Preparing for a career as a Pharmacy Technician involves extensive training, good .

             communication skills, and a willingness to work with the public. .

             A pharmacy technician, also called pharmacy technologist, pharmacy medication .

             technicians, or pharmacy assistants, provide technical assistance for registered .

             pharmacists and work under their direct supervision. They usually work in a chain or .

             independent drug stores, hospitals, community ambulatory care centers, home health care .

             agencies, nursing homes, and in the pharmaceutical industry. They perform a wide range .

             of technical support functions and tasks relating to the pharmacy profession. They .

             maintain patient records, count, package, and label medication doses; prepare and .

             distribute sterile products; and fill and dispense routine orders for stock supplies such as .

             over-the-counter products. Pharmacy technicians work under the direct supervision of .

             licensed pharmacist, their work is subject to quality-control checks to ensure accuracy.

             High school students interested in the pharmacy tech career should take courses .

             in mathematics, science (especially chemistry and biology), and English. Also, in .

             addition courses in speech, typing, computer science, and health will also be useful. Any .

             extracurricular activities such as: drama, science clubs, or other activities, will help in .

             developing communications and interpersonal skills. Most pharmacy technicians receive .

             their education through formal training programs offered through community colleges, .

             vocational/technical schools, hospital community pharmacies, and government programs. .

             The length of the program usually ranges from 6 months to two years, leading to a .

             certificate, diploma, or an associates degree in pharmacy technology. A high school .

             diploma is usually required for entry into these programs. On a personal level, pharmacy .

             technicians must be precision-minded, honest, and mature as they are very much .