WHAT DO PHARMACY TECHNICIANS DO?

Take one of these jobs and call me in the morning. Pharmacy technicians work with pharmacists to help prepare and give out prescription medication. Working in pharmacies and hospitals, pharmacy techs do a lot behind the counter. They take prescriptions over the phone and in person, work with health professionals and customers, help mix medicines, count pills, measure medication, label and give instructions for medicine, and help take payments. Pharmacy techs are the liaison between the public and pharmacists, helping set up consultations and recommendations.

WHAT ARE THE EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS?

You must at least have a high school diploma or GED. Depending on the state you work in, you might have to pass an exam or take a training class. Most of your training will be done on-the-job.

There are associate degree or vocational courses in pharmacy technology you can take that will help you get ahead of the competition.

JOB SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Customer Service Skills: Every day, you will be talking to customers and healthcare professionals, answering questions and relaying information to pharmacists. You will need to be a good listener and speak to customers in a pleasant and cheerful way.
• Attention to Detail: Filling a prescription wrong can cause major illness. Pharmacy techs need to make sure they pay close attention to what they are doing, so that customers stay safe.
• Organization: You have many responsibilities, and a good pharmacy tech should be able to balance their duties to pharmacists and customers.

THE FUTURE OF PHARMACY TECHNICIANS

The future looks good! the BLS states that pharmacy tech jobs are expected to grow much more rapidly than the average for other jobs, at around 32%.