A Pharmacy Technician works under a licensed pharmacist to process prescriptions, dispense medication, and provide information to customers. A Pharm Tech enters prescription data using a computer system. They may need to contact a doctor’s office to clarify prescription information, answer incoming phone calls and field questions from patients. They also assist the pharmacist with medication inventory and placing medication orders.
Prerequisites: Must complete a math test
Skills required:
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Superior customer service skills
- Proficient in math
- Must have ability to multitask
- Must be detail-oriented – there is little room for error in this position
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment in a demanding job
- Must be flexible with working hours – this is not a 9 to 5 job
Employers: Pharmacy technicians work primarily in pharmacies, including those found in grocery and drug stores, and in hospitals.
Education: Curriculum includes legal and ethical considerations, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, metric system, drug calculation, adult and pediatric common drugs and drug interactions, storage and disposal. Students are eligible to sit for the national certification examination offered by PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board).
Job Outlook: Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. Increased demand for prescription medications will lead to more demand for pharmaceutical services.
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