes to the smooth daily running of the office.

The medical assistant to an optometrist can look forward to earning about $23 000.

The Worth Of A Medical Assistant

The worth of a medical assistant is seldom measured by the qualifications they have because you only really need to have a high school diploma to become a medical assistant, but they are measured by the amount of time they have spent doing the job and how much effort they put in to add value to their workplace. Just because the medical assistant doesn’t have a doctors or a nursing degree does not mean that they cannot form an integral part of the staff of a hospital or any other medical facility. If all doctors and nurses were caught up doing day to day administration and answering of phones, there wouldn’t be any time left in the day to spend assessing and treating patients. Without the medical assistant, the medical industry could grind to a standstill.

The post The Many Faces Of Medical Assistant Industries appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

What Is An ADN And Why Do It?

ADN stands for Associate Degree in Nursing, and it is very similar to an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS), and an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN). The duration of the degree is usually a two years and is offered by community colleges or similar nursing schools.

The program will focus on the fundamentals of nursing with a strong emphasis being placed on liberal arts and technical skill rather than nursing theory. In other words, you will be prepared for nursing staff positions in hospitals.

Upon completing and passing the degree, you will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Your ADN course will prepare you for this exam with information on, and assistance of, test strategies and the formatting of the actual test questions. Once you pass this exam, you will have a license to practice as an RN. This is similar for someone who has completed a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN); both ADNs and BSNs are entry levels of licensing for RNs.

Differences between an ADN and BSN:

• As previously mentioned, ADN degrees are typically offered at community colleges and usually takes two years of full-time study, whereas a BSN degree is usually offered by a university and takes four years to complete.

• ADN courses or programs focus more on clinical experience; in addition to this, BSN programs also focus more on disease states, human development and psychology, as well as critical thinking.

• Depending on which state you will be working in, BSN and ADN trained nurses may be paid the same hourly rate, otherwise you will find that in some states BSNs are paid only slightly higher than their ADN counterparts.

With the above mentioned point in mind, you will find that although they may be paid the same, BSN nurses will have more options available to them in the form of managerial and other authoritative positions. This is where you will find that BSNs could be more inclined for promotions, and therefore, higher pay.

If you find that you do not have enough room for growth in your current ADN position, you could complete an RN to BSN degree in order to obtain your bachelor’s degree. In order to apply for this program you will need to gain some work experience fist. Some universities will require you to have worked as a nurse for a specific amount of hours, or it could be a specific amount of years; this will depend entirely on the university you choose and the state in which it is. This will be done through nursing transition classes and there are many universities that offer this program; as always, make sure that your university of choice is accredited.

Average Salary Expectancy

The average salary of an RN, as recorded in June 2012, is $81,000 per year. This is a substantial increase from the average salary of an LPN which is $47,000 per year. So completing your LPN to ADN degree will not only be academically rewarding, but your standard of living could increase dramatically as well. However the money should not be your main motivation, as nursing is profession that should only be chosen if you are passionate about it and ready to work hard and long hours.

Skills That You Will Be Taught In An LPN To ADN Program

Upon completing and passing this program, you will be able to:

• Function as an entry-level professional nurse and employ the nursing process in order to provide comprehensive, safe, quality, and effective care.

• Establish as well as maintain appropriately compassionate relationships with patients and their families, thereby improving your communication and interpersonal skills.

• Effectively communicate, collaborate, and consult with your other medical staff members and specialists in order to provide the appropriate care.

• Delegate and supervise your fellow nursing colleagues through coordination and communication.

• Make sound clinical decisions based on the evidence before you.

• Successfully practice nursing according to the professional standards and requirements, within legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks.

• Make use of the medical technology and other information systems in an effective manner in order to administer competent care for your patients.

• Accept responsibility and accountability on a personal level as a licensed and practicing nurse.

These are skills which are not only beneficial to you and your patients in your nursing career, as you can transfer and apply this knowledge that you will acquire to your daily life outside of nursing as well. For example, learning empathy with your patients will also help you to identify with others around you in your daily life, and the skill of being able to solve problems effectively through interpreting the evidence before you will come in handy in nearly any day-to-day situation. The ability to assume a leadership role and delegate effectively in any environment can also be applied to your life outside of nursing.

How Much Can You Expect To Pay?

