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Most people wish to live an adventurous life. They love to explore different places. However, this becomes difficult for the full-time working class.

If you’re one of such people, but are also passionate about pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical industry, keep reading!

If you wish to fulfill your travel aspirations while also working in the healthcare industry, then becoming a traveling Pharmacy Assistant might be the best career choice for you.

Read this article to learn more about Traveling Pharmacy assistants, what their roles are, and where can they work.

What is a Traveling Pharmacy Technician?

A Traveling Pharmacy Technician moves from Pharmacy to Pharmacy depending on their staffing needs.

As a Traveling Pharmacy Technician, you may have to work at different locations, either with one chain of pharmacies or through an agency that works for different pharmacies.

The primary role of a Traveling Pharmacy Technician is to assist pharmacists in dispensing medications and managing Pharmacy operations.

Their services are needed by different healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or even disaster relief sites.

However a Traveling Pharmacy Technician is not limited to these healthcare facilities only, and they may also be required to provide pharmaceutical services in remote areas, where healthcare facilities are limited or difficult to access.

Related: What is a Pharmacy Technician 

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Duties of a Traveling Pharmacy Technician

The duties of a traveling Pharmacy Technician may include:

Medication Dispensing: 

Like other Technicians, Traveling Pharmacy Technicians assist pharmacists in handing over the medications to the patients.

Here’s how this works-

  • They’ll take the prescription from the patient and review it.
  • They’ll check the necessary stock and retrieve the medication
  • Count the medicine and package it according to the patient’s prescription.

Inventory Management: 

Managing inventory is the most important duty of a Traveling Pharmacy Technician.  They have to ensure that medications never get out of stock.

Mostly Traveling Pharmacy Technicians work in remote areas where it is difficult to access basic healthcare. It becomes necessary to maintain the right stock of medicines so that they don’t have to face any hurdles.

Prescription Processing: 

Processing a prescription means taking the necessary steps that should be taken to evaluate a prescription and verify its medical importance, benefits, or side effects.

A Traveling Pharmacy Technician is responsible for entering a patient’s insurance data along with insurance plans and guiding the patient about the specific dosage and their side effects properly.

Medication Labeling:

The duty of a Traveling Pharmacy Technician is also to prepare and affix the labels on medication containers.

It is the responsibility of a Traveling Pharmacy Technician to inform the patient regarding dosage instructions and any additional warnings or special instructions.

Data Entry and Documentation: 

Traveling Pharmacy Technicians maintain proper records of the patient and prescription information in the Pharmacy database using a computer system. While maintaining the record, they ensure proper accuracy and confidentiality.

doc pharm tech

Patient Counseling:

Sometimes it becomes difficult for patients to remember the procedure to follow while taking medicines.

A Traveling Pharmacy Technician helps with the basic medication information and instructions to patients and makes sure they understand how to properly take their medications, potential side effects, and any precautions or warnings associated with the medications.

Pharmacy Operations Support:

Operational support includes various tasks such as assisting with various administrative tasks, like answering phone calls, processing insurance claims, scheduling appointments, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace.

Compliance and Safety:

They must follow all relevant laws, regulations, and best practices related to medication handling, storage, and maintaining patient privacy.

This includes maintaining proper sanitation, following medication safety protocols, and ensuring compliance with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) guidelines.

Collaboration:

Traveling pharmacy technicians work closely with pharmacists, other pharmacy staff, and healthcare professionals to ensure efficient pharmacy operations and seamless patient care.

Traveling and Adaptability:

As the name suggests, Traveling Pharmacy Technicians must be willing to travel to different locations or work on temporary assignments.

They should be adaptable to changing environments, able to work independently, and possess strong problem-solving skills to overcome any challenges that may arise in unfamiliar settings.

Related: What does a pharmacy technician do
Pharmacy technician skills

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Where Do Traveling Pharmacy Technicians Work?

Depending on the specific assignment and employer, Traveling Pharmacy Technicians can work in various healthcare settings and locations.

Here are some common places where Traveling Pharmacy Technicians may work:

Hospitals:

A Traveling Pharmacy Technician has no fixed location to work. They can be assigned to different hospitals to support pharmacy operations.

They may work in the main hospital pharmacy or specific departments such as the emergency department, critical care units, or operating rooms.

Clinics and Physician Offices:

When it comes to clinics or physician offices, Traveling Pharmacy Technicians play a crucial role in providing pharmacy services. They assist with dispensing medications, managing inventory, and counseling patients.

