If you’re looking for a career in the medical field that requires a shorter training process, becoming a pharmacy tech can provide a steady position in the industry. Earning a certification as a pharmacy tech may be a way for you to gain the basic knowledge and experience you need to begin your career as a medical professional. Although certification requirements vary by state and individual pharmacies, training as a pharmacy tech allows you to begin working with patients to help meet their medical needs.
In this article, we explain the role of a pharmacy technician, what is required to become a pharmacy technician and explore the average national salary of a pharmacy tech.
What does a pharmacy tech do?
A pharmacy technician assists a licensed pharmacist by preparing and dispensing medications and helping patients. They are trained healthcare professionals who work with staff members to ensure the safety and organization of the pharmacy and the patients they serve. Pharmacy techs need to know and follow all national and local health care regulations regarding confidentiality and security laws.
Here are some common duties a pharmacy tech may perform:
- .css-1g5t2dl{font-family:”Noto Sans”,”Helvetica Neue”,”Helvetica”,”Arial”,”Liberation Sans”,”Roboto”,”Noto”,sans-serif;font-weight:inherit;color:#595959;font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.5;color:#2d2d2d;margin-bottom:0;font-size:1rem;margin-top:1.5rem;}html[lang=ja] .css-1g5t2dl{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.75;}@media screen and (min-width: 62em){.css-1g5t2dl{font-size:1.25rem;margin-top:2.5rem;}}
Measuring prescriptions
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Mixing solutions, creams, or ointments for prescriptions
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Contacting insurance companies for payment processing and information
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Maintaining confidentiality regulations for state and national policies
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Providing information to patients
- .css-1g5t2dl{font-family:”Noto Sans”,”Helvetica Neue”,”Helvetica”,”Arial”,”Liberation Sans”,”Roboto”,”Noto”,sans-serif;font-weight:inherit;color:#595959;font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.5;color:#2d2d2d;margin-bottom:0;font-size:1rem;margin-top:1.5rem;}html[lang=ja] .css-1g5t2dl{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.75;}@media screen and (min-width: 62em){.css-1g5t2dl{font-size:1.25rem;margin-top:2.5rem;}}
Answering patient questions
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Supervising junior pharmacy staff members
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Ensuring the pharmacy is clean and organized
- .css-1g5t2dl{font-family:”Noto Sans”,”Helvetica Neue”,”Helvetica”,”Arial”,”Liberation Sans”,”Roboto”,”Noto”,sans-serif;font-weight:inherit;color:#595959;font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.5;color:#2d2d2d;margin-bottom:0;font-size:1rem;margin-top:1.5rem;}html[lang=ja] .css-1g5t2dl{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.75;}@media screen and (min-width: 62em){.css-1g5t2dl{font-size:1.25rem;margin-top:2.5rem;}}
Ordering medications
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Packaging and labeling prescriptions
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Using pharmacy computer systems
- .css-1g5t2dl{font-family:”Noto Sans”,”Helvetica Neue”,”Helvetica”,”Arial”,”Liberation Sans”,”Roboto”,”Noto”,sans-serif;font-weight:inherit;color:#595959;font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.5;color:#2d2d2d;margin-bottom:0;font-size:1rem;margin-top:1.5rem;}html[lang=ja] .css-1g5t2dl{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.75;}@media screen and (min-width: 62em){.css-1g5t2dl{font-size:1.25rem;margin-top:2.5rem;}}
Answering telephone calls
Measuring prescriptions
Measuring prescriptions
Mixing solutions, creams, or ointments for prescriptions
Mixing solutions, creams, or ointments for prescriptions
Contacting insurance companies for payment processing and information
Contacting insurance companies for payment processing and information
Maintaining confidentiality regulations for state and national policies
Maintaining confidentiality regulations for state and national policies
Providing information to patients
Providing information to patients
Answering patient questions
Answering patient questions
Supervising junior pharmacy staff members
Supervising junior pharmacy staff members
Ensuring the pharmacy is clean and organized
Ensuring the pharmacy is clean and organized
Ordering medications
Ordering medications
Packaging and labeling prescriptions
Packaging and labeling prescriptions
Using pharmacy computer systems
Using pharmacy computer systems
Answering telephone calls
Answering telephone calls
Read more: .css-1v152rs{border-radius:0;color:#2557a7;font-family:”Noto Sans”,”Helvetica Neue”,”Helvetica”,”Arial”,”Liberation Sans”,”Roboto”,”Noto”,sans-serif;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;-webkit-transition:border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),opacity 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-style 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-width 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-radius 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),box-shadow 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1);transition:border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),opacity 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-style 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-width 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-radius 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),box-shadow 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1);border-bottom:1px solid;cursor:pointer;}.css-1v152rs:hover{color:#164081;}.css-1v152rs:active{color:#0d2d5e;}.css-1v152rs:focus{outline:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:transparent;border-radius:4px;box-shadow:0 0 0 1px;}.css-1v152rs:focus:not([data-focus-visible-added]){box-shadow:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-radius:0;}.css-1v152rs:hover,.css-1v152rs:active{color:#164081;}.css-1v152rs:visited{color:#2557a7;}@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce){.css-1v152rs{-webkit-transition:none;transition:none;}}.css-1v152rs:focus:active:not([data-focus-visible-added]){box-shadow:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-radius:0;}Q&A: What Is a Pharmacy Technician?.css-r5jz5s{width:1.5rem;height:1.5rem;color:inherit;display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;-webkit-flex:0 0 auto;-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto;height:1em;width:1em;margin:0 0 0.25rem 0.25rem;vertical-align:middle;}
