Pharmacy Technician Job Description

A pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist to provide services related to medications and health care products. They are responsible for preparing and dispensing prescriptions, providing customer service to patients, and ensuring accurate record keeping.

• Maintaining patient records and filing prescriptions
• Preparing and labeling medications
• Answering customer inquiries and providing advice on over-the-counter medications
• Counting, pouring, weighing, and measuring medications
• Verifying prescription information and dosage instructions
• Processing insurance claims and payments
• Restocking shelves and maintaining inventory
• Assisting pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications
• Maintaining a clean and organized work environment
• Adhering to safety and security protocols

• Attention to Detail: Pharmacy technicians must be able to accurately measure, weigh, count, and pour medications. They must also be able to accurately read and interpret prescriptions.
• Interpersonal Skills: Pharmacy technicians must be able to effectively communicate with patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.
• Organizational Skills: Pharmacy technicians must be able to keep track of medications, supplies, and other items in the pharmacy.
• Computer Skills: Pharmacy technicians must be able to use computers to enter data, access information, and process orders.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Pharmacy technicians must be able to identify and troubleshoot problems that may arise in the pharmacy.
• Knowledge of Pharmaceuticals: Pharmacy technicians must have a thorough understanding of medications and their effects on the body.
• Integrity: Pharmacy technicians must be honest and trustworthy in order to ensure the safety of patients.

A pharmacy technician's day-to-day duties vary depending on the particular setting in which they work. Generally, technicians work alongside pharmacists to help to stock, assemble, mix and dispense medications. They may enter customer and prescription data into a pharmacy computer system, process insurance payments, count tablets and capsules, and package, label, and prepare medications entrusted to them by the pharmacist. Technicians may also deliver medication orders to bedsides and deliver medications to external dispensing sites such as mobile clinics. In hospital settings, technicians provide support in the quality assurance of medications, under the supervision of a pharmacist. Additionally, technicians will often provide customer service by answering questions about prescriptions and discussing any specific formulary information that may be relevant to each particular patient.

Assuming that the potential pharmacy technician has experience in other roles, it is possible to find a way to translate that experience into a successful career in pharmacy. Many of the skills and knowledge that are gained from other industries can easily transfer over to a career in pharmacy, such as customer service, problem-solving, attention to detail, and working in a fast-paced environment. Below are five job titles that are compatible with pharmacy technician work:

• Retail Associate
• Cashier
• Medical Receptionist
• Medical or Healthcare Administrator
• Medical Records Clerk
• Data Entry Clerk
• Quality Assurance Technician
• Pharmacy Clerk
• Medical Biller/Coder
• Clinical Research Associate