A pharmacy technician has the knowledge and skills to perform many pharmacy-related functions while working under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
A pharmacy technician will refer questions regarding drug information, prescriptions or health concerns to the pharmacist.
Pharmacy technicians have a wide range of employment opportunities in different settings, some of which include:
Community or privately owned pharmacies
Hospitals
Home health care agencies
Nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities
Assisted living centers
Military service
Pharmacies that provide mail-order service
Managed health care companies
Educational programs
A Pharmacy Technician has many duties to fulfill throughout a day. They are responsible for filling prescriptions and interacting with patients-- answering questions they might know and seeking answers for those questions they don't.
In order to fill a prescription request, they might count, measure, weigh, pour or mix the medication for Pharmacist verification and approval.
The pharmacy tech must then prepare the medication in a container and attach a clear label with instructions.
Other duties pharmacy technicians are, but not limited to:
Completing insurance claim forms
Stocking inventory
Maintaining patient profiles.
Consulting patients on medication questions or side-effects
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Reading Comprehension |
Must be able to understand written documents, prescriptions, and labels to ensure patient safety. |
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Active Listening |
Listen to and understand what people say and how it pertains to your abilities and duties. |
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Communication |
Must be able to convey information effectively and interact with people. Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
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Critical Thinking |
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. |
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Service-Oriented |
Wants to help and engage with people. Helps to be extroverted. |
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Perception |
Know why people act the way they do and be able to distinguish red-flag behavior. |
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Coordination |
Must be able to coordinate your actions with your boss and coworkers. |
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Complex Problem Solving |
Identify complex problems and use your knowledge and on-hand information to evaluate options and solutions. |
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Judgment and Decision Making |
Must be able to make decisions and exist with some autonomy so you can take appropriate action and complete tasks. |
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Resource Management |
Must be able to effectively manage time and supplies so as to complete tasks in an timely manner and to save money |
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Endurance |
Must stand for long hours and work many days, including weekends. Constantly moving and interacting with people. |
Working conditions for pharmacy technicians are generally areas that are clean, well-lit, well-ventilated and organized.
Pharmacy techs may be required to do some heavy lifting or to use stepladders to retrieve supplies from tall shelves. Most of the workday is usually spent on their feet.
Pharmacy technicians work the same hours as the pharmacists under which they work, including evenings, nights and sometimes weekends and holidays.
Some hospital pharmacies, as well as retail pharmacies, are now open 24 hours a day, requiring technicians to work various shifts.
With experience and increased seniority, technicians may have some degree of increased control over their assigned working hours. Both retail and hospital settings offer opportunities for part-time work.
| Estimated Annual Salary | Average Hourly Wage | Positions Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| $31,090.00 | $14.95 | 373,000 |