Those who know me well enough may know that I used to work as a pharmacy technician. I spent 19 months working in retail pharmacy followed by almost two years in an independent long-term care pharmacy. I took a thirty-something hour course, got my state license, and also received my national certification. You learn a lot of information when you train to be a pharmacy technician. At a minimum, you need to have basic math and reading skills under your belt.
Some people seem to deduce that pharmacy technicians are also medical experts. We do fill prescriptions that treat a variety of illnesses and diseases so naturally, we must know about said illnesses and conditions right? Not so fast people!
Doctors spend several years in intensive and expensive educational programs to obtain their respective medical degrees. They do internships and residencies that provide them with real hands-on experience. When it comes to medical conditions, doctors are the ones you turn to for advice. Trust me; you do not want to consult a pharmacy technician for medical advice aside from generic and brand drug names.
Pharmacy technicians input your prescription information, submit claims to your insurance company, contact your provider when your insurance does not cover your prescription at all or not enough, fill your medication orders, and process your pickup. That is the short and sweet version of what an average day in the life of a pharmacy technician is like.
Many people seem to think that pharmacy technicians are a wealth of medical knowledge. We do not and should not be consulted regarding any potential medical issue you may or may not be experiencing. That is what doctors and nurses are for. If you need a prescription filled, then, by all means, reach out to the pharmacy staff at your local pharmacy for assistance. Pharmacists can provide consultation regarding medication information, but that is really the closest you can get to getting medical advice before going to a doctor's office, urgent care clinic, or emergency room.
