Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians provide prescription medication and healthcare to patients under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Technicians perform many tasks that include receiving and ensuring the accuracy of patient prescriptions as well as establishing and updating prescription files. Many technicians are employed in hospitals, wholesale and online pharmacies, and government agencies, but most are employed in retail locations.
Formal training programs are available through community colleges, vocational schools, hospitals, and the military. Voluntary certification for pharmacy technicians can be earned through nationally recognized private institutions, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the Institute of the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians.
Employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to grow by 31 percent in the next decade. As insurers begin to use pharmacies as patient-care centers and pharmacists become more involved in patient care, technicians will continue to see an expansion of their role.
As a pharmacy technician, you can expect to:
- Maintain a busy schedule
- Talk with patients about their medication
- Participate in continuing education
