Pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies and assist licensed pharmacists with their daily tasks. Some of their main duties include assisting customers with questions about their prescriptions and over-the-counter medicine, performing daily administrative duties, and preparing prescription medications for customers.

Depending on the laws of the state in which the pharmacy is located, there are different rules that pharmacy technicians must follow with regard to filling prescriptions. Some pharmacy technicians are allowed to receive basic prescriptions electronically from doctors' offices, while other may be able to process these prescriptions on their own. All prescriptions must first be verified by the pharmacist. After that, the prescription must be prepared for the customer by weighing the medication and confirming the dosage. Once the prescription has been filled, they must price it, and put a label on the front.

Pharmacy technicians can also work in establishments such as drug stores, grocery stores, nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities. Their daily roles differ depending on their location. Some extra work such as updating medical records and profiles may also be required at these facilities.

Pharmacy techs work in very clean, well-lit environments to enable them to clearly see what they are doing. Most of their work is done standing on their feet rather than sitting in an office. Pharmacy technicians typically have the option of working full time, but most only work part time. The shifts that they work may include nights, weekends, or holidays.

Career Specializations

In the field of pharmacy technicians, there are not any career specializations. In general, individuals working in this field have the same responsibilities, regardless of where they are located or the type of establishment in which they are working. In some case, individuals may have more administrative responsibilities than direct work with prescriptions and customers.

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Degree Levels

• Certificate: 6 months-2 years to complete
• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete

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Education and Certification Requirements

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there is no national training standard for pharmacy technicians. However, pharmacies do favor hiring people who have achieved their formal education, which is offered through many different schools both online and on traditional campuses. These programs must be achieved through an accredited university or program and typically takes an average of six months to two years for students to complete. There is also on-the-job training that some students may have the opportunity to take part in.

In most states, pharmacy technicians do not need to become certified in order to pursue this career, but they must be registered through the state board of pharmacy for the state in which they live. This can be achieved by holding at least a high school diploma (or the equivalent GED) and paying an application fee. There is no exam required at this point.

There are number of voluntary certifications that pharmacy technicians can achieve, which prove to future employers that they have mastered their pharmaceutical skills. These can be achieved through many different organizations, but some examples include The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT). In order to maintain certification, pharmacy techs must apply for recertification every two years. (BLS)

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Salary Information

There is only one type of degree level for pharmacy technicians, but there are ways to advance a career, such as gaining more experience and staying with one company for a long period of time. Upon graduation from a pharmacy technician program, the average yearly salary is approximately $19,000. With additional experience, the yearly salary can increase to approximately $40,000. (BLS)

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Job Outlook

According to the United States Department of Labor, employment in the pharmacy technician industry is expected to move at a rapid pace, so job opportunities at this time are very good. The industry as a whole is predicted to increase an additional 31 percent throughout the 2008-2018 decade, which is significantly faster than most other occupations. Individuals who have certification, experience, and formal education will have the best chance at obtaining high-paying jobs. (BLS)

The significant increase in job growth is due to the increasing number of middle-aged and elderly people who require more prescriptions as they get older. There are also many scientific methods that have lead to the creation of new drugs, opening up more jobs in this industry. In addition, due to the current state of the insurance industry, many cost-conscious insurance companies are turning to pharmacies and using them as patient care centers. (BLS)

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Related Careers

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