Pharmacy Assistant

5 Skills a Good Pharmacy Assistant Should Have

December 02, 2021

A career as a Pharmacy Assistant should attract diligent professionals with a broad skill set and a flair for customer service. After Pharmacy Assistant training, you’ll apply your technical and practical skills to make a positive impact on the well-being of your clients. Customers will rely on you to offer honest and informed advice regarding their health care. 

What qualities can help you succeed in this role? For those who are interested in advancing their career after Pharmacy Assistant school, here’s a look at some of the top skills a pharmacy assistant should have, ensuring they offer a positive and efficient service to clients. 

[Infographic] 5 Skills a Good Pharmacy Assistant Should Have

  1. Technology skills 

A good Pharmacy Assistant should:

  • Have proficient computer skills
  • Know how to use specific programs to record patient data
  • Work accurately using software to deliver prescriptions
  1. Customer service skills

A good Pharmacy Assistant should: 

  • Always listen to any questions or concerns the client has
  • Show customers that their well-being is a top priority
  • Always serve clients in a friendly and approachable manner
  • Take the time to reassure customers who may be uncomfortable or unwell
  1. Attention to detail

Pharmacy Assistants are expected to:

  • Carry out multiple tasks to a high degree of accuracy  
  • Carefully review client prescriptions
  • Maintain a precise inventory of supplies to avoid confusion
  • Confirm important insurance details 
  1. Communication
    Pharmacy Assistants must:
  • Adapt their communication to meet the needs of different clients
  • Explain technical terms using commonplace language 
  • Ensure that clients are clear on instructions relating to their prescriptions
  • Earn the trust of their clients
  1. Ethical skills
    It is important for Pharmacy Assistants to:
  • Promote credibility within the industry
  • Respect the confidentiality of patient information
  • Adhere to health and safety protocols when providing services 
  • Respect the autonomy and wishes of all clients

A career as a Pharmacy Assistant should attract diligent professionals with a broad skill set and a flair for customer service. After Pharmacy Assistant training, you’ll apply your technical and practical skills to make a positive impact on the well-being of your clients. Customers will rely on you to offer honest and informed advice regarding their health care. 

What qualities can help you succeed in this role? For those who are interested in advancing their career after Pharmacy Assistant school, here’s a look at some of the top skills a pharmacy assistant should have, ensuring they offer a positive and efficient service to clients. 

[Infographic] 5 Skills a Good Pharmacy Assistant Should Have

  1. Technology skills 

A good Pharmacy Assistant should:

  • Have proficient computer skills
  • Know how to use specific programs to record patient data
  • Work accurately using software to deliver prescriptions
  1. Customer service skills

A good Pharmacy Assistant should: 

  • Always listen to any questions or concerns the client has
  • Show customers that their well-being is a top priority
  • Always serve clients in a friendly and approachable manner
  • Take the time to reassure customers who may be uncomfortable or unwell
  1. Attention to detail

Pharmacy Assistants are expected to:

  • Carry out multiple tasks to a high degree of accuracy  
  • Carefully review client prescriptions
  • Maintain a precise inventory of supplies to avoid confusion
  • Confirm important insurance details 
  1. Communication
    Pharmacy Assistants must:
  • Adapt their communication to meet the needs of different clients
  • Explain technical terms using commonplace language 
  • Ensure that clients are clear on instructions relating to their prescriptions
  • Earn the trust of their clients
  1. Ethical skills
    It is important for Pharmacy Assistants to:
  • Promote credibility within the industry
  • Respect the confidentiality of patient information
  • Adhere to health and safety protocols when providing services 
  • Respect the autonomy and wishes of all clients

A career as a Pharmacy Assistant should attract diligent professionals with a broad skill set and a flair for customer service. After Pharmacy Assistant training, you’ll apply your technical and practical skills to make a positive impact on the well-being of your clients. Customers will rely on you to offer honest and informed advice regarding their health care. 

What qualities can help you succeed in this role? For those who are interested in advancing their career after Pharmacy Assistant school, here’s a look at some of the top skills a pharmacy assistant should have, ensuring they offer a positive and efficient service to clients. 