It is difficult to pinpoint an exact figure with regards to the total costs involved as this could include tuition, administrative fees, cost of books, and room and board if you are going to be living on campus. The costs will also vary widely depending on your state and the college you choose. However, the fact that that program is typically offered at junior, community, and technical colleges, the prices will be relatively low; from $3,000 to $20,000.

The shorter duration of this program will also play to your advantage as it means that your tuition fees and book costs will be relatively low.

If this is something that you do not think you will be able to afford, do not let this stand in your way of pursuing your ideal career; a quick search on the internet for scholarships, grants and financial aid will result in numerous opportunities.

Colleges That Offer This Program

South Suburban College

South Suburban College is a community college which offers an LPN to ADN bridge program which is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Contact details:
Main Campus
15800 South State Street
South Holland, Illinois 60473
Information & Admissions Office
(708) 596-2000 ext. 5718
In Indiana (219) 931-0096 or 0098
TDD (708) 210-5732
University & College Center
16333 South Kilbourn Avenue
Oak Forest, Illinois 60452
(708) 225-6000
Website: www.southsuburbancollege.edu

In order to apply for this program you must:

• Have graduated from a Practical Nursing Program

• Hold a current and active LPN license

• Submit a South Suburban College application form to Registration (this can be printed from the website), utilizing the NUR.BRDG1PREQ academic code

• Send official high school or GED and college transcripts to the Office of Admissions

• Complete required college preparatory classes as indicated by the college placement test

• Meet with a nursing counselor who can assist you in academic planning

• Have completed two semesters of high school Chemistry with a grade of “C” or better. Alternatively, you can take CHM 111.

• Either be currently enrolled in, and/or complete the following admission requirements with a symbol of “C” or better:

– ENG 101-Composition and Rhetoric
– PSY 101-Introduction to Psychology
– PSY 211-Human Growth & Development
– NUR 101-Medication Dosage Calculation (Student may ECEP this course)
– BIO 185-Human Anatomy & Physiology I
– BIO 186-Human Anatomy & Physiology II
– BIO 224-Microbiology
– SOC 101-Intro to Sociology

Requirements may not be the same for all colleges, but this should give you a good idea of what will be needed.

Durham Technical Community College

Durham Tech, or DTCC’s ADN program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing and accredited by NLNAC.

Contact details:
Durham Technical Community College
1637 Lawson Street
Durham, NC 27703
919-536-7200
Website: http://www.durhamtech.edu

You will need to calculate your tuition rate based on your credit hours. If you are in-state you will pay $69 per credit hour, and if you are out-of-state it is $261 per credit hour. There are also student admin fees to factor in; this works out to $46 for each fall and spring semester and $36 for a summer term. A $15 graduation fee must also be included and you can expect to pay between $350 and $700 on books per semester.

Look Online

The two above mentioned colleges just give you an example of what to expect in terms of your application and fees. You can go online to find which other colleges offer an LPN to AND program, you will also be able to see if there are any waiting lists. Also, bear in mind that there are colleges that offer this program online in a distance learning setting. Just make sure that you make the right choice for you.

The post Going From LPN To ADN appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

Getting a job as a pharmacy technician will not only be financially rewarding, you will have a broad selection of jobs to choose from. With a shortage of pharmacists as well as a growing consumer demand for prescription medications, the pharmacy technician will have an even greater opportunity in the future to play an ever more important role in today’s pharmacy industry. Health services are one of the largest industries in the country when you take into account those they are self employed as well, and according to the US Department of Labor, employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to increase. Graduates should find employment easily with local community pharmacies, hospitals and retail pharmacies etc.

Continuing Education Important

The American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT) was founded in 1979, and they are an international not-profit organization dedicated to the improved delivery of pharmaceutical services. With the growth in pharmacy technologies, educational requirements are essential for pharmacy technicians. The Association recognizes the value of continuing education, and to this end they have established a Continuing Education Service and the chance for participants to get CE credits. The Association plays an active role in providing continuing education opportunities so that pharmacy technicians and always be updating their skills to keep up with changes in the pharmacy practice.

The Association represents pharmacy technicians who practice in community pharmacies, hospitals or as educators. There are thousands of technicians practicing in the United States and with the evolving role of the pharmacist as a patient consultant, there is promise of substantial growth in this industry. The American Association of Pharmacy Technicians encourages recognition of pharmacy technicians as well as standardization of their responsibilities. They want to develop formal training programs and with certification, they can be sure that pharmacy technicians have a certain level of competence.

