Have you been wondering about the difference between a pharmacy technician vs pharmacy assistant? Or are you a pharmacy technician who hears people say “pharmacy assistant” and wonders what that role really means? Worry no more... in this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about both positions and how they vary across countries.
Grab a chilled glass of water and relax as I take you through the journey.
Pharmacy Technician vs Pharmacy Assistant
Actually, there is no significant difference between a pharmacy technician and pharmacy assistant.
Both a pharmacy technician and a pharmacy assistant perform the same function. It's the same job, it's just called a technician or an assistant by people in different countries.
A pharmacy technician or assistant, is someone who works alongside, helps, and assists the pharmacist in compounding, preparing, labeling, and safely dispensing prescription orders, among other responsibilities (because we all know, a Pharm Tech's job is never done). They must work under the supervision of a pharmacist at all times.
The country you live in or work in will determine whether you will be referred to as a pharmacy technician or a pharmacy assistant. Pharmacy technician or pharmacy assistant are just different titles used for the same job in certain countries. In African countries, the title "pharmacist assistant" is commonly used, which we will explore below.
Now, let's look at some countries and the titles they use most often.
The United States of America
In the United States, the title "pharmacy technician" is used. In addition to that, one could obtain the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) once they have taken and passed the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) test. However, once this is acquired, the completion of 20 CEUs (Continuing Education Credits) is required every 2 years for recertification.
For FREE CEU's go to Free CEU | Pharm Techs Only!
Some states within the United States require a Pharmacy Technician to be certified to work and others do not. Some states also require a PT to be registered, which consists of filling out paperwork with the state board, passing a background check and paying a fee.
Canada
Canada uses the titles Pharmacy Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPhT). In Canada, a Pharmacy Assistant is an entry-level position in a pharmacy environment, whereas a Pharmacy Technician requires a more vigorous course outline in an accredited program. Once a PT graduates, they can start to take the steps to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician. This includes the passing of comprehensive national exams, among other requirements.
For a list of Pharmacy Technician Schools in Canada, go to Canada Schools | Pharm Techs Only!
South Africa
In South Africa, a different system is used with multiple stages that must be completed to get to the next experience level/title. South Africa uses the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The NQF is a set of principles and guidelines which allows for national recognition of the learner’s skills and knowledge in a particular area. Records of their achievements are kept to ensure and encourage further learning.
NQF Level 3 consists of requirements for a Pharmacist Assistant Learner and a Pharmacist Assistant Basic position, NQF Level 4 consists of requirements for a Pharmacist Assistant Post-Basic Position, while NQF Level 6 is required for a Diploma in Pharmacy Technician Support.
For more info and a list of schools, go to South Africa Schools | Pharm Techs Only!
Wrapping up!
Whichever country you live or work in, and whatever your country calls your position, we all know the amount of work and dedication we put into our jobs and our customers daily... and THAT makes us all the same!
Sometimes, some will say the pharmacy assistant is mainly involved in administrative functions, like answering the phone call, greeting the customer, and stocking shelves. But WE all know the pharmacy technician assists the pharmacist in technical functions like filling prescriptions, measuring and mixing medications, dealing with billing issues and ordering medications, just to name a few.
However, the fact remains that all these functions can be performed by a technician or an assistant, which makes it the same profession, just a different title.
So, no matter what title is utilized in your country, or the duties assigned, a pharmacy technician and a pharmacy assistant remain the same profession.
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