What is a Pharmacy Technician and Surgical Technician?

Pharmacy Technician:

A pharmacy technician is responsible for assisting pharmacists in dispensing medications to patients. They work in various settings, such as hospitals, retail pharmacies, and long-term care facilities. Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive the correct medications and dosages. Their duties include:

• Counting and packaging medications
• Labeling prescriptions
• Managing inventory and ordering supplies
• Processing insurance claims
• Communicating with healthcare professionals and patients

Surgical Technician:

A surgical technician, also known as a surgical technologist, works in the operating room alongside surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Their primary role is to assist during surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room is prepared and sterile. Surgical technicians are responsible for:

• Preparing the operating room and sterilizing surgical instruments
• Assisting with patient positioning and draping
• Handing instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures
• Maintaining a sterile environment during surgery
• Monitoring patients' vital signs during surgery

Difference between a Pharmacy Technician and Surgical Technician

While both pharmacy technicians and surgical technicians work in the healthcare industry, there are significant differences between these two professions. Here are some key distinctions:

• Work Environment: Pharmacy technicians typically work in pharmacies, hospitals, or other healthcare facilities where medications are dispensed. Surgical technicians, on the other hand, work exclusively in operating rooms.
• Patient Interaction: Pharmacy technicians have more direct patient interaction compared to surgical technicians. They may answer questions about medications, provide medication counseling, and process insurance claims. Surgical technicians primarily interact with patients before and after surgery, but their main focus is on assisting during surgical procedures.
• Scope of Practice: Pharmacy technicians are responsible for medication-related tasks, such as dispensing and packaging medications. Surgical technicians are involved in surgical procedures, assisting surgeons and other healthcare professionals.
• Job Duties: While both professions require attention to detail and accuracy, pharmacy technicians focus on medication management, inventory control, and customer service. Surgical technicians, on the other hand, focus on surgical procedures, ensuring the operating room is sterile, and assisting surgeons during surgery.

Pharmacy Technician vs Surgical Technician: Job Description

Pharmacy Technician:

Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare system by ensuring that patients receive the correct medications. Their job duties may include:

• Receiving and verifying prescriptions
• Counting and packaging medications
• Labeling prescriptions accurately
• Managing inventory and ordering supplies
• Processing insurance claims
• Providing excellent customer service
• Answering patient questions about medications

Surgical Technician:

Surgical technicians are essential members of the surgical team, working alongside surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists. Their job duties include:

• Preparing the operating room for surgery
• Sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment
• Assisting with patient positioning and draping
• Handing instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures
• Maintaining a sterile environment during surgery
• Monitoring patients' vital signs during surgery

Pharmacy Technician vs Surgical Technician: Education and Training

Pharmacy Technician:

To become a pharmacy technician, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. While formal education is not always required, many employers prefer candidates with postsecondary pharmacy technician training programs. These programs can be completed in as little as six months and provide a comprehensive understanding of pharmacy operations, medication management, and customer service skills. Some states may also require pharmacy technicians to be certified, which involves passing an exam.

Surgical Technician:

Becoming a surgical technician usually requires completing a postsecondary surgical technology program. These programs are often offered by community colleges or vocational schools and can take anywhere from nine months to two years to complete. Surgical technology programs include classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Upon completion, graduates may need to pass a certification exam to become Certified Surgical Technologists (CST).