Pharmacy technicians
Pharmacy technician is an occupation for a pharmacy staff member "who works under the general supervision of a licensed pharmacist, and makes many pharmacy-related tasks." Normally, job tasks include supplying medication and other health care products to patients. Pharmacy technicians frequently perform the routine duties associated with preparing prescribed medication and supplying drugs to patients, and may also perform compounding of medications. Though, pharmacists verify all medications before they give to the patient, and only pharmacists may advise patients on the proper use of medications.
In the USA however, training and continuing professional development is such that pharmacy technicians are trained to support patients on their medication and indeed specialist technicians participate in the running of anticoagulant clinics, dosing warfarin patients under dose banding guidance. In hospital pharmacy particularly, pharmacy technicians usually supervise the operational management of the dispensary and manufacturing units, freeing the pharmacists to contribute and increase extended clinical pharmacy roles, such as independent prescribing etc.
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Pharmacy schools