[Infographic] 5 Skills a Good Pharmacy Assistant Should Have

  1. Technology skills 

A good Pharmacy Assistant should:

  • Have proficient computer skills
  • Know how to use specific programs to record patient data
  • Work accurately using software to deliver prescriptions
  1. Customer service skills

A good Pharmacy Assistant should: 

  • Always listen to any questions or concerns the client has
  • Show customers that their well-being is a top priority
  • Always serve clients in a friendly and approachable manner
  • Take the time to reassure customers who may be uncomfortable or unwell
  1. Attention to detail

Pharmacy Assistants are expected to:

  • Carry out multiple tasks to a high degree of accuracy  
  • Carefully review client prescriptions
  • Maintain a precise inventory of supplies to avoid confusion
  • Confirm important insurance details 
  1. Communication
    Pharmacy Assistants must:
  • Adapt their communication to meet the needs of different clients
  • Explain technical terms using commonplace language 
  • Ensure that clients are clear on instructions relating to their prescriptions
  • Earn the trust of their clients
  1. Ethical skills
    It is important for Pharmacy Assistants to:
  • Promote credibility within the industry
  • Respect the confidentiality of patient information
  • Adhere to health and safety protocols when providing services 
  • Respect the autonomy and wishes of all clients

A career as a Pharmacy Assistant should attract diligent professionals with a broad skill set and a flair for customer service. After Pharmacy Assistant training, you’ll apply your technical and practical skills to make a positive impact on the well-being of your clients. Customers will rely on you to offer honest and informed advice regarding their health care. 

What qualities can help you succeed in this role? For those who are interested in advancing their career after Pharmacy Assistant school, here’s a look at some of the top skills a pharmacy assistant should have, ensuring they offer a positive and efficient service to clients. 

[Infographic] 5 Skills a Good Pharmacy Assistant Should Have

  1. Technology skills 

A good Pharmacy Assistant should:

  • Have proficient computer skills
  • Know how to use specific programs to record patient data
  • Work accurately using software to deliver prescriptions
  1. Customer service skills

A good Pharmacy Assistant should: 

  • Always listen to any questions or concerns the client has
  • Show customers that their well-being is a top priority
  • Always serve clients in a friendly and approachable manner
  • Take the time to reassure customers who may be uncomfortable or unwell
  1. Attention to detail

Pharmacy Assistants are expected to:

  • Carry out multiple tasks to a high degree of accuracy  
  • Carefully review client prescriptions
  • Maintain a precise inventory of supplies to avoid confusion
  • Confirm important insurance details 
  1. Communication
    Pharmacy Assistants must:
  • Adapt their communication to meet the needs of different clients
  • Explain technical terms using commonplace language 
  • Ensure that clients are clear on instructions relating to their prescriptions
  • Earn the trust of their clients
  1. Ethical skills
    It is important for Pharmacy Assistants to:
  • Promote credibility within the industry
  • Respect the confidentiality of patient information
  • Adhere to health and safety protocols when providing services 
  • Respect the autonomy and wishes of all clients

A career as a Pharmacy Assistant should attract diligent professionals with a broad skill set and a flair for customer service. After Pharmacy Assistant training, you’ll apply your technical and practical skills to make a positive impact on the well-being of your clients. Customers will rely on you to offer honest and informed advice regarding their health care. 

What qualities can help you succeed in this role? For those who are interested in advancing their career after Pharmacy Assistant school, here’s a look at some of the top skills a pharmacy assistant should have, ensuring they offer a positive and efficient service to clients. 

[Infographic] 5 Skills a Good Pharmacy Assistant Should Have

  1. Technology skills 

A good Pharmacy Assistant should:

  • Have proficient computer skills
  • Know how to use specific programs to record patient data
  • Work accurately using software to deliver prescriptions
  1. Customer service skills

A good Pharmacy Assistant should: 

  • Always listen to any questions or concerns the client has
  • Show customers that their well-being is a top priority
  • Always serve clients in a friendly and approachable manner
  • Take the time to reassure customers who may be uncomfortable or unwell
  1. Attention to detail

Pharmacy Assistants are expected to:

  • Carry out multiple tasks to a high degree of accuracy  
  • Carefully review client prescriptions
  • Maintain a precise inventory of supplies to avoid confusion
  • Confirm important insurance details 
  1. Communication
    Pharmacy Assistants must:
  • Adapt their communication to meet the needs of different clients
  • Explain technical terms using commonplace language 
  • Ensure that clients are clear on instructions relating to their prescriptions
  • Earn the trust of their clients
  1. Ethical skills
    It is important for Pharmacy Assistants to:
  • Promote credibility within the industry
  • Respect the confidentiality of patient information
  • Adhere to health and safety protocols when providing services 
  • Respect the autonomy and wishes of all clients

A career as a Pharmacy Assistant should attract diligent professionals with a broad skill set and a flair for customer service. After Pharmacy Assistant training, you’ll apply your technical and practical skills to make a positive impact on the well-being of your clients. Customers will rely on you to offer honest and informed advice regarding their health care. 

What qualities can help you succeed in this role? For those who are interested in advancing their career after Pharmacy Assistant school, here’s a look at some of the top skills a pharmacy assistant should have, ensuring they offer a positive and efficient service to clients. 

