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Pharmacy Technicians

Overview

Pharmacy technicians work alongside pharmacists to help people get their medications safely and accurately. You'll measure and package prescriptions, manage inventory using computer systems, and provide customer service by processing payments and insurance claims. This role combines healthcare knowledge with technology skills and offers great opportunities for those interested in medicine but wanting to enter the workforce quickly. Many pharmacy technicians work in retail pharmacies or hospitals, collaborating with healthcare teams to ensure patients receive the right medications.
Pharmacy Technicians

Did you know?

Most states require pharmacy technicians to obtain certification through programs like PTCB or ExCPT, with specific licensing requirements varying by state.

At a Glance

Median Wage

$42,874.51 Avg/yr

Growth

Fast Growing

Top Skill

Management of Financial Resources

Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare and process medical insurance claim forms and records.
  • Supply and monitor robotic machines that dispense medicine into containers and label the containers.
  • Establish or maintain patient profiles, including lists of medications taken by individual patients.
  • Maintain and merchandise home healthcare products or services.
  • Answer telephones, responding to questions or requests.
  • Prepack bulk medicines, fill bottles with prescribed medications, and type and affix labels.
  • Compute charges for medication or equipment dispensed to hospital patients and enter data in computer.
  • Receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate.
  • Transfer medication from vials to the appropriate number of sterile, disposable syringes, using aseptic techniques.
  • Order, label, and count stock of medications, chemicals, or supplies and enter inventory data into computer.
  • Restock intravenous (IV) supplies and add measured drugs or nutrients to IV solutions under sterile conditions to prepare IV packs for various uses, such as chemotherapy medication.
  • Mix pharmaceutical preparations, according to written prescriptions.
  • Assist customers by answering simple questions, locating items, or referring them to the pharmacist for medication information.
  • Receive and store incoming supplies, verify quantities against invoices, check for outdated medications in current inventory, and inform supervisors of stock needs and shortages.
  • Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs.
  • Enter prescription information into computer databases.
  • Price stock and mark items for sale.
  • Price and file prescriptions that have been filled.
  • Operate cash registers to accept payment from customers.
  • Clean and help maintain equipment or work areas and sterilize glassware, according to prescribed methods.
  • Deliver medications or pharmaceutical supplies to patients, nursing stations, or surgery.

Career Considerations

State Certification Requirements

Most states require pharmacy technicians to obtain certification through programs like PTCB or ExCPT, with specific licensing requirements varying by state.

Strong Job Growth Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4% job growth for pharmacy technicians from 2022-2032, driven by an aging population and increased prescription medication needs.

Accessible Entry-Level Position

Most positions require only a high school diploma plus on-the-job training or completion of a pharmacy technician program, making it an accessible healthcare career path.

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BETA
New York

25 Kent Ave, Suite 401
Brooklyn, NY
11249


North Carolina

204 N Person
Street. Raleigh, NC
27601

Australia

Level 4/80
Wentworth Ave,
Surry Hills,
Sydney, 2010