Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy Technicians prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders. They also receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate.
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What they do
Pharmacy Technicians prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders. They also receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate.- Prepack bulk medicines, fill bottles with prescribed medications and type and affix labels.
- Answer telephones, responding to questions or requests.
- Prepare and process medical insurance claim forms and records.
- Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs.
- Assist customers by answering simple questions, locating items, or referring them to the pharmacist for medication information.
- Price and file prescriptions that have been filled.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Pharmacy Technicians answer telephones, responding to questions or requests. They receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate.
A typical day for a Pharmacy Technician will also include:
- Prepack bulk medicines, fill bottles with prescribed medications and type and affix labels.
- Prepare and process medical insurance claim forms and records.
- Assist customers by answering simple questions, locating items, or referring them to the pharmacist for medication information.
- Price and file prescriptions that have been filled.
- Operate cash registers to accept payment from customers.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Pharmacy Technicians also maintain and merchandise home healthcare products or services. They may also price stock and mark items for sale.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Pharmacy Technicians restock intravenous (iv) supplies and add measured drugs or nutrients to iv solutions under sterile conditions to prepare iv packs for various uses, such as chemotherapy medication. They might also deliver medications or pharmaceutical supplies to patients, nursing stations, or surgery.
In addition, they mix pharmaceutical preparations, according to written prescriptions.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them compute charges for medication or equipment dispensed to hospital patients and enter data in the computer.
To some Pharmacy Technicians, it is also their responsibility to operate cash registers to accept payment from customers.
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What is the job like
59% said they were satisfied with their job and 68% said they found their job meaningful.
I work as a pharmacy technician for a non-profit mail order pharmacy that takes donated medicine from clinical partners (nursing homes, clinics, etc) and repackages them for patients who cannot afford their medication costs from traditional pharmacies. This is a very unique industry at the intersection of healthcare and social good. Pharmacy tech jobs will … Read More
Pros
Suitable for people who like to follow routines.
Suitable for people who value relationships between co-workers and customers and want to work in a friendly non-competitive environment.
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Short working hours (Less than 40 hours per week).
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to work with designs.
One of the lowest paying jobs.
Salary
Entry-level Pharmacy Technicians with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $25,400 to $29,090 per year or $12 to $14 per hour.
| Salary range | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Highest (Top 10%) | $24 | $50,430 |
| Senior (Top 25%) | $20 | $41,660 |
| Middle (Mid 50%) | $17 | $35,100 |
| Junior (Bottom 25%) | $14 | $29,090 |
| No experience (Bottom 10%) | $12 | $25,400 |
Working life
Working hours
Working schedule
Working environment
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
Should you become one
People with this personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas. You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.
They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
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