Overview

It is the primary responsibility of the pharmacy technician to assist the licensed pharmacist in providing medications and related health care items to patients. The actual job description of the pharmacy technician may vary dependent on whether their employment is hospital or retail based. In general, the technician will perform routine medication related tasks such as verifying prescriptions, counting pills, and labeling bottles under the direction of a licensed pharmacist. They also may perform administrative tasks such as stocking shelves, answering phones, and preparing insurance forms. As the pharmacy technician must work with both patients and other medical professionals strong communication / customer service skills are a plus.

Training

A great many pharmacy technicians receive informal on-the-job training. Most employers, however, tend to prefer those with some degree of formal training and/or certification. Formal education is offered by some community colleges, vocational / technical schools, the military, and some proprietary schools. Certification as a pharmacy technician is voluntary in most states, however may be a requirement of some employers. The two organizations offering national certification exams are the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians. With both programs it is necessary for the technician to be recertified every 2 years.

Job Prospects

The majority of pharmacy technicians (71% in 2006) find employment in retail pharmacies. They may be either independently owned or part of a drugstore chain, department store, or grocery chain. Hospitals comprise the next largest employer of pharmacy technicians. A much smaller number work in mail order / internet pharmacies, physician offices, and the federal government. Employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to increase at a much faster than average rate through the year 2016 and job opportunities are anticipated to be very good.

Related Reference Materials

Delmar's Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Review
Mosby's Pharmacy Technician: Principles and Practice
Comprehensive Exam Review for the Pharmacy Technician