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In California, are you allowed to do a pharmacy clerk job without a pharm tech license? is it easy to get?
Confused about finding job??
- Thread starter kingroger317
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I believe you can be a clerk, which is basically a cashier.
For pharmacy tech, you need a license.
For pharmacy tech, you need a license.
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In California, most chains (Savon Drugs, Longs Drugs, etc), have the position of pharmacy clerk - they work only in the pharmacy, but they are not pharmacy techs. Most independent pharmacies I've been to have pharmacy clerks, as well. They process prescriptions, give out the meds and ring up patients when they come to pick up their meds, field pharmacy phone calls, stock the shelves, etc. My manager at Savon allows the pharmacy clerks to do pretty much everything except fill and consult. Although, if you work in socal and speak spanish and the RPh does not, you may be forced to consult 😛 and learn a lot.
Anyone can be a pharmacy clerk - kids right out of highschool do it without any credentials or experience. When I started college I decided to work at Savon as a pharmacy clerk just to see how it was and I think it really gave me a good exposure to retail pharmacy so I did not feel unprepared in terms of experience when I went to pharmacy school.
Compared to being a cashier for the front part of the store or for a grocery store, the demand for the pharmacy clerk position is higher and harder to get because they get paid a bit more from the start and its more enjoyable than just cashiering for the front of the store. I have co-workers in multiple pharmacies who can vouch for that 🙂 Many pharmacy clerks end up wanting to become pharmacy techs because of the higher pay and the chance to take on more responsibility - filling prescriptions.
Good lucks if you're looking for one!
Anyone can be a pharmacy clerk - kids right out of highschool do it without any credentials or experience. When I started college I decided to work at Savon as a pharmacy clerk just to see how it was and I think it really gave me a good exposure to retail pharmacy so I did not feel unprepared in terms of experience when I went to pharmacy school.
Compared to being a cashier for the front part of the store or for a grocery store, the demand for the pharmacy clerk position is higher and harder to get because they get paid a bit more from the start and its more enjoyable than just cashiering for the front of the store. I have co-workers in multiple pharmacies who can vouch for that 🙂 Many pharmacy clerks end up wanting to become pharmacy techs because of the higher pay and the chance to take on more responsibility - filling prescriptions.
Good lucks if you're looking for one!
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Ok - these are the laws in California according to the California State Board of Pharmacy 2005 Lawbook:
Pharmacy Tech (this position requires a license)
§1793.2. Duties of a Pharmacy Technician. [Effective October 22, 2004]
Nondiscretionary tasks as used in Business and Professions Code section 4115, include:
(a) removing the drug or drugs from stock;
(b) counting, pouring, or mixing pharmaceuticals;
(c) placing the product into a container;
(d) affixing the label or labels to the container;
(e) packaging and repackaging.
4115. (f) A pharmacist shall indicate verification of the prescription by initialing the prescription label before the medication is provided to the patient, or by engaging in other verification procedures that are specifically approved by board regulations.
Pharmacy Intern (this position requires a license)
4114. (a) An intern pharmacist may perform all functions of a pharmacist at the discretion of and under the supervision of a pharmacist whose license is in good standing with the board.
Pharmacy Clerk (this position requires no license)
1793.3. Other Non-Licensed Pharmacy Personnel.
(a) In addition to employing a pharmacy technician to perform the tasks specified in section 1793.2, a pharmacy may employ a non-licensed person to type a prescription label or otherwise enter prescription information into a computer record system, but the responsibility for the accuracy of the prescription information and the prescription as dispensed lies with the registered pharmacist who initials the prescription or prescription record. At the direction of the registered pharmacist, a non-licensed person may also request and receive refill authorization.
So, to answer kevintech - With your job description, I would hope that you have a pharmacy technician license.
Pharmacy Tech (this position requires a license)
§1793.2. Duties of a Pharmacy Technician. [Effective October 22, 2004]
Nondiscretionary tasks as used in Business and Professions Code section 4115, include:
(a) removing the drug or drugs from stock;
(b) counting, pouring, or mixing pharmaceuticals;
(c) placing the product into a container;
(d) affixing the label or labels to the container;
(e) packaging and repackaging.
4115. (f) A pharmacist shall indicate verification of the prescription by initialing the prescription label before the medication is provided to the patient, or by engaging in other verification procedures that are specifically approved by board regulations.
Pharmacy Intern (this position requires a license)
4114. (a) An intern pharmacist may perform all functions of a pharmacist at the discretion of and under the supervision of a pharmacist whose license is in good standing with the board.
Pharmacy Clerk (this position requires no license)
1793.3. Other Non-Licensed Pharmacy Personnel.
(a) In addition to employing a pharmacy technician to perform the tasks specified in section 1793.2, a pharmacy may employ a non-licensed person to type a prescription label or otherwise enter prescription information into a computer record system, but the responsibility for the accuracy of the prescription information and the prescription as dispensed lies with the registered pharmacist who initials the prescription or prescription record. At the direction of the registered pharmacist, a non-licensed person may also request and receive refill authorization.
So, to answer kevintech - With your job description, I would hope that you have a pharmacy technician license.
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Wow ILovePharmacy, thxs for all the help man! I greatly appreciate it!
Do you think its fine to be a clerk as i don't have time/money to train for a tech license?
and do clerks need prior experience/tranining?
Do you think its fine to be a clerk as i don't have time/money to train for a tech license?
and do clerks need prior experience/tranining?
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kingroger317 said:
In my opinion, I think its fine to be a pharmacy clerk - at least you are showing interest in the profession and you are gaining exposure. You don't need any training or prior experience to be a pharmacy clerk, but it depends on where you are looking. Some managers may prefer you to be somewhat fluent in a particular language, or they may be looking for someone who has worked in another pharmacy before. But most pharmacy clerks I know have had no prior work experience.