[Infographic] 5 Skills a Good Pharmacy Assistant Should Have

  1. Technology skills 

A good Pharmacy Assistant should:

  • Have proficient computer skills
  • Know how to use specific programs to record patient data
  • Work accurately using software to deliver prescriptions
  1. Customer service skills

A good Pharmacy Assistant should: 

  • Always listen to any questions or concerns the client has
  • Show customers that their well-being is a top priority
  • Always serve clients in a friendly and approachable manner
  • Take the time to reassure customers who may be uncomfortable or unwell
  1. Attention to detail

Pharmacy Assistants are expected to:

  • Carry out multiple tasks to a high degree of accuracy  
  • Carefully review client prescriptions
  • Maintain a precise inventory of supplies to avoid confusion
  • Confirm important insurance details 
  1. Communication
    Pharmacy Assistants must:
  • Adapt their communication to meet the needs of different clients
  • Explain technical terms using commonplace language 
  • Ensure that clients are clear on instructions relating to their prescriptions
  • Earn the trust of their clients
  1. Ethical skills
    It is important for Pharmacy Assistants to:
  • Promote credibility within the industry
  • Respect the confidentiality of patient information
  • Adhere to health and safety protocols when providing services 
  • Respect the autonomy and wishes of all clients

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Pharmacy Assistant

5 Key Skills to Build During Pharmacy Assistant Training

November 05, 2021

pharmacy assistant training

If you’re a caring and compassionate individual with great people skills, then a career as a pharmacy assistant could be the perfect route for you. A diploma in this field will not only prepare you to perform many vital tasks as you work alongside a registered pharmacist, but it will also prepare you with the skills you need to manage your money and build a stable financial future.

Throughout the program you’ll dive into the history and inner workings of pharmacy in relation to provincial and federal legislation. You will also receive first-hand experience with prescription management through a well-equipped pharmacy lab. Ultimately, pharmacy assistants play an important role as part of a healthcare team working to best serve its community. Read on to learn the five key skills you’ll want to develop during your training.

1. Master Professional Communication Skills for Both Written and Oral Communication

As an integral part of the healthcare team, you’ll need to be able to communicate effectively across different mediums, both written and oral, to ensure the efficient delivery of important information. Communication is important when dealing with customers, but also with other healthcare professionals. Practicing good phone etiquette and excellent interpersonal skills will help you communicate clearly while maintaining compassion for the individual.

pharmacy assistant course
Professional communication with your colleagues and customers will help you succeed as a pharmacy assistant

2. Learn to Prioritize Tasks to Maintain Optimal Organization

A pharmacy often operates as a fast-paced environment, requiring keen attention to detail and high levels of organization. Learning how to prioritize the tasks that are most important and most time sensitive will help you establish a workflow that keeps everything in order. Other areas of organization to keep track of for a seamless operation are shelf stocking, data upkeep, and bottle labeling.

3. Provide Excellent Customer Service After Your Pharmacy Assistant Course

After your pharmacy assistant course, you will be qualified to work in various types of pharmacies, providing services to patients of all ages and backgrounds. Remembering to serve each patient with patience, compassion, and awareness will help you handle each person with care. An employer will be thrilled to know that you are able to maintain a professional attitude while building customer relationships.

pharmacy assistant diploma in Ontario
Excellent customer service skills are necessary to operate as a pharmacy assistant

4. Become a Keen Problem Solver While on the Job

Problem-solving will be at the forefront of your position following your pharmacy assistant training. You’ll want to be able to get creative when it comes to serving the customer, your colleagues, and other parties. Being able to address and solve any unforeseen conflicts that arise is dependent upon maintaining a relaxed and calm, yet confident demeanor. 

5. Operate Pharmacy Computer Software with Ease

Pharmacies operate using computers and computer software to store patient information, file insurance claims, and track pill counts. As a pharmacy assistant, you’ll have valuable experience from your training that will allow you to utilize computer software for entering prescriptions, printing labels, maintaining a patient’s profile, and more. Learning to seamlessly operate pharmacy computer systems will help set you up to be able to work in a number of offices in your area.

Ready to start courses for your pharmacy assistant diploma in Ontario?

Contact Medix College for more information!

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Pharmacy Assistant

An Intro to Prescription Interpretation for Those in Pharmacy Assistant Training

October 22, 2021

Within the healthcare industry, creating and dispensing prescriptions is both a highly specific and highly regulated process. As pharmaceutical processes and technologies have evolved, so has the way in which prescriptions are written and interpreted. If you’re launching a career as a pharmacy assistant, you’ll be responsible for a number of duties surrounding the dispensing and prescribing of drugs and medications to pharmacy patients. Under the guidance of a pharmacy technician, you’ll assist with ensuring that prescriptions are filled correctly. In order to succeed, you’ll need to be able to correctly interpret prescriptions. When you’re able to interpret prescriptions correctly, you can ensure that patients are receiving the proper dosage of a drug–helping them to safely obtain the treatment they need. Below, discover more about how to correctly interpret prescriptions throughout your career as a pharmacy assistant. 

