In Patient Pharmacy Technician

Have you heard about an in-patient pharmacy technician?

Or are you interested in pursuing a career in the rewarding field of pharmacy and don’t know where and how to start?

If these questions made you curious, you can consider a career as an in-patient pharmacy technician.

In this guide, we cover the duties, responsibilities, and more of an in-patient pharmacy tech.

So, what is an in-patient pharm tech?

An impatient pharmacy technician is responsible for dispensing medications to some of the weaker sections, or you can say most vulnerable people in society, working in nursing homes, hospitals, and long-term care clinics.

Inpatient Pharmacy Technicians help hospital pharmacists with giving medicine to patients. They handle tasks like taking medicine orders, measuring and counting medication, making special medication, and keeping their work area clean and tidy.

To read more about a Pharmacy Technician, click on the links below.

How To Become a Pharmacy Technician
What is a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technician skills

Roles and Responsibilities

Inpatient Pharmacy technicians have many tasks to do. Some of their responsibilities include:

• Checking doctor’s orders to make sure the right medicines and doses are given to patients.
• Checking and ordering drug supplies and making sure they are stored correctly.
• Talking to other healthcare team members so that medicines are given safely.
• Getting medicines ready for nurses or doctors to give to patients, like making IV solutions and packaging pills or capsules.
• Getting medicines ready for patients, like measuring doses, opening containers, and mixing solutions.
• Writing down information about how medicines were prepared, like the time and date, the name and amount of the medicine, and any special instructions to be followed.
• Keeping records of medicine preparation and making sure they are safe and of good quality.
• Giving medicines to patients from the pharmacy, like filling new prescriptions, refilling old ones, and handling unused medicines.

Read more about What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?

Inpatient Pharmacy Technician Job Requirements

Education: To work as an Inpatient Pharmacist, you need at least a high school diploma. Some employers prefer candidates with an associate’s degree in pharmacy technology or a related field.

These degree programs usually take two years to complete and cover subjects like math, chemistry, biology, and pharmacology.

Training & Experience: Most of the training for Inpatient Pharmacy technicians happens while working on the job. This may involve observing and learning from experienced technicians or getting familiar with the specific procedures and processes followed in the hospital or clinic.

The duration of training can vary from a few months to years, depending on whether you choose a training program from an accredited university or you choose an online training program.

If you choose any accredited university, it will take at least 2 years, while an online training program takes 2 months.

Certifications & Licenses: Inpatient Pharmacy technicians must obtain certification to be eligible for positions in their area. Each state has its requirements for certification, so make sure to find out what is needed in your location.

Get more information on:
How to Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician
How to Get Pharmacy Technician Certificate
How To Get Pharmacy Technician License

Work Environment

Inpatient Pharmacy Technicians mainly work in hospitals, such as Inpatient Pharmacies, emergency departments, and intensive care units.

They can also work in places like long-term care facilities, clinics, and rehabilitation centers. Their work involves a mix of standing, sitting, and walking during the day.

Let us take a more detailed look at what the work environment looks like for in-patient pharmacy techs:

1. Hospital Setting:

In-patient pharmacy technicians primarily operate within hospital settings. This environment is fast-paced and often involves collaboration with various healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, nurses, and physicians.

2. Central Pharmacy:

In many hospitals, pharmacy technicians work in a central pharmacy location. This is the hub where medications are prepared, dispensed, and managed for in-patient use. It’s a controlled environment with a focus on accuracy and efficiency.

3. Medication Distribution:

In-patient pharmacy technicians are responsible for the timely and accurate distribution of medications to patients within the hospital. This includes preparing and dispensing medications based on prescriptions provided by healthcare providers.

4. Technology Integration:

The work environment is technologically advanced, with pharmacy technicians often using automated dispensing systems, computerized order entry systems, and other technology tools to ensure precision and streamline processes.

5. Collaboration with Healthcare Teams:

Pharmacy technicians in the in-patient setting work closely with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. Effective communication is essential to ensure that medications are administered safely and following the treatment plan.

6. Emergency Response:

In a hospital setting, pharmacy technicians may need to respond to emergencies, such as providing urgently needed medications or participating in code response teams. The ability to stay calm under pressure is crucial.

7. Compliance with Regulations:

In-patient pharmacy technicians adhere to strict regulations and protocols to maintain patient safety. This includes accurately labeling medications, following dosage guidelines, and ensuring compliance with hospital and regulatory policies.

8. Varied Work Hours:

The work hours for in-patient pharmacy technicians may vary. Many hospitals operate pharmacies 24/7, requiring technicians to work shifts, weekends, and holidays to ensure continuous pharmaceutical services.

9. Patient Interaction:

While not as direct as in a retail setting, in-patient pharmacy technicians may interact with patients, especially when delivering medications or providing information about medication administration.

Salary Prospects

The salary of Inpatient Pharmacy Technicians can vary depending on their education, experience, the hospital or medical facility they work in, and where they work.

The median annual salary for Inpatient Pharmacy technicians ranges between $30,000 to $45,000.

In terms of job outlook, the employment of Inpatient Pharmacy Technicians is expected to grow at an average rate over the next ten years.

Get more details on: Pharmacy Technician Salary

As hospitals continue to adopt new technology, there will be a need for Pharmacy Technicians to operate and maintain these systems. Additionally, with the rise in the population, more people are anticipated to get medical care in hospitals, which will lead to an increased demand for Pharmacy Technicians.

Conclusion

Inpatient pharmacy technicians are important members of the healthcare team. They help deliver medications to patients and make sure it’s done safely and quickly.

They work closely with pharmacists and use their knowledge of medicines and ability to stay organized. Becoming an inpatient pharmacy technician is a fulfilling job that allows you to help patients and make a positive difference in healthcare.

Additional sources:

Pharmacy Technician Facts
Traveling Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician FAQ
Day in the Life of a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Degree
How To Become a Pharmacy Technician Without Going To School