What Is a Compounder and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A compounder works to mix or otherwise combine ingredients to create substances based on a preset formula. Your duties include sourcing materials, weighing each element, batching correctly, and ensuring the proper ratios in the final product. A compounder can work in a variety of industries, but this job is usually associated with the pharmaceutical or chemical industry. In this field, you work to combine chemicals and ingredients to create medications. Compounders can also work for perfume companies, food companies, or producers of chemical-based household products.

The qualifications you need to become a compounder depend on the industry in which you work. Regardless of the industry, you need skills such as an eye for detail and the ability to make precise measurements. In manufacturing positions, you need a high school diploma and, oftentimes, previous experience working in manufacturing. Math skills are always crucial for compounders. If your responsibilities include working with hazardous materials or chemicals, you may need to undergo safety training or certification. In a pharmacy, a compounder is a licensed pharmacist who may be assisted by a compounding pharmacy technician.

A pharmacist can provide medication to patients based on a doctor’s prescription. Pharmacists generally know about drug interactions and side effects, and they can answer a patient’s questions and offer advice about how to take the prescribed medication. A compounder can create customized medicines based on your weight, height, or medical needs. In this job, you must also be able to change the delivery method for a medication. You can create a cream, ointment, capsule, or tablet based on your prescription from your doctor. Compounders create these medications using available formulas, but do not prescribe medication.