The History of Prescriptions Explained for those in Pharmacy Assistant Training

As long as medications have been prepared to treat specific ailments, some form of prescription has always been used to specify the patient information, dosage, instructions for the patient, and more. In the past, physicians used prescriptions to instruct an apothecary on which ingredients to compound to create a specific treatment. Originally, most prescriptions were written in Latin, previously the international language of medicine. The “Rx” symbol is derived from Latin, and refers to the word for a medieval prescription, recipere, meaning “take thou.” However, over time, modern prescriptions have evolved to be entered within an electronic medical record system, where they can be sent to a pharmacy electronically. After completing your pharmacy assistant training, you’ll also occasionally still see prescriptions written by hand by a physician, or printed.

Prescriptions have been used for as long as medical treatments have been dispensed

What is Included in a Prescription Label? A Brief Overview

Today, prescription labels include four common sections: a superscription, an inscription, a subscription, and a signature. The superscription section is what contains the patient information, such as their age, address, and name. It also contains what date the prescription was created. Next, the inscription section is denoted by the “Rx” symbol. This section tells the reader what the medication is, including the key ingredients such as the chief ingredient, the adjuvant (what helps the ingredient to act quickly), the corrective (reduces side effects), and the vehicle (eases the consumption of the drug). For those completing a pharmacy assistant course, it will be important to check the subscription section, as this is where the physician will give directions for dispensing the medication, including how it should be compounded and what quantities should be dispensed. Lastly, the signature section tells the patient how to take the medication.

Prescription labels typically include four different sections

Abbreviations Commonly Used in Prescriptions

Another aspect of interpreting prescriptions is understanding the abbreviations commonly used in them. Derived from Latin, abbreviations are not always used in prescriptions, but there are a few frequently-used ones which are helpful to know. 

  • Ad lib: “ad libidum” meaning to take as much as one needs
  • A.m.: “ante meridium” meaning to take before noon
  • Cap.: “capsula” meaning capsule
  • NMT: meaning “not more than”
  • Ppt: meaning prepared
  • w/f: meaning take with food

These abbreviations help physicians to efficiently dictate instructions to pharmacy technicians, who can then translate the prescription to patients if needed. As a pharmacy assistant, you’ll support technicians in interpreting prescriptions as such, and dispensing the proper medication to the patient.

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Pharmacy Assistant

4 Tips to Ensure You Ace Your Interview After Pharmacy Assistant Training

August 27, 2021

While a good CV will get you to the interview stage, the secret to landing a job lies in the interview itself. An interview is where employers get to know who a candidate is and the employee that they’ll be–enabling them to decide whether to hire them. If you’re considering a career as a Pharmacy Assistant, a job interview is your opportunity to show a potential employer that you’re capable of performing the tasks and responsibilities that come with the job. Pharmacy Assistants have a range of duties within a pharmacy. These professionals work to fill prescriptions, compound medication, maintain prescription records, monitor inventory, pack and label pharmaceutical treatments and products, provide customer service, and more. 

After completing your training, coming prepared to an interview will help you to land a job in the field and launch a successful career. Below, discover four tips which will help you to ace the interview.

1. Come Prepared to Speak About Your Pharmacy Assistant Training

When preparing for an interview for a pharmacy assistant position, consider how you’ll use the knowledge you’ve gained in pharmacy assistant training to demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Expect questions that will require you to reference your training, such as: how to inform a customer about the usage of a certain treatment, or how to accurately maintain and organize pharmaceutical inventory and records. If you can show an employer that you will be able to apply your skills and training to a pharmacy assistant position, you’ll increase your chances of landing the job.

Speaking about your training in an interview will show employers that you have the skills to succeed

2. Provide Examples of Your Communication Skills

Communication is one of the most important aspects of a Pharmacy Assistant’s job. Pharmacy Assistants must be able to communicate effectively, not only with the other professionals they interact with, such as doctors and pharmacy technicians, but also with the customers and clients who visit the pharmacy to pick up treatments and obtain other services. During an interview, a potential employer may ask you questions that speak to your ability to communicate with customers. Prepare to explain to an interviewer what you perceive to be good customer service–providing examples of how you would handle difficult customers and what you would do in the case of a discrepancy. This will show a potential employer that you have the communication skills it takes to succeed as a pharmacy assistant.

