What’s the Difference Between a Pharmacist and a Pharmacy Technician?

A female pharmacist looking for a specific prescription at the pharmacy.
Request More Info
Your safety and education are priorities for SCI. Until further notice, we’re offering our classes in a hybrid/online teaching environment.
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden

By submitting this form, I agree that Southern Careers Institute may contact me via email, text message or telephone, including the use of autodialers, regarding its programs and offers. Standard text and/or usage rates may apply.

Both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are highly trained professionals who guarantee the effective functioning of pharmacies and ensure patients receive the correct medication. They work hand in hand to provide patients with correct prescriptions and guidance. The pharmacist entrusts numerous everyday activities to the pharmacy technician while the technician turns to the pharmacist for advice and support. The pharmacist and pharmacy technician have their own responsibilities, yet they collaborate to complete tasks. Each position has specific requirements and responsibilities, but how do you tell the difference between them? Read on to find out.

Education 

The most significant difference between a pharmacist and a pharmacy technician is the depth of their training. Depending on the state, pharmacy technicians typically take around a year or less to complete while Pharmacists must take at least six years. 

Pharmacy Technician Education 

There are no defined national education standards for pharmacy technicians. Training programs can be a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. The course lasts between eight weeks to two years, depending on the program. Certificate programs often take less than a year, while diploma programs might take between one year to 18 months, and an associate degree takes up to two years to complete. 

Many states do not require a pharmacy technician to have any formal post-high school education. Working as a pharmacy technician in these states with no experience or previous training is possible. On the other hand, in some states, pharmacy technicians must obtain certification before practicing in a pharmacy. In these states, you’ll be required to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), a standardized test governed by The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board is an organization responsible for certifying pharmacy technicians, creating pharmacy protocols, and providing pharmacy education.  

You can use various pharmacy technician training courses to pass the PTCE. Different institutions, such as universities, private institutes, and online colleges, offer these courses. Other large pharmacies also provide in-house training for their employees. Such training programs typically include eight weeks of classroom training followed by six months of on-the-job practice. 

A male pharmacist using his computer to look up a prescription for a customer on the phone.

Pharmacist Education 

To be a pharmacist, you must have a doctorate in pharmacology (PharmD), which takes at least six years to complete. Earn a PharmD degree after four years of college study and at least two years of pre-pharmacy training. After that, complete a one-year apprenticeship under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist. The last stage of becoming a pharmacist is obtaining a pharmacy license. In order to practice, you’ll have to pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and register with the State Board of Pharmacy. 

Knowledge 

Pharmacy technicians’ studies cover areas such as pharmacy law and ethics, pharmaceutical dosage calculations and administration, HIPAA laws, and more. These programs equip pharmacy technicians with the skills necessary to undertake daily pharmaceutical tasks and collaborate with the pharmacist. As a pharmacy technician, you’ll have to understand prescription standards, handle confidential patient data, process insurance claims, and keep track of pharmacy records.  

A pharmacist’s education is much more extensive than a pharmacy technician’s, and their education is founded on scientific principles. Still yet, a pharmacist has to study everything a pharmacy technician does. Their programs entail scientific studies such as pharmaceuticals, microbiology, chemistry, pharmacology, biology, and biochemistry, among others.  

A pharmacist’s education system provides them with a solid understanding of how the human body operates and how medications affect it. As a pharmacist, you must master, recognize, and distinguish between various drugs, have an understanding of each prescription, and how pharmaceuticals react with one another. Pharmacists must also keep up with current advancements in the field of medicine. 

Duties 

Although pharmacists and pharmacy technicians work in a pharmacy, their duties and responsibilities are very different. Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in filling and delivering prescriptions. On the other hand, pharmacists are responsible for ensuring patients receive the correct medications. 

What Does a Pharmacist Do? 

The pharmacist is in charge of everything that takes place within the pharmacy and ensures medications are delivered safely and effectively. Before selling a prescription to a patient, they must double-check it to ensure it is safe, accurate, and filled appropriately. Additionally, they may give immunizations, liaise with doctors and insurance providers, and confirm no adverse reactions to drugs. 

Pharmacists also offer advice, recommend over-the-counter drugs, or refer patients to a specialist depending on the symptoms they describe. Some states allow pharmacists to issue prescriptions for regularly administered non-regulated medications like antibiotics and minor pain killers. 