Being a member of this Association offers certain benefits, of which the following are some:

• updates on trends in the industry
• continuing education credits
• a quarterly newsletter
• discounted rates to Association sponsored events

Pharmacy Technicians must know all about pharmacy laws and ethics and will work under the supervision of a pharmacist; assisting them in the dispensing of prescription medicines as well as the running of the dispensary. The technician will:

• check that prescriptions are 100% accurate

• read a prescription, count, pour, weigh, measure, and mix medications

• maintain computerized patient records

• keep a computerized medication data list up to date; enter prescription details, prepare labels and dispensing medicines

• explain to patients how to use their medications

• do lots of administrative duties – preparation of invoices, filing, answering phones

• pack medicines into prescribed packages for retirement home residents

• pharmacy technicians also work in the retail area of the pharmacy advising customers on creams, lotions, grooming products etc.

• monitoring stock supplies

What Qualifications And Training Must A Pharmacy Technician Have

Levels of training will vary in different states and pharmacies, and currently there no specific requirements for formal training or certification in pharmacy technician industries. However, with the right training and knowledge, you have a much better chance of landing a job in this competitive industry. Training programs are offered by vocational skills, some hospitals, community colleges and health schools. Many training programs include internships where the student will gain hands-on experience in a pharmacy. Examinations are offered by two certifying bodies:

• Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) – offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

• Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT) – offered by the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT).

Once these exams are complete, the candidate is granted certification, where after the technician will need to complete continuing education to maintain certification. Students can either receive a diploma, a certificate, or an associate’s degree. The programs offered can last anything from six months to two years after which the pharmacy technician will have a certificate or diploma.

Certification Differs From State To State

Some state make getting a certificate voluntary while other states require a certificate. The programs will include a mixture of lab work, medical ethics, record keepings and medical terminology. Students wanting to write exams will require a high school diploma or GED. Technicians must be re-certified every 2 years which requires twenty hours of continuing education within the 2-year certification period.  For more information on Pharmacy Technician Training, you can look at www.pharmacy-technician-salary.org for more information.

To become a pharmacy tech, you need to pass certain requirements, and each state has an exam that you will need to pass. With certification you become part of the medical industry as a pharmacy technician.

Online Training Programs

Flexibility is the draw card for these programs and training can be done from any computer that has an Internet connection and access to the course work and assignments. Online training is very similar to that of attending classes.

Must A Pharmacy Technician Be Registered?

Registration as a pharmacy technician became mandatory in July 2011. This is to ensure they have the approved competency based qualification and have completed a minimum of 2 years relevant work-based experience. Anyone working in Pharmacy Technician Industries will need to be registered. Anyone who is not registered  but practices as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician, or refers to themselves as such, is breaking the law and can be prosecuted.

CphT stands for Certified Pharmacy Technician. Pharmacy Technician industries have different educational and certification requirements which are set by each state’s Board of Pharmacy. Pharmacy technicians will need to be certified within 2 years of registration with the Division of Professional Regulation. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and technicians who pass the ExCPT Pharmacy Exam will be given the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician.

Criminal Tests And Finger Printing Required

To perform any duties in a pharmacy, the pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee must have an active registration with their state Board of Pharmacy. There are some states that require that their pharmacy technicians get fingerprinted first, and in fact applications will not be processed until fingerprint results are received.

The Pharmacy Technician Board develops and administers a nationally accredited certification and re-certification program for pharmacy technicians for the benefits of patient safety.

The pharmacy technician certification program will enable technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists in the delivery of safe and effective patient care. Certification is achieved by meeting specific eligibility requirements.  The candidates’ competence will be assessed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and all procedures are directed by a council of expert pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Graduates are prepared for national certification which is offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. With certification the technician will certainly enjoy increased pay and more flexibility to choose from a wider selection of jobs.

The Cost Of Training

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that training as well as the salaries for pharmacy technicians varies significantly from state to state. As with all medical training, it pays to get tuition from a reputable and accredited school. Financial aid is available at most pharmacy technician schools, allowing students to pay far less or even nothing for their tuition. Many pharmacy technician schools offer extensive financial packages, and for students who don’t qualify for grants and scholarships, there is the option of student loans.

