A Day in the Life of a Pharmacy Technician

Visit any pharmacy for prescription medication and the first person you’ll likely meet is a pharmacy technician. The pharmacy technician works alongside pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to offer essential support in dispensing medication. 

The job also involves offering customer care services and helping patients and customers navigate the complexities of how prescriptions and specific medication devices work. This article explores what your typical day as a pharmacy tech would look like if you pursued a career in the ever-evolving world of pharmaceuticals. 

Skills Required for a Pharmacy Technician

A career as a pharmacy technician offers diverse opportunities, enabling you to make a real impact on people’s lives. As a prospective career school student, here are some crucial skills and knowledge required to succeed in this field.

• Attention to Detail: Dispensing medication requires strict adherence to specific dosages and instructions. The pharmacy technician is responsible for the process of administering the right medication, including quantity and correct packaging to prevent errors that could potentially harm the patient.
• Exceptional Customer Service: Excellent customer service skills are crucial in a successful career as a pharmacy technician. You’ll need to exhibit patience, empathy, and a friendly demeanor in your service delivery to people of all ages. 
• Strong Communication Skills: Proper communication skills are essential when interacting with patients and other healthcare professionals. As a pharmacy technician, you’ll need to listen carefully to patient concerns, give instructions and clear any confusion regarding their medication. You must also communicate clearly with the doctors’ offices and keep accurate prescription records. 
• Organizational Abilities: Healthcare is a fast-paced industry that requires excellent organizational skills to help you stay on top of multiple tasks. These include managing inventory, tracking prescription orders, and keeping a clean and well-organized workplace. You’ll be required to sort and locate prescriptions quickly to ensure smooth pharmacy operations.  
• Time Management: Pharmacy technicians work under pressure and tight deadlines. Time management thus remains a critical skill to help you deliver effectively in such busy work environments. This may include prioritization of tasks and timely dispensation of medication. Effective time management helps reduce errors, maximize patient safety, and contribute to a positive reputation and success in your career as a pharmacy technician. 
• Technological Proficiency: Technology plays a crucial role in modern pharmacies. As a pharmacy technician, you must be comfortable using computers to maintain patient records, process prescriptions, and manage inventory. Basic computer knowledge and a willing mindset to learn how to use specific industry software will be invaluable in your day-to-day tasks. 

A Typical Day in the Life of a Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare system. A typical day starts early with anticipation of a busy day ahead. Here’s what an average day for you as a pharmacy tech may look like.

As the pharmacy doors open, you’ll organize the workspace, ensuring it’s fully stocked with the necessary equipment and supplies. You’ll also verify inventory levels, review the day’s prescriptions, organize medication stock, and alert the pharmacists if stock needs replenishing. 

Thereafter, you’ll start receiving patients, greeting them warmly as you take in their prescriptions and refills. Careful listening and attention to detail are crucial at this stage. You’ll be asking and answering questions while carefully documenting all necessary information. 

Next, you’ll need to verify patient information and move to the dispensing area to count, measure, and package medications. You may contact doctor’s offices to verify prescriptions or request refills. As a technician, you’ll also label the drugs with clear instructions regarding dosage, usage, and potential side effects. 

Throughout the day, you’ll work closely with the pharmacist, seeking guidance, consulting on complex matters, and reporting any potential issues. You may also answer patient inquiries under the pharmacist’s supervision. 

A significant part of your day will involve coordinating with other healthcare professionals and managing insurance claims. This includes verifying insurance information, processing claims, and addressing any arising issues. Other duties include updating patient profiles and ensuring privacy and confidentiality of patient information. 

Besides technical responsibilities, you should also engage in continuous learning to stay updated on current industry trends, new medications, and regulations. This ongoing education is a crucial part of a pharmacy technician’s day in serving patients better in compliance with the ever-evolving healthcare standards. 

As a pharmacy technician, your day winds down by ensuring all tasks are completed. This includes cleaning the workspace and leaving it organized for the next day. Depending on the organization, you may engage in end-of-the-day reconciliations to ensure accurate financial transactions and records.

Career Options for a Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians have many career options in the healthcare industry. They can work in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and closed-door pharmacies. 

Pharmacy technicians also have advancement opportunities for more significant responsibilities, such as pharmacy benefits manager or pharmacy administrator, responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a pharmacy. They also have an opportunity to pursue further learning to become a pharmacy software trainer, pharmacy technology instructor, or pharmacy sales representative. 

With the evolving healthcare industry and growing demand for healthcare professionals, pharmacy technicians have lots of opportunities for career growth and development. 

Do You Need Licensing to Become a Pharmacy Technician? 

Licensing requirements for pharmacy technicians vary by state. Some states require certification or licensure to practice. For instance, to perform the duties of a pharmacy technician in Texas, the state requires an active registration with the pharmaceutical body–Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP). Some states may require a specific number of hours of work experience or completion of a formal training program to become a pharmacy technician. 

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech

If you’re considering a hands-on work career and an opportunity to positively impact other people’s lives, then becoming a pharmacy technician may be a perfect fit. Southern Careers Institute (SCI) offers a comprehensive Pharmacy Technician program in Texas where students can gain the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in this field. SCI’s pharmacy technician program prepares graduates to sit for the following exams; Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT)* -Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE®) -Microsoft Office Specialist: Word.”

The institution also provides hands-on and career-focused learning in medical and other areas like business, beauty, and technology. Seek more information about the pharmacy technician program offered at SCI’s campuses about the Pharmacy Technician program and other opportunities the institution offers.