In the state of New York, there are no requirements or regulations to work as a Pharmacy Assistant, or as a Pharmacy Technician. However, this may vary depending on your employer, and the duties they wish for you to perform. It is more demanding to work in a hospital or nursing home setting than at a retail pharmacy, so employers may have strict regulations for you to follow, including on the job training, formal education, and passing of certification exams.
The Pharmacy Assistant is able to help the pharmacist manage the pharmacy. A Pharmacy Assistant duties and responsibilities in New York will revolve around clerical, administrative, and customer service duties. This may include greeting all customers, answering and fielding phone calls, pulling already filled prescriptions to ring up for customers, and general customer service. All of this can be conducted without certification.
The interested individual may contact the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians for more information on certification and licensing. Generally, the individual will study pharmacy technology which includes basic math and algebra skills, mastering the English language, HIPPA regulations, pharmacy law and ethics, and compliance with the various drug related state and federal agencies. Certain training is required to be HIPPA compliant, or otherwise.
An individual who wishes to begin their career in pharmacy within the state of New York may want to consider becoming a Pharmacy Intern. This is the next step a student may take when deciding to become a Pharmacist. This position requires intensive educational and formal training, and must meet and adhere to federal pharmacy regulations as well.
Contacts
New York Office of Professions
Lawrence H. Mokhiber, Executive Secretary
Email: pharmbd@mail.nysed.gov
Phone: 518-474-3817, ext. 130
Fax: 518-473-6995