Conclusion

Pharmacy technicians play an important role in the medical industry; handling a wide assortment of essential tasks that the pharmacist would never be able to handle in the course of the day. Although it is mandatory in some states to be registered, there are other states that do not license, register, or certify Pharmacy Technicians as there is no legal requirement. However they still require that candidates for pharmacy technician industries be 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma, pass an examination approved by their state’s Board of Pharmacy and also submit to a criminal records check.

The industry associated with study will focus around the relevant drugstore ethics and pharmaceutical practices. Completing internships may be required as part of the training and accreditation by a local or national pharmaceutical Drug board may also be required; but if it is not, it is in your best interests to get yourself certified and this tells future employers that you are in fact competent to do the job of a pharmacy technician.

The post It Is Best To Be Certified In Pharmacy Technician Industries appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

What A Medical Assistant Can Earn In America

Medical Assistant salaries can differ from one state to the next and because of this, you need to know what to expect before you go into the profession. This could influence your choice of school as well. Many States have different legislation and protocols where it come to health services and what health workers are expected to do and not allowed to do. This makes it better to go to school in the State where you will be working one day so that you are already aware of what your duties and earning potential will entail.

Looking at a medical assistant salary by State, you can expect the following:

Alabama

In the State of Alabama the average salary for a Certified Medical Assistant is around $30 521 which is slightly below the National average salary.

Alaska

In Alaska the average salary for a Certified Medical Assistant is around $46 430 which is above the National average.

Arizona

In the State of Arizona, a Certified Medical Assistant can expect to earn and average of $41 692 which is above the National average.

Arkansas

In Arkansas the average salary for a Certified Medical Assistant is around $30 256 which is also below the National average salary in this profession.

California

In the sunny State of California a Certified Medical Assistant can earn a salary of as little as $30 000 to over $40 000. Because there are so many large metropolitan areas in California the amount you could earn fluctuated largely. Some places are above the National average and some are below. For example, in San Diego you could average around $40 880 and in Ontario you could earn a below average $33 904.

Colorado

The average salary in Colorado will see you earning an above National average of about $46 248.

Connecticut

The average salary for a Certified Medical Assistant in Connecticut is around $42 481 which is above the National Average Salary for this profession.

District of Columbia

In Washington DC you can expect and above earning of $43 775 for being a Certified Medical Assistant which is sufficiently above the National Average.

Delaware

In the State of Delaware a Certified Medical assistant can expect to earn a just above national average salary of $41 400.

Florida

With Florida being quite a large state as well, you can also expect fluctuations in the average salaries in this state with earning of $37 014 in Brunswick and a salary of $41 778 in Coral Springs.

Georgia

Georgia may not be the most popular State to work in because of its below average salaries for Certified Medical assistants which can go as low as $34 000 which is well below the National average salary. The cost of living in this State may not be quite as high as in Washington or Florida.

Hawaii

It is not often that Hawaii is thought of as a State to work in and to go and study in, but in Hawaii you can expect to earn $44 581 in Honolulu which is above the National average and which makes Hawaii a good place to go and work in if you can afford to get there and to find accommodation.

Idaho

The average salary for a Medical Assistant in the State of Idaho is around $34 676 which is below the average and which does not make Idaho one of the more popular States to work in.

Illinois

The State of Illinois has a lot to offer and the average salary for a Medical Assistant in this State is around $41 063 which is comfortably above the National average salary for Medical Assistants.

Indiana

In the State of Indiana you may want to look for cheaper accommodation and ways to save on transport to work and back because you can expect an average salary of around $33 423 in places like Richmond and Fort Wayne which is well below the National Average.

Iowa

The average salary for a Certified Medical Assistant in a place such as Des Moines is around $43 520 which is also above the National average.

Kansas

The local average salary for the State of Kansas is around $36 570 which is slightly below the National average for a Medical Assistant to earn, but it is not as low as in Indiana.

Kentucky

The Southern State of Kentucky will bring in an average salary of around $35 466 which may be a fair amount, but it is still below the National Average for Medical Assistants.

Louisiana

In Louisiana the average salary of around $33 000 is well below the National average for Medical Assistants and can go as low as 31 017 in places line Monroe. You may want to look at the cost of living in this State and the area you are looking into before accepting a job here.

Maine

Although Maine is not one of the largest and most popular States to reside in, you can expect to earn an average salary of $39 307 which is just above the National average salary of a Medical Assistant.

Maryland

In a metropolitan area such as Columbia in the State of Maryland, you can expect to earn an average of $43 842 which is above the National Average salary for a Medical Assistant.

Massachusetts

In Massachusetts you can earn a handsome living with a local average salary such as $50 006 in a place like Barnstable and $44 435 in Brockton which makes this State one of the more popular States to find employment in.

Michigan

In the State of Michigan you can expect to earn a local average of $36 057 in places like Detroit and up to $40 000 in Dexter which is on either side of the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

Minnesota

In the State of Minnesota you can expect to earn a local average of $39 836 in places like Duluth which is pretty much in line with the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

Mississippi

In the State of Mississippi you can expect to earn a local average of as low as $30 653 in places like Hattiesburg which is well below the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

Missouri

In the State of Missouri you can expect to earn a local average of $36 570 in places like Kansas City which is about $2000 below the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

Montana

In the State of Montana you can expect to earn a local average of $34 996 in places like Poplar which is just below the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

Nebraska

In the State of Nebraska you can expect to earn a local average of $36 000 in which is just below the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

Nevada

In the drier State of Nevada you can expect to earn a local average of $40 713 in places like Carson City which is just above the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

New Hampshire

In the State of New Hampshire you can expect to earn a local average of $41 101 in places like Portsmouth which is above the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

New Jersey

In the State of New Jersey you can expect to earn a local average of $42 079 in places like Atlantic City which is nicely above the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

New Mexico

In the State of New Mexico you can expect to earn a local average of $36 579 in places like Albuquerque which is below the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

New York

In the great State of New York you can expect to earn a local average of $41 453 in places like Manhattan which is also above the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

North Carolina

In the State of North Carolina you can expect to earn a local average of $40 084 in places like Charlotte which is nicely above the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

North Dakota

In the State of North Dakota you can expect to earn a local average of $35 618 in places like Valley City which is below the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

Ohio

In the State of Ohio you can expect to earn a local average of $37 872 in places like Cincinnati which is just below the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

Oregon

In the State of Oregon you can expect to earn a local average of $42 657 in places like Eugene which is comfortably above the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

Oklahoma

In the famous State of Oklahoma you can expect to earn a local average of $34 046 in places like Oklahoma City which is well below the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

Pennsylvania

In the State of Pennsylvania you can expect to earn a local average of $39 195 in places like Northumberland which is just above the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

Rode Island

In the State of Rode Island you can expect to earn a local average of $41 958 in places like Newport which is above the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

South Carolina

In the State of South Carolina you can expect to earn a local average of $36 278 in places like Charleston which is still below the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

South Dakota

In the State of South Dakota you can expect to earn a local average of $31 260 in places like Aberdeen which is well below the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

Tennessee

In the State of Tennessee you can expect to earn a local average of $38 166 in places like Nashville which is just about on par with the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

Texas

In the State of Texas, the home of the Cowboys, you can expect to earn a local average of $40 507 in places like Austin which is comfortably above the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

Utah

In the State of Utah you can expect to earn a local average of $37 710 in places like Salt Lake City which is just below the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

Vermont

In the State of Vermont you can expect to earn a local average of $39 657 in places like Montpelier which is just above the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

Virginia

In the State of Virginia you can expect to earn a local average of $42 267 in places like Charlottesville which comes in nicely above the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

Washington

In the State of Washington you can expect to earn a local average of $45 037 in places like Seattle which is well above the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

West Virginia

In the State of Virginia you can expect to earn a local average of $29 709 in places like Parkersburg which is well below the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

Wisconsin

In the State of Wisconsin you can expect to earn a local average of $42 011 in places like Milwaukee which is above the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

Wyoming

In the State of Wyoming you can expect to earn a local average of $39 885 in places like Casper which is also just about on par with the National average salary for a Medical Assistant.

The Best And The Worst

Based on a survey that has been done and all of the average salaries which have been taken into consideration as well as the cost of living involved to make or break the salary status, the best and the worst states to work in have been found to be:

The Ten Worst States To Work In

• Wyoming
• West Virginia
• South Dakota
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Oklahoma
• Arkansas
• Missouri
• Alabama
• Montana

The Ten Most Popular States To Work As A Medical Assistant

• California
• Idaho
• District of Columbia
• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• New Jersey
• Alaska
• Rhode Island
• Delaware
• Washington

The post Medical Assistant Salary By State appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.