Long-Term Care Facilities:

Traveling Pharmacy Technicians can also work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or rehabilitation centers.

In these settings, they support medication management for residents, including tasks like medication dispensing, filling medication carts, and maintaining medication administration records.

Retail Pharmacies:

Traveling Pharmacy Technicians may also work in retail settings, such as pharmacy chains or independent pharmacies.

Specialty Pharmacies:

These Pharmacies focus on providing medications for chronic or complex conditions such as oncology, fertility, or HIV/AIDS.

Traveling Pharmacy Technicians may work in these specialized settings, assisting with medication dispensing, compounding, and patient support. (Related: Pharmacy Technician Compounding)

Along with these, Traveling Pharmacy Technicians can also work at disaster Relief Sites and rural areas.

Related: Where Can Pharmacy Technicians Work

How Do Contracts Work For Traveling Pharmacy Techs?

Contracts and assignments for Traveling Pharmacy Technicians operate in a manner wherein they can be established from any location across the country.

The compensation for a traveling medical assistant also varies based on the specific location they choose or where they sign the contract.

Mostly, immediate availability of traveling staff is required. As a traveling pharmacy technician, you must be flexible to relocate to the job location within a week or two of notice.

Traveling Pharmacy Assistants are generally remunerated on an hourly basis, in addition to receiving a weekly stipend. Additionally, travel contracts typically do not include assistance with relocation.

Therefore, you will be responsible for covering all expenses related to moving to a new place.

The duration of contracts for Traveling Pharmacy Technicians can range from 4 weeks to 6 months. Upon completion of their contract, they may also be offered permanent positions or contract extensions.

Traveling Pharmacy Technicians: Salary

The salary for Traveling Pharmacy Technicians is not fixed as it depends on factors such as the location, total experience, and the specific terms of the employment contract.

Further, the cost of living in a particular region and the demand for Traveling Pharmacy Technicians may influence salary ranges.

According to available data on various job board sites, such as salary.com, the average annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians in the United States is around $35,250 as of 2021.

It is essential to note that the above-mentioned data has not been taken from any government sites due to a lack of information on traveling pharmacy technicians.

Since traveling pharmacy techs do not work in one location, they may get additional benefits and allowances due to the nature of their work, such as travel expenses, lodging, and meal allowances.

To get a more accurate understanding of the salary range for Traveling Pharmacy Technicians, it’s advisable to research job postings, consult with staffing agencies specializing in pharmacy placements, or reach out to industry professionals who have experience in this field.

This can provide more specific and up-to-date information about salary expectations in different regions or within specific organizations.

Related: Pros and cons of being a pharmacy technician & Pharmacy technician facts

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How to Become a Traveling Pharmacy Technician

Looking to become a traveling pharmacy tech? Here are the general steps you need to follow –

1. Complete Your High School Diploma

This is the minimum requirement. Every pharmacy requires a minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent. You need to obtain this before you start working.

2. Complete Your Traveling Pharmacy Technicians training-

This is an important step, probably the most important step, before you become a pharmacy tech. You need the right training. If you want to save money and get there faster, we recommend going for an online program.

With the right online program, you can complete your training faster and save money.

More: Pharmacy technician online schools

3. Obtain Your Traveling Pharmacy Technicians Certification-

Next, obtaining your certification from PTCB is also recommended. This builds trust in the eyes of an employer. To get certified, you need to sit for an exam conducted by the PTCB.

After passing the exam, you’re a Certified Pharmacy Technician.

4. Gain A Minimum Of Two Years Of Experience-

Next, it is difficult to get a job as a traveling pharmacy tech without experience. Before you start applying for a traveling role, it is recommended to gain some experience working in a regular pharmacy.

Not just that, if you work in different pharmacy settings such as retail or hospital, that can also come in handy when you’re applying for traveling pharmacy tech roles.

Conclusion

Being a Traveling Pharmacy Technician is a unique and fulfilling career that blends healthcare expertise with adventure. Whether in bustling cities or remote locations, these professionals ensure people receive the right medications.

From dispensing drugs to managing inventory, they play a crucial role in patient care, combining pharmaceutical skills with a sense of exploration. This dynamic career choice emphasizes adaptability and a commitment to health on the go, making it a compelling option for those seeking a fulfilling and diverse professional experience.

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About the Author
Grant founded OnlineDegree.com with a purpose-driven mission: make college accessible and affordable for everyone. After graduating college with an overwhelming amount of debt, he was determined to change how students embark on their education. He's a frequent speaker and author in higher education, and has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader's Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.