3. Express Your Motivation to Work in the Industry

Employers not only want to know that you’re qualified to work as a pharmacy assistant, they also want to know that you’re motivated to embark on this career path. Before going into an interview, try to think of what made you decide to enroll in a pharmacy assistant course, and why the work that you’ll be doing matters to you. Sharing your personal story with an interviewer will help to calm any nerves you might have, in addition to helping them to get to know you better. Once a potential employer sees that you’re committed to working as a pharmacy assistant, they’ll be more likely to consider you for the position–as they know that your commitment reflects the effort you’ll make to succeed and enhance the operation of the pharmacy in question.

Show your interviewer that you’re committed by expressing your motivation for entering this career path

4. Prepare Questions for Your Interviewer Beforehand

Although we tend to think of an interview as an opportunity for an employer to ask candidates about their backgrounds and experience, it’s also a great opportunity for candidates to bring up any questions they might have for the interviewer. Take the time to learn as much as possible about the position you’re interviewing for and the particular pharmacy you’re interviewing with, and compile a list of questions based upon what you learn. Asking questions is a great way to demonstrate your interest in the position, as your interviewer will see that you took the time to learn about their organization. It’s also the perfect way to learn more about what the position will entail–helping you to make an informed decision about your career.

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Pharmacy Assistant

Work Environments to Explore After Graduating from Pharmacy Assistant School

July 23, 2021

Pharmacy assistants serve an important function within a pharmacy setting, performing duties such as filling prescriptions, maintaining inventory, organizing prescription records, managing sales transactions, compounding medications, and speaking to customers. 

If you’re considering a rewarding career as a pharmacy assistant, you’ll be able to work in a number of different environments once you gain certification. With demand for pharmacy assistants rising as Ontario’s population grows and ages, there are a variety of employment opportunities available to these professionals. Below, explore three different work environments available to you as a trained pharmacy assistant.

After Pharmacy Assistant School, You Can Work in a Retail Pharmacy

Once you’ve completed your pharmacy assistant training, one of the most common employment opportunities you’ll encounter will be within retail pharmacies. In this setting, pharmacy assistants spend much of their time interacting with customers–both in person and by phone. Pharmacy assistants will process patient insurance claims, keep inventory stocked,  maintain inventory records, update patient information, and operate the cash register. As much of working in a retail pharmacy revolves around performing duties and providing good customer service, you’ll be a great fit for this position if you love working with people. 

Professionals with pharmacy assistant training may work in retail pharmacies

You May Find Employment in an Assisted Living Facility

Some pharmacy assistants may choose to work in an assisted living facility or a long-term care home. Within these environments, pharmacy assistants support pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to fill prescriptions and provide medications for those living within the care home. A pharmacist will counsel patients and provide recommendations to prescribers or doctors, review a patient’s medication history, and determine the best treatment path forward. As a pharmacy assistant, your job will be to help the pharmacists fulfill these prescriptions, keep patient files in order, and ensure that inventory is well stocked.

Pharmacy Assistants Can Work in Hospitals

If customer service isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy a career as a pharmacy assistant. After graduating from pharmacy assistant school, many professionals choose to work in hospitals. In this work environment, pharmacy assistants spend the majority of their time keeping up with prescription orders for patients within the hospital. Within hospitals, doctors request prescriptions for their patients, which are fulfilled by the hospital pharmacy. 

There is demand for pharmacy assistants in hospitals

Instead of interacting directly with customers, hospital pharmacy assistants will instead assist with preparing prescriptions that are sent for delivery to the patient. When working in hospitals, pharmacy assistants will also spend plenty of time maintaining inventory. This is a greater task in hospitals, as the demands for medication are often higher than they would be in retail pharmacies. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, working as a pharmacy assistant in a hospital could be right for you.

In addition to these three work environments, pharmacy assistants can also find work in public health service clinics, pharmaceutical manufacturing sites, and in other settings. If you’re seeking a rewarding career with plenty of employment opportunities, working as a pharmacy assistant could be right for you.

Thinking about enrolling in a pharmacy assistant course?

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Pharmacy Assistant

Why Technology Skills Are Important for Those with Pharmacy Assistant Training

June 09, 2021

Today, technology shapes much of the modern world, and the pharmaceutical industry is no exception. Advances in technology have fundamentally altered the workflows within many pharmacies, leading to improvements in both efficiency and the quality of care provided to patients. If you’re considering a career as a pharmacy assistant, you’ll be using technology to fulfill a number of duties and responsibilities. From entering prescriptions to managing inventory to updating patient profiles, your technology skills will be essential when it comes to doing your job efficiently. 

Read on to discover how technology is used in today’s pharmacies, and why it’s so important. 

After Pharmacy Assistant Training, You’ll Use Technology to Fill Prescriptions

Technology is taking the pharmaceutical industry by storm in the form of e-prescriptions. These types of prescriptions are electronically-filled forms which are digitally transmitted from the patient’s caregiver to the pharmacy. The use of e-prescriptions can prevent errors in the dispensing of medications, avoiding the confusion which often ensues when a healthcare provider writes a handwritten prescription that’s difficult to read. E-prescriptions also offer an easy way to access and update a patient’s prescription records and profile, ensuring that all information is verified and patients are receiving the correct dosage.

