What does a Pharmacy Technician do?
Published 3 min read
A pharmacy technician is a person who works in a pharmacy and is responsible for various tasks such as customer service, stocking shelves, and preparing prescription medications.
Pharmacy Technician job duties include:
- Receive and process prescriptions for patients
- Contact insurance companies to verify patient coverage
- Maintain pharmacy inventory
- Prepare and dispense medications
- Provide customer service to patients and answer their questions
- Follow up with patients on prescription refill requests
- Train new pharmacy technicians and interns
- Supervise pharmacy technicians and interns
- Perform quality control checks on medications
Pharmacy Technician Job Requirements
Most pharmacy technicians have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some have postsecondary education, and almost all have completed a formal training program. Many states require certification for pharmacy technicians. Certification requirements vary by state but generally include passing an exam and completing a certain number of hours of continuing education. Some states have additional requirements, such as completing an internship or externship. Most pharmacy technicians work in community pharmacies, although some may work in hospitals or other healthcare settings.
Pharmacy Technician Skills
- Accuracy
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Computer skills
- Customer service
- Interpersonal skills
- Inventory management
- Mathematical skills
- Organizational skills
- Pharmacy knowledge
- Physical stamina
- Problem-solving
Related: Top Pharmacy Technician Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Pharmacy Technician
A pharmacy technician is a person who works in a pharmacy and is responsible for various tasks related to the operation of the pharmacy. The duties of a pharmacy technician include but are not limited to:
-Assisting pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications
-Maintaining inventory of pharmaceuticals and supplies
-Answering phones and responding to customer inquiries
-Accepting prescription requests from patients and doctors
-Entering patient information into the pharmacy computer system
-Processing insurance claims
If you are interested in becoming a pharmacy technician, there are a few things you need to do. First, you will need to complete a high school education or equivalent. Next, you will need to complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program. Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). After passing the PTCE, you will be a certified pharmacy technician and can begin working in a pharmacy.
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