• Pharmacy Technician Job Description

    A pharmacy technician is a person who works under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist to prepare and mix medicines. Pharmacy technicians help and support pharmacists in carrying out their responsibilities and they perform tasks such as answering inquiries from customers, receiving prescriptions, and preparing, mixing, packing and labeling medicines.

    A pharmacy technician should be patient, friendly, observant and careful, and have the ability to analyze, interpret and apply policies, procedures, and instructions. They should have good eyesight, good hand-eye coordination, and finger and manual dexterity to pick and pinch small tablets with their fingers and hold and manipulate objects with their hands.

    Pursue a career as a pharmacy technician if you have patience and people skills and interest in dispensing medicinal drugs.
  • What does a Pharmacy Technician do?

    Pharmacy technicians may do some or all of the following:

    • work under the supervision of pharmacists
    • answer and respond to customers inquiries through the phone and in person
    • accept prescriptions from customers and verify prescription information and dosage
    • count and measure the amount of medicines for the prescription
    • package, label and give instructions for medicines
    • take payments and operate cash registers
    • maintain stock levels of the pharmacy
    • arrange appointments for customers with pharmacists
  • Where does a Pharmacy Technician work?
  • Working Conditions

    Pharmacy technicians may work shifts including evenings, weekends and public holidays. They work in neighborhood pharmacies, clinics and hospitals. Their job will require them to have physical stamina, as they may stand, walk and lift for extended periods of time.

  • What is Required to Become a Pharmacy Technician?

    To be employed as a pharmacy technician, you will be required to have completed your secondary school education. Most employers provide on-the-job training for new recruits.

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Pharmacy technicians need to have:

    • patience
    • empathy
    • self-motivation
    • adaptability
    • physical stamina
    • manual and finger dexterity
    • good eyesight and near vision
    • good attention to detail
    • good hand-eye coordination
    • good listening and communication skills
    • math and computer skills
    • multitasking skills
    • time management and organizational skills
    • the ability to maintain focus and follow instructions accordingly
    • the ability to keep information confidential
    • the ability to relate to a wide variety of people
    • knowledge of drug names and their usage
    • knowledge of first aid
    • knowledge of laws controlling the distribution of drugs

References

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