Pharmacy technicians can either work in retail or mail-order pharmacies, in which will involve different duties and responsibilities, depending on the state they are in and the regulations that apply. When they are sent prescriptions from the doctor’s office, they must review the prescription for completeness and accuracy before preparing it. They will then prepare the prescription by acquiring the particular medication, preparing exact measurements and dosages of the medicine and may also mix them. Pharmacy tech may be required to perform supplementary tasks when working in a hospital or nursing home; tasks can include assessment of patient records as well as medicine preparation. The prescription will now undergo verification by the pharmacist, and afterwards will require delivery and administration by the technician. They will also make sure that all important details about it are recorded. They can even be required to ensure a constant supply of medicine for patients 24-7. A great thing about being a pharmacy technician is that you are working in a safe, well-organized and clean environment with efficient ventilation and lighting. A pharmacy technician’s work involves physical and mental tasks, and one must be in excellent health for this matter. They will generally work in identical hours with a pharmacist; include working on nightly shifts, even on weekends and holidays, particularly on hospitals and other facilities which are open on a 24-hour period. Majority of pharmacy technicians receive on-the-job training, but can also undergo formal pharmacy technician training at a licensed pharmacy tech school although technicians that undergo formal training are more preferred by employers. In the US, there are presently little or no Federal laws regarding pharmacy technicians being required to undergo formal training or receive certification before working. As with regular education programs, formal pharmacy technician training will require classroom and laboratory hours and be educated properly about pharmaceutical and medical terms, as well as its recording, calculations, techniques, laws and ethics. It is also paramount that they have a good understanding of medicine names, its attributes and safe dosage. The program will also have internships, which can provide students with vital experience and exposure in the field. After going through the training, a diploma, certificate or associate’s degree can be granted by the pharmacy tech school to a student, whichever is appropriate. In order to perform well in the pharmaceutical technology industry, a technician must have sound customer service and teamwork skills since they will be interacting with patients, professionals and co-workers a lot. They will also need strong reading, spelling and mathematical skills which they will need regularly in their work. A good pharmacy technician is keen with details, can work independently, responsible, organized, alert and dedicated in his work. Another very important characteristic of a pharmacy technician is being precise in his actions since the work involves health and lives of human beings and can’t afford being reckless as there can be life and death situations he may be involved in.