During your pharmacy assistant career, you’ll use technology to fill prescriptions

E-prescribing enables pharmacies to save both time and resources, and makes workflows more effective. Building technology skills during pharmacy assistant training will enable you to use e-prescription software to safely and accurately fill prescriptions, while ensuring that they are delivered into the right hands.

Patient Records Will Be Kept Digitally

As a pharmacy assistant, technology skills will also come in handy when it comes to using pharmaceutical software to update and maintain patient records. With advancements in technology, pharmacies are increasingly reliant on digitized versions of patient records stored using software. These digitized records contain accurate, up-to-date information pertaining to a patient’s history of prescribed medications. 

Pharmacies today benefit from the advantages of digitally managing patient profiles

During your pharmacy assistant career, the use of digital patient records will make it easier for you to maintain patient profiles. You’ll be able to quickly access their information, update it with any changes to their prescription, and determine how to handle billing based on the information in their file. Using digital records also prevents unnecessary communication between multiple parties, improving the efficiency of your workflow and giving you more time to assist customers.

With Barcode Identification, You’ll Use Technology to Track Inventory

After pharmacy assistant school, you’ll also be responsible for managing inventories of the medications your organization dispenses. Barcode identification technology is a pharmaceutical technology which will make it easier for you to accurately record the amounts of treatments and compounds you have in stock. Today’s pharmaceutical software enables pharmacies to create labels with barcodes containing information with the quantity and type of a drug. Pharmacists effectively use this software to track medications going in and out of the pharmacy, improving the accuracy of the pharmacy’s inventory management system.

When you choose a pharmacy assistant training program like that offered by Medix College, you’ll have the opportunity to build skills in the operation of pharmacy software and technology. With these skills, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge necessary to enter a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

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Pharmacy Assistant

Interested in Pharmacy Assistant Training? Here’s How Technology is Changing the Field

April 26, 2021

In recent years, some intriguing technological advancements have arrived within the pharmacy industry. As a result, various processes have become easier for those working in pharmacies, as well as helping to improve pharmacy services to customers. These advancements have made it easier for pharmacy employees to keep records, provide information to clients, monitor prescriptions, and automate refill requests—allowing for more efficient ways to keep clients safe and healthy.

Even if concerns exist that these forms of technology could take jobs away from people in the pharmacy industry, it does provide interesting insight on what the future of this field could look like. Here’s what you need to know about the impact of technology in pharmacies.

Different Ways Technology Is Helping the Field of Pharmacy to Evolve

As much as the advancement of technological resources can be challenging for people in any industry to adapt to at first, the changes being seen in pharmacies appear to be worth that adjustment period. For example, dose counting for medication is increasingly being done automatically, which allows the verifying of the quantity of individual doses to be sorted and verified more quickly than ever before. Machines have been built to take care of this precision-based task, with errors showing up if there are any discrepancies. With these advancements in mind, students who have done their pharmacy assistant training can apply what they learn about dosages and dispensary to these new technologies.

Technology has made it easier for pills to be counted and prescriptions to be filled

An ADC (automated dispensing cabinet) also allows for the storage and dispensing of medications in hospitals, taking the burden of filing prescriptions off of hospital staff. Systems for e-verification have gotten more sophisticated and efficient. What once required many different steps to be done manually (writing info, filling prescriptions, having them verified by pharmacists) has become less time-consuming and easier to process. There are also devices to remind clients of their medications, which lock after taking their required dose in order to avoid misuse. The proliferation of smartphone apps that are capable of providing information on prescription drugs are another great example of this type of technology.

Why This Evolution Is Important, Explained for Pharmacy Assistant School Students

These kinds of advancements are certainly a boon for improving pharmaceutical efficiency, as well as making the process of verifying and preparing drugs faster. They can also reduce errors with medication and prescription filling that would otherwise be made by humans, therefore improving safety for clients. Pharmacy assistants can save time they’d otherwise be spending counting pills or updating files, for example, while the pharmacists they work under can have more time available to help clients with their health concerns. Monitoring prescriptions also becomes easier, as well as the identification of excessive use of medications.

Even if automation is speeding up the process, humans will still need to verify these drugs

As great as these advancements are from a technological standpoint, some may argue that these modernizations may cause problems for students taking a pharmacy assistant course who want to find work in the field—taking the view that certain jobs may be replaced outright by automation. However, humans will almost certainly always need to be relied upon to do one last verification check on the drugs that have been put through these advanced systems, as technology isn’t always foolproof. Regardless, these technological advancements could help expand what pharmacy services are available to citizens, as well as improving the care that they receive.

