Pharmacy Technicians: Training and Certification

The lifespan of human beings in the United States increased significantly in the 20th century and beyond; people live on average about 20 years longer than they did when the 20th century began. This rise in longevity can be attributed to several factors, including new discoveries in medical and pharmaceutical sciences. The field of medicine has expanded, and new and better drugs have been discovered and manufactured. Concurrently in the United States, the control and regulation of pharmaceuticals has also increased. Many drugs require a prescription, meaning that if a patient receives the medicine, a licensed medical doctor must prescribe the medication for the patient’s use. Patients typically receive their prescription drugs from a professional known as a pharmacist.

[Page 1117]Pharmacists often receive help from assistants, ...