A Day in the Life

I was working as an engineer in the early 2000s when I lost my job. Losing my job was difficult because I was so focused on my career. I started working as a medical records clerk at a hospital when I made friends with some of the pharmacy technicians. Learning about their jobs in the pharmacy got me to consider doing something totally different. I was even more excited when they told me how much money they made. I decided to enroll in an eight-month training program.

Now, I work as a pharmacy technician and medical biller at a pharmacy serving hospitals and long-term care facilities, like convalescent homes. I dispense prescriptions and intravenous (IV) medications for patients. I also mix liquid food supplements for patients who cannot eat solid food.

What I enjoy most is that I learn something new every day. Being a pharmacy tech has also taught me a lot about health insurance companies and how to file claims. I have learned about Medicare and Medi-Cal, and how to help patients apply for them.

Being a pharmacy tech can definitely be hard work. The amount of paperwork and responsibility is challenging. I make sure to pay close attention because mistakes can mean delayed or, worse, wrong medications which can harm the patient. At the end of the day, it feels great going home knowing that I helped my patients. It also feels good to know that I handle my responsibilities well.

The most important step I took was talking to the pharmacy technicians who inspired me to follow this career path. The best way to have your questions answered is to talk to someone already in the field. And once you are in the field, there are plenty of ways to move up.