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Pharmacy Assistant

How to Recognize Prescription Fraud as a Pharmacy Assistant School Student

April 21, 2021

Prescription fraud refers to obtaining medication illegally via a fraudulent prescription–whether for personal use or with the intention of selling medication for profit. Prescription fraud fuels illegal opportunities for the use of drugs. When a drug is not used for medical purposes, this can lead to the endangerment of users. 

If you’re on your way to becoming a pharmacy assistant, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs of prescription fraud in order to act appropriately if it occurs. Here’s what prescription medication fraud can look like, and what to do upon recognizing it. 

Why Those with Pharmacy Assistant Training Should Know About Prescription Fraud

While pharmacy assistants operate under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist, they are still responsible for inputting prescription orders received into the system and confirming the accuracy of prescription information with providers, as well as maintaining and handling patient information and details. While pharmacists are trained in the identification of prescription fraud, as a pharmacy assistant your vigilance also matters in the process of detecting a potentially fraudulent prescription.  If you have pharmacy assistant training, here’s what you need to know about prescription fraud. 

If you have pharmacy assistant training, it’s important to know the signs of a fraudulent prescription

How Pharmacy Professionals Are Important in Counteracting Prescription Fraud

Pharmacies fulfill prescriptions for controlled substances, which are federally regulated under the Controlled Substances Directorate of Health Canada. Controlled substances include substances listed in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act–including controlled drugs, narcotics, benzodiazepines and more. A licensed physician’s prescription is required in order to obtain a controlled substance. Prescription fraud practices are used to illegally obtain controlled substances through a pharmacy. When a pharmacist is unable to detect that a prescription is fraudulent, the offender may continue to repeat the crime at the same location. Thus, it’s important that all professionals in pharmacies have an understanding of some key signs of prescription fraud.  

How to Identify and Prevent Prescription Fraud

Prescription fraud can be difficult to catch, especially in the age of computer-generated prescriptions. Prescriptions can only be fulfilled when they have been signed and dated by a registered provider or confirmed via phone (with proper verification measures). However, it’s important to consider many different elements and factors which could be signs of a fraudulent prescription, and pharmacies typically have routine procedures in place to verify the authenticity of the prescriptions they receive. After graduating from pharmacy assistant school, you may be asked to use a checklist similar to the one below to determine, together with a supervisor, whether a prescription could be fraudulent.

  • Does the quantity of the medication seem unusual?
  • Is the prescription inconsistent with a patient’s information or typical dosage?
  • Does the prescription contain spelling or grammatical errors or unfamiliar terminology?
  • Is the formatting inconsistent?
  • Does it look like a photocopy?
  • Does it appear that there have been changes made to the date or quantity specified?

If the answer is ‘yes’ to any of these factors, it’s possible that the prescription is fraudulent. Most pharmacies will have a streamlined screening process for incoming prescriptions, and this can help to identify prescription fraud. 

Recognizing prescription fraud can be difficult, so it’s important to know what to look for

What to Do with a Potential Case of Prescription Fraud

If a prescription is potentially fraudulent, a pharmacy should hold the prescription, or make a copy if possible, and notify the police. For their own safety, pharmacy professionals should not attempt to detain suspects, but should wait for law enforcement officials to handle the situation.

Are you ready to enroll in a pharmacy assistant course? Medix College has the program for you.

“You can get a career in less than a year.” – Kendra, Pharmacy Assistant program graduate

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Pharmacy Assistant

Why Teacher to Student Ratio Matters to Those Taking Pharmacy Assistant Training

January 30, 2021

Over time, you may have noticed that you learn better in one environment as opposed to another—or that there are certain resources that you rely on to succeed. While taking a new course or program, for example, you might thrive in an environment where you can ask questions more frequently, or where you have access to a study group of peers. 

If you’re considering becoming a pharmacy assistant, there are many variables to consider as you search for your ideal learning environment. An especially important aspect to focus on is the teacher to student ratio. Here’s what that ratio means, and why it’s key when choosing a school for your training.

Here’s What Student to Teacher Ratio Means for a Pharmacy Assistant School

Student to teacher ratio is calculated by dividing a school’s total number of students by its total number of teachers. The higher the ratio, the more likely it is that one-on-one time with a teacher will be harder to come by. The lower the ratio, the fewer students a teacher instructs. At pharmacy assistant schools like Medix, with smaller classroom sizes, the lower student-teacher ratio makes it more likely that a teacher will have the time to give each student personalized attention and provide a higher level of support.

Small Class Sizes Allow for Individualized Learning

If you’re exploring your options for pharmacy assistant school, you’ll be interested to know how  smaller class sizes can add value to your learning experience.

