Watkins recognized

HealthCare Plus, of Polson, is pleased to announce that Michael Watkins has earned the designation of "Certified Pharmacy Technician" from the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians.

This is a significant accomplishment that requires a substantial amount of preparation and passing a national exam known as the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians, said Dr. Rebecca Rabbitt, CEO of the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians. National Certification through the ExCPT, as the exam is known, indicates pharmacy technicians are proficient in the knowledge and skills needed to assist pharmacists to safely, accurately and efficiently prepare and dispense prescriptions. Michael is employed by HealthCare Plus in Polson.

Pharmacy Technicians perform pharmacy-related functions, under supervision and direction of pharmacists, in compliance with department policies and procedures.

Specific duties of the technician are often regulated by the state but they include verifying information on the prescription is complete, prepare the prescription which can include medications, labeling prescriptions, managing inventory, and processing insurance claims.

The job outlook for pharmacy technicians, as outlined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is expected to grow faster than the average due to increased use of prescription medications. Certified technicians are expected to have very good job prospects.

-Courtesy of Barbara Grinde