What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do? 

Pharmacy technicians work hand in hand with pharmacists to ensure the smooth operation of the pharmacy. The pharmacy technician dispenses medication after receiving approval from the pharmacist. A pharmacy technician can take a patient’s prescription, but a pharmacist must review and approve it before filling. Pharmacy technicians also support pharmacists with administrative responsibilities like cashiering, insurance claims processing, documentation, and inventory management. 

A pharmacy technician and the pharmacist collaborate to protect their patients’ safety and well-being. The primary distinction between both professions is the pharmacist is legally allowed to advise patients on using specific medications. In contrast, pharmacy technicians prepare and give medications with the guidance of a pharmacist. They may also give doctors advice on what type of medication to administer and at what dosage. 

Pursue a Pharmacist Career With SCI 

A pharmacist and a pharmacy technician may look pretty much the same but vary significantly in terms of their training duration, responsibilities, and education depth. Both professions depend on each other and are similar in being equally rewarding in saving patients’ lives. Before starting your career journey in pharmacy, it is crucial to consider factors such as time, licensing, qualifications, and training programs. If you’re interested in working in a pharmacy, Southern Careers Institute (SCI) can help you train on the skills needed to pursue a pharmacy technician career. 

Talk to us today to seek more information about SCI’s pharmacy technician program at our campuses. 

This article was published on: 07/5/22 1:28 AM

What SCI Students Are Saying

"Just finished school for welding. Had the best experience with Southern Careers Institute, and had a lot of fun with my buddies. Already working at SpaceX. SCI is the place to be guys! Don't wait any longer, sign up!”

Testimonal

Enrique H.
Welding

"I recently achieved my dream of becoming a CDL driver, passing my CDL exams at our local DMV in Edinburg. Mr. Gonzalez was such a great instructor, even though it was raining I passed with flying colors!”

Testimonal

Juan L.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator

“I made a complete career change when I started my training at Southern Careers Institute. I needed a stable career to continue providing for my growing family. SCI provided me with the medical terminology and know how that I needed to understand and acquire a career in the medical field. SCI taught me that it doesn’t matter where you are in life right now; you always have room to advance and learn.”

Testimonal

Denise S.
Medical Assistant

“I am extremely grateful for the assistance I received from SCI’s Career Services team. I enjoy where I work and what I do. SCI has helped me succeed in life by getting me the necessary education and by making me a stronger and more confident person.”

Testimonal

Raquel S.

“Once I graduated from SCI, I had a sense of accomplishment that helped me through the job search process. SCI provided me with the opportunity to brush up on my skills, extend my accounting knowledge, and they boosted my self-confidence. I went to work two days after my last day of school.”

Testimonal

Annette D.
Business Accounting

“When my youngest child graduated from high school, I told my husband that it was my time. I went back to school to change careers after spending 37 years in the business field. At SCI, the instructors are professional, and they care about what they are teaching you, as well as expect you to give 100% in return. I had problems understanding how to draw in syringes and give injections. I requested extra help from a knowledgeable instructor, and I was able to receive one-on-one training. Today, I draw injections for approximately 100 patients each week. I am very confident in what I’ve learned. SCI has given me the chance to do what I always wanted to do. Thank you for my education. I am doing wonderful.”

Testimonal

Bonnie M
Medical Assistant

“I am now a certified Lab Tech. SCI helped me get an externship, and I came out with a job. After my little sister had cancer, I knew I wanted a career in the medical field that allowed me to help others. I am happy about what I do.”

Testimonal

Sidney B
Medical Assistant

“The best place ever!! Ms.Tonia rocks she is the best teacher… I love going to school my time there is amazing.”

Testimonal

Andrea Garcia

“Southern Careers went beyond my expectations. Very impressed. The assistance I got from Career Services is truly amazing. They really went out of their way to get me placed. They really care and I am grateful to all of them.”

Testimonal

Olga C.

“Southern Careers Institute totally surpassed my expectations. Once I finished school, the Career Services team helped me find a job. I would tell anyone thinking about starting career training that you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. I wish I would have started my training sooner.”

Testimonal

Valerie D.

Speak with an
Admissions Advisor

Call 1.833.SCI.TEXAS

Our mission is to be a leading talent producer by delivering employer-tailored training.

Contact Us Today