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Hire a Pharmacy Technician: Job Description, Pay, and More

pharmacy technician passing prescription to customer in pharmacy settiing.

Pharmacies operate smoothly when they’re staffed with quality pharmacy technicians. If you’re looking to hire your next pharmacy tech and don’t know where to start, this article will summarize the key details to help you build a strong job description and ask thoughtful interview questions. 

Let’s explore some aspects of this role and the steps hiring managers can take to source their next pharmacy technician hire. 

What To Include in Your Job Description 

Pharmacy technicians are responsible for a range of administrative and customer-facing responsibilities within a pharmacy (or hospital) under the supervision of trained pharmacists. 

When crafting a job description for these professionals, it’s important to consider the full range of responsibilities the individual will be responsible for, including: 

  • Collecting the necessary information to process and fill prescriptions 
  • Dispensing medications under the supervision of a pharmacist 
  • Processing customer and healthcare prescriptions accurately 
  • Counting, packaging, and labeling medications 
  • Handling customer inquiries and providing customer service 
  • Managing inventory levels and restocking medications as needed 
  • Arranging for customers to speak with pharmacists 
  • Entering customer information into the pharmacy computer system 
  • Accepting payment for prescriptions and processing insurance claims 

If you’re looking for a candidate with specialized skills (i.e. experience in working with intravenous medications) or familiarity using specific technologies (like operating automated dispensing equipment), remember to call that out in the job description clearly. 


Related: 30+ Pharmacy Technician Interview Questions


Skills 

A pharmacy technician with the right skillset can accurately fill prescriptions and provide great customer service. Some ideal skills to look for in your candidates include: 

Technical Proficiencies: 

Pharmacy technicians perform a range of technical duties every day. It’s beneficial for them to have proper training and demonstrate understanding in performing tasks such as: 

  • Medication labeling, packaging, and dispensing 
  • Using pharmacy management software to retrieve patient information, manage inventory, and process prescriptions 
  • Understanding regulations and pharmacy law 
  • Processing insurance claims 
  • Sterilizing or compounding medications 

Ethical Conduct:

Pharmacy technicians manage sensitive data and controlled substances, so it’s essential for them to adhere to ethical standards and patient confidentiality. They should also understand how to maintain accurate patient records and follow HIPAA privacy rules. 

Organizational skills: 

This skill is most needed when technicians are managing inventory levels, record-keeping, and juggling the administrative or customer-facing aspects of the job. Having a commitment to organization and accuracy in all aspects of pharmacy operations can prevent medication errors. 

Communication: 

Pharmacy technicians should be able to effectively interpret and communicate prescription details with pharmacists, customers, insurers, and other healthcare providers.  

 Education and Qualifications 

There are no formal education requirements to become a pharmacy technician, making this an ideal entry-level healthcare role. However, it is common for employers to look for candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree in pharmacy technology or another related field.  

Some candidates may choose to get certified through accredited programs like The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, but most states and employers require pharmacy technicians to be licensed through either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). 

Salary and Job Outlook 

The median wage for pharmacy technicians is $37,790, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These positions are expected to see a 6% growth rate from 2022 to 2032, exceeding the average growth for most other professions. 

Hire a Pharmacy Technician 

With their vital role in maintaining efficient pharmacy operations, pharmacy technicians play a key part in ensuring patients receive their medications promptly and pharmacists can focus on providing comprehensive patient care.  

For help finding top pharmacy technician talent, connect with us today.