Have you ever wondered what happens after a doctor writes you a prescription and before you go to pick it up at your local pharmacy? In that short period of time, an experienced and skilled pharmacy technician is hard at work preparing and checking your medication for accuracy to ensure that you receive exactly what the doctor ordered and in the proper dosage.
Working as a pharmacy technician can be very rewarding, especially for those interested in working in the healthcare field and making a real difference in the lives of others. With a better understanding of what pharmacy technicians do on a daily basis and how to become a pharmacy technician, you can decide whether this career path may be right for you.
A Closer Look at the Role of Pharmacy Technicians
So, what is a pharmacy technician, and what do these professionals do daily? While no two days in this job are exactly the same (and specific duties can vary from one employer to the next), all pharmacy technicians are responsible for the safe and accurate preparation and dispensing of prescription medications. Pharmacy technicians work in partnership with licensed pharmacists, helping ensure prescription medications are prepared and dispensed safely. Most are employed in community pharmacies—whether stand‑alone or inside grocery and retail stores—but technicians also support inpatient hospital, long‑term‑care, and mail‑order operations. Regardless of setting, they follow established protocols and rely on a pharmacist’s final verification before any medication reaches a patient.
Key Responsibilities and Daily Activities
What does the pharmacy technician do on a daily basis? Common duties and responsibilities in this role include:
- Collecting prescription information from doctors or other health professionals.
- Entering patent information into pharmacy computer systems.
- Measuring, dosing, and filling prescriptions with accuracy.
- Packaging, labeling, and organizing prescriptions for pick-up or shipment.
- Answering pharmacy phone calls and consulting with customers in person.
- Taking inventory of medications and alerting pharmacists of any shortages.
Essential Skills for Success in the Field
Working as a pharmacy technician requires a keen eye for detail, as even the smallest error in filling or dosing a prescription medication could be disastrous for a patient. Many pharmacies have automated dispensing equipment to reduce the risk of error, but pharmacy technicians still need to pay close attention to their work and check every order for mistakes.
Because pharmacy technicians spend most of their time on their feet, they need to be in good overall health. It is not uncommon for pharmacy technicians to work long days with few breaks, so being able to spend the majority of the day on foot is a must.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills can also benefit pharmacy technicians when communicating with healthcare professionals, insurance companies, or even customers.
The Path to Becoming a Pharmacy Technician
Does this line of work sound like something you’d enjoy? If so, you may be wondering what steps you’ll need to follow to become a pharmacy technician.
Educational Requirements and Available Programs
While some employers may hire pharmacy technicians with just a high school diploma or equivalent, many will prefer candidates who have completed a dedicated pharmacy technician diploma program. These programs typically take 9-12 months to complete and cover coursework in such essential topics as:
- Pharmacology
- Medical and pharmaceutical calculations
- Medical/pharmaceutical terminology
- History, law, and ethics of pharmacy
- Anatomy and Physiology
With a foundation in these areas, you can gain the skills and knowledge required to work as a pharmacy technician under the direct supervision of a pharmacist.
Florida Technical College offers a hybrid Pharmacy Technician Diploma program with a curriculum that is in compliance with the laws and standards of the profession and the Florida Board of Pharmacy. This makes it an ideal option for those who plan to work as pharmacy technicians within the state.
Certification Processes and State Regulations
In some states, pharmacy technicians must be certified through either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Earning this certification requires candidates to complete a formal education/training program (such as a pharmacy technician diploma program from an accredited school) and pass a comprehensive examination. In some states, individuals may also be required to submit to a criminal background check to earn their certification.
Whether you earn your certification through PTCB or NHA, you’ll need to renew your certification every two years. Typically, this means paying a renewal fee and proving that you’ve met continuing education requirements. These requirements are not just a formality, as staying on top of the latest advancements and best practices in the field is essential in this line of work.
Even if you live in a state where certification is not required, proactively earning your pharmacy technician certification can be a great way to differentiate yourself from other candidates and improve your chances of being hired.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Depending on your long-term professional goals, there are plenty of potential career advancement options to consider as a pharmacy technician. If you’re open to furthering your education or prefer to move up the ladder without pursuing additional degrees, here are some opportunities worth exploring.
Specializations and Further Education
Some pharmacy technicians pursue a unique niche within the field, such as nuclear pharmacology or even chemotherapy. However, finding jobs in these areas typically requires further education, such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Interested in becoming a pharmacist overseeing entire pharmacies and pharmacy technician teams? With enough experience and the right education (a Pharm.D degree), you could work your way into this advanced role.
Leadership Roles Within Pharmacy Settings
Even if you don’t want to pursue additional education, there are still ways to advance your career as a pharmacy technician. With the right level of experience, for example, many pharmacy technicians can eventually work their way into supervisory and leadership positions with more responsibility.
For example, consider pursuing a promotion to pharmacy manager or pharmacy supervisor position. In these types of roles, you’ll have the responsibility of overseeing other pharmacy technicians, scheduling shifts, and providing ongoing training.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Still have questions about working as a pharmacy technician? We have some answers for you!
What qualifications are needed to become a pharmacy technician?
While specific qualifications can vary by state, most states require pharmacy technicians to have a minimum of a high school diploma. Some states may also require certification. Meanwhile, many employers prefer to hire applicants with a formal pharmacy technician diploma from an accredited postsecondary school.
How long does it take to become a certified pharmacy technician?
This will depend on the diploma program you’re considering. However, at Florida Technical College, our Pharmacy Technician Diploma program is designed to be completed in just eight months. From there, you can choose to take your certification exam and earn your certification as soon as you pass.
Can pharmacy technicians advance in their careers?
Yes! With the right amount of experience, many pharmacy technicians can advance into supervisory positions (such as pharmacy manager or supervisor) or other specialized roles. Some will even pursue bachelor’s and doctorate degrees in pharmacy, allowing them to advance into pharmacist roles.
Are there any continuing education requirements for pharmacy technicians?
These requirements can also vary by state and will depend on where you earn your certification. However, yes, certified pharmacy technicians are required to complete continuing education requirements to keep their certifications current. For instance, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) requires professionals to complete at least 20 hours of continuing education every two years.
What is the job outlook for pharmacy technicians in the next decade?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for pharmacy technicians in the United States is projected to grow 7 percent between 2023 and 2033. That’s faster than the national average for all occupations, with a projected 47,000 openings expected (on average) each year through 2033.
Learn More in a Pharmacy Technician Program
Now that you know what a pharmacy technician is and the steps it takes to enter this field, you can decide whether this path aligns with your interests and goals. Pharmacy technicians play a critical role in ensuring patients receive the drugs they need safely and on time. Without these skilled professionals’ hard work and expertise, the healthcare system as we know it would come to a screeching halt. If you’re interested in being part of what keeps things running smoothly, it may be time to pursue your Pharmacy Technician Diploma from Florida Technical College.
This 24-credit program, which is designed to be completed in as little as eight months, can prepare you to support the administration of a pharmacy’s operations while being in the healthcare field. Get in touch to learn more or take the next step by enrolling today!
This article presents a general overview of the field of pharmacy technician, including job opportunities within that field; it does not describe the educational objectives or expected employment outcomes of a particular Florida Technical College program. Florida Technical College does not guarantee that students will obtain employment or any particular job. Some positions may require licensure or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular career you desire.
Sources
https://ftccollege.edu/program/diploma/pharmacy-technician/
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm
