Pharmacy Technician Job Description Sample

Pharmacy technicians work with pharmacists and healthcare providers in preparing and issuing prescription medications. They take prescriptions, give instructions on medicines and also help in receiving payments from customers. Acting as a bridge between common people and pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians play a key role in ensuring that the pharmacy can run to its full potential.

What are the primary responsibilities of a Pharmacy Technician?

• Greeting patients and answering questions in person and by phone
• Referring inquiries to the pharmacologist
• Checking pharmaceutical stock and monitoring inventory
• Anticipating needed medications and placing orders
• Eliminating outdated drugs
• Checking validity of prescriptions
• Maintaining safety and cleanliness of pharmacy using sterilization techniques
• Following procedures, protocols and regulations to prevent infection
• Maintaining database of doctors’ orders and prescriptions
• Ensuring availability and delivery of medications to patients
• Preparing reports by collecting and summarizing information
• Carrying out administrative tasks when required
• Abiding by quality standards and security measures
• Storing and organizing intravenous solutions

How much can a Pharmacy Technician earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly pay for pharmacy techs is $13.65 or $28,400 annually.

What are the education and entry requirements for Pharmacy Technician?

You are expected to have at least a high school diploma and will have to clear a pharmacy technician course or pharmacy technician certification at an accredited college or online program. Most of the skills are gained on the job. Completing associate degree or specialized courses in pharmacy technology helps you get ahead of the competition.

What are the skills and qualities required to become a successful Pharmacy Technician?

• Customer focus (You will be interacting with customers and healthcare professionals on a daily basis)
• Strong communication skills (you have to be a good listener)
• Detail-oriented (You are expected to pay close attention to prescriptions, as any error can cause major health problems)
• Organizational skills (to be able to handle various responsibilities)
• Proven experience in the pharmacy business
• Knowledge of online prescription systems
• Experience with dosage measurement
• Knowledge of pharmacy laws
• Acquaintance with medical terminology
• Completion of a pharmacy technician course or certification
• Supply Management
• Integrity
• Reporting Skills
• Focus on quality
• Analytical skills 

Pros of being a Pharmacy Technician

• You are free to work in countless different locations and settings, ranging from small pharmacies and clinics to pharmaceutical companies and large hospitals.
• Job satisfaction (You know you are making a difference by helping others)
• You don’t need advanced degrees
• Lots of opportunities for professional growth

Cons of being a Pharmacy Technician

• You may have to deal with impolite and crazy customers at times
• You are expected to stand on your feet most of the time
• Poor salary
• High job stress
• Dealing with big-headed pharmacists
• Insurance company issues
• Routine nature of work

Work environment and career outlook

Pharmacy technicians work in hygienic, well maintained areas. They are expected to work standing most of the day and may have to do some heavy lifting to get supplies from distantly located shelves. Working long hours or in shifts is common. The future looks good for Pharmacy technicians. Pharmacy tech jobs are expected to have better growth compared to the average for other jobs, at around 32%. The employment of these professionals is expected to increase by 9% from 2014 to 2024 (Source: Bureau of Labor and Statistics). Pharmacy technicians working for large healthcare or pharmaceutical firms can advance into supervisory roles after gaining adequate experience.