Have you ever felt like a teacher didn’t even know your name? In larger classes, it’s often harder for teachers to get to know their students, and to address any problems they may be experiencing with course materials. With smaller class sizes, a student’s learning experience becomes much more individualized. Teachers have time to meet with students so they can observe their learning needs, and answer important questions. 

Becoming a pharmacy assistant requires developing an in-depth understanding of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and other complex subjects. With smaller class sizes such as those at Medix College, teachers can provide students with the right resources to help them learn the material in a way that works best for them. 

During your training, smaller class sizes can help ensure you get individualized attention from instructors

Students Receive More Guidance

Kendra, a graduate of Medix College’s Pharmacy Assistant program, valued the small class sizes at Medix. “I love the classes because of their small size, so there’s a better student to teacher ratio. You could understand anything—unlike from a larger post secondary education, where I know that when you need to speak to someone, you have to book an appointment.” At Medix, Kendra felt surrounded by an environment where “you could just drop in and speak to anyone. They’ll help you select the proper goals, and guide you along the path that you choose.” 

If you’re ever unsure of your goals or career path during your pharmacy assistant training at Medix, you can rest assured that you’ll have access to staff and teachers who know you. These professionals will make themselves readily available to answer your questions and will help you to make a plan for your success. 

Medix instructors are available to help students

Smaller Classes, Greater Community

In a school with smaller class sizes and a more optimal student to teacher ratio, there’s a sense of community simply because everyone gets to know each other so well. At Medix, Kendra felt that the staff truly “wanted the best for you.” 

If you’re looking for a supportive, personalized environment in which to complete your studies, Medix College could be the right fit for you. 

Are you interested in enrolling in a pharmacy assistant course with a low student-teacher ratio?

Medix College could be the place for you. Check out our program options today.

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Pharmacy Assistant

Could Blockchain Revolutionize Careers for Pros With Pharmacy Assistant Training?

November 27, 2020

There is a vast network of manufacturers, suppliers, regulatory agencies, and players that make up the pharmaceutical supply chain. Pharmacies are on the other end of this spectrum, receiving and tracking shipments of treatments and therapies which are then distributed to clients. They are also responsible for indicating the amount of a treatment they’re distributing and to whom, and updating inventory records and client medical records accordingly. 

All of the regulations that pharmacies must follow while keeping track of treatments and supplies contributes to accountability across the medical supply chain, and ensures that drugs aren’t getting lost or going missing. As it turns out, blockchain technology could provide a platform to improve how pharmacies operate. Read on to find out how.

Those With Pharmacy Assistant Training Might Want to Know About Issues With the Medical Supply Chain

The medical supply chain network has its fair share of problems. Products are often distributed through global supply chains, passing through many different borders and regulatory bodies along the way. Documentation is often manual, and information is stored in various locations. This makes products susceptible to theft and other problems, and the lack of a uniform system for tracking drugs and other medical supplies can cause greater issues. Those with pharmacy assistant training might already be familiar with some of the frustrations commonly experienced with discrepancies along the pharmaceutical supply chain, but what they might not know is that these problems could potentially be resolved. How? With blockchain technology.

Blockchain technology could make the pharmaceutical supply chain more effective, accurate, and secure

Blockchain Technology: What Is It?

Blockchain technology can be a confusing concept. Try thinking of it this way: a decentralized, digital platform allowing for the recording of economic transactions between multiple stakeholders. Among a user network, such as the pharmaceutical network’s stakeholders, the platform provides access to stored data and information from any location. Transactions are also transparent and verifiable. Businesses are already using blockchain technology for tasks like tracking supplies, improving customer support, and payment tracking. Because of the security blockchain can provide to transactions, it can improve any kind of network that depends on the reliability of supply chains. 

Blockchain Technology Could Revolutionize the Pharmaceutical Industry

As those in pharmacy assistant school might know, the pharmaceutical industry depends on accountability and accuracy every step of the way—from the sharing of data to the storing of client records to the tracking of treatments from manufacturer to client. The pharmaceutical industry needs to verify drugs and correctly track and trace them to the various facilities they are shipped to. Blockchain can make this easier by allowing manufacturers to comply with regulations, and reduce errors by storing and facilitating transactions within a traceable digital platform. In turn, pharmacies will benefit from increased accountability and the ability to view client medication history, as well as record any changes or updates, within this platform. This eliminates risks and ensures that treatments are going to the right places, while all information and updates are stored securely within the platform, which can be accessed by all verified users. 

While blockchain technology’s integration with the pharmaceutical industry still has a long way to go, as it would require a change in industry standards and for all users to adopt the compatible systems, its potential to make treatment distribution more effective and secure is exciting for the industry’s future.

Are you interested in enrolling in a pharmacy assistant course

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