Pharmacy technicians spend much of their time interacting with customers.
Pharmacy technicians typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and learn their duties through on-the-job training, or they may complete a postsecondary education program in pharmacy technology. Most states regulate pharmacy technicians, which is a process that may require passing an exam or completing a formal education or training program.
Education and Training
Pharmacy technicians usually need at least a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the occupation. Some workers learn their duties through on-the-job training. Training periods vary in length but typically last less than 1 year. During this time, pharmacy technicians learn how to safely perform the tasks required of the job, often while working alongside more experienced technicians.
Other pharmacy technicians enter the occupation after completing postsecondary education programs in pharmacy technology. These programs are usually offered by vocational schools or community colleges. Many programs award a certificate after 1 year or less, although some programs last longer and lead to an associate’s degree. They cover a variety of subjects, such as arithmetic used in pharmacies, recordkeeping, ways of dispensing medications, and pharmacy law and ethics. Technicians also learn the names, uses, and doses of medications. Most programs also include clinical experience opportunities, in which students gain hands-on experience in a pharmacy.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Most states regulate pharmacy technicians in some way. Information on state licensing board requirements is available from CareerOneStop.
Requirements for pharmacy technicians in the states that regulate them typically include some or all of the following:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Formal education or training program
- Exam
- Fees
- Continuing education
- Criminal background check
- Minimum age requirement
Some states and employers require pharmacy technicians to be certified. Even where it is not required, certification may make it easier to get a job. Employers of pharmacy technicians may pay for employees to take the certification exam. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page.
Communication skills. Pharmacy technicians must communicate clearly with pharmacists and doctors when taking prescription orders. When speaking with customers, technicians must listen carefully to understand customers’ needs and determine if they need to speak with a pharmacist.
Customer-service skills. Pharmacy technicians spend much of their time interacting with customers, so it is important for them to be helpful and polite.
Detail oriented. Serious health problems can result from mistakes in filling prescriptions. Although the pharmacist is responsible for ensuring the safety of all medications dispensed, pharmacy technicians should pay attention to detail so that complications are avoided.
Interpersonal skills. Pharmacy technicians should be empathetic and understanding when dealing with patients who may be sick or in pain. They also must work well with other pharmacy staff and healthcare providers.
Math skills. Pharmacy technicians need to understand the math concepts used in pharmacies, including calculating dosages or compounding medications.
Organizational skills. Working as a pharmacy technician involves balancing a variety of responsibilities. Pharmacy technicians need good organizational skills to complete the work delegated by pharmacists while at the same time providing service to customers or patients.
Advancement
With additional training and experience, pharmacy technicians can advance to specialized roles. These may include working as a sterile compounding technician to prepare injectable medications in a clean room environment, as a nuclear pharmacy technician to handle radioactive materials for medical imaging, or as a medication history technician to collect and verify patient medication information.
Some experienced technicians become trainers for new staff or take on supervisory responsibilities in pharmacy operations.
United States Department of Labor
