Karen Graham
With the expanded role of the Pharmacist came a new pharmaceutical support position called the Pharmacy Technician, a designation regulated by the Ontario College of Pharmacists. Staff in these positions provide technical assistance to the Pharmacists under their direct supervision by collecting patient medical history to help identify possible medication interactions, and assist in the preparation, distribution and inventory control of pharmaceutical products. They are authorized to accept prescription orders from physicians over the phone and check them as they go out, and are also involved in health promotion and education including medical device training.
Pharmacy Technician student Jennifer Dowdle. Photo: Karen Graham.
After completing an educational program such as the Pharmacy Technician program at Fleming College, graduates have to pass a national qualifying exam in order to qualify for the Pharmacy Technician designation.
Jennifer Dowdle of Fraserville is currently in the second year of this program and works part time in the IDA pharmacy in Millbrook. Despite her young age, this was not her first educational path she completed, but after the arrival of her daughter, the shift work required in her previous career choice became unworkable. After narrowing her choices down to the paralegal profession or pharmacy Technician, she approached Steve Suszko in Millbrook for advice. Because the designation was new, there seemed to be more opportunity in this area so Dowdle began the two year program last fall…