Average salary
The national average salary for a pharmacy technician is .css-1v152rs{border-radius:0;color:#2557a7;font-family:”Noto Sans”,”Helvetica Neue”,”Helvetica”,”Arial”,”Liberation Sans”,”Roboto”,”Noto”,sans-serif;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;-webkit-transition:border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),opacity 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-style 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-width 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-radius 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),box-shadow 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1);transition:border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),opacity 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-style 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-width 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-radius 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),box-shadow 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1);border-bottom:1px solid;cursor:pointer;}.css-1v152rs:hover{color:#164081;}.css-1v152rs:active{color:#0d2d5e;}.css-1v152rs:focus{outline:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:transparent;border-radius:4px;box-shadow:0 0 0 1px;}.css-1v152rs:focus:not([data-focus-visible-added]){box-shadow:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-radius:0;}.css-1v152rs:hover,.css-1v152rs:active{color:#164081;}.css-1v152rs:visited{color:#2557a7;}@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce){.css-1v152rs{-webkit-transition:none;transition:none;}}.css-1v152rs:focus:active:not([data-focus-visible-added]){box-shadow:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-radius:0;}$30,667 per year.css-r5jz5s{width:1.5rem;height:1.5rem;color:inherit;display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;-webkit-flex:0 0 auto;-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto;height:1em;width:1em;margin:0 0 0.25rem 0.25rem;vertical-align:middle;}. Pharmacy techs are compensated differently across the country due to location, educational background and certification regulations. For the most up-to-date information from Indeed, please check Indeed Salaries.
Requirements for becoming a pharmacy tech
Earning a position as a pharmacy tech often requires a specific educational program, training and certification. Here are the ways you can prepare for a career as a pharmacy technician:
Degree or vocational certificate
To start your career as a pharmacy tech, you need to complete either an associate degree or a vocational certification program. If you choose to pursue an associate degree, you complete a two-year program with general college-level classes as well as course work specific to pharmaceutical studies. This is a good choice if you believe you may want to earn a higher degree level in the future.
If you would rather complete your training faster, then a vocational program that focuses solely on pharmacy technician requirements is your best choice. During this program, you take specific courses on the work of a pharmacy tech and complete your training in one year.
Both programs cover necessary topics like pharmaceutical dosage, medical terminology, medical law and ethics and math.
Related: .css-1v152rs{border-radius:0;color:#2557a7;font-family:”Noto Sans”,”Helvetica Neue”,”Helvetica”,”Arial”,”Liberation Sans”,”Roboto”,”Noto”,sans-serif;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;-webkit-transition:border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),opacity 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-style 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-width 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-radius 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),box-shadow 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1);transition:border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),opacity 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-style 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-width 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-radius 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),box-shadow 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1);border-bottom:1px solid;cursor:pointer;}.css-1v152rs:hover{color:#164081;}.css-1v152rs:active{color:#0d2d5e;}.css-1v152rs:focus{outline:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:transparent;border-radius:4px;box-shadow:0 0 0 1px;}.css-1v152rs:focus:not([data-focus-visible-added]){box-shadow:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-radius:0;}.css-1v152rs:hover,.css-1v152rs:active{color:#164081;}.css-1v152rs:visited{color:#2557a7;}@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce){.css-1v152rs{-webkit-transition:none;transition:none;}}.css-1v152rs:focus:active:not([data-focus-visible-added]){box-shadow:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-radius:0;}How To Become a Pharmacy Technician.css-r5jz5s{width:1.5rem;height:1.5rem;color:inherit;display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;-webkit-flex:0 0 auto;-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto;height:1em;width:1em;margin:0 0 0.25rem 0.25rem;vertical-align:middle;}
Training on the job
The amount of training you receive when you begin working as a pharmacy tech depends on your educational background and where you’re employed. Some vocational and associate programs offer job shadowing which may reduce the amount of on-the-job training you’ll need. You will most likely shadow another pharmacist technician when you begin working for a pharmacy. During this time, you’ll get familiar with the specific pharmacy systems and procedures where you work. Training can last up to one year.
Certification
Most pharmacies require a specific certification along with educational courses from an associate degree or vocational program. The two most recognized certifications are the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcare Association (NHA).
Those who complete the PTCB earn the distinction of Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). To complete the exam, you must have a certification or degree from a recognized training program or at least 500 hours of practical experience in the field. The test consists of 90 questions that you must complete in one hour and 50 minutes.
The NHA exam tests applicants with 100 questions in a period of two hours and 10 minutes. Just like the PTCB, in order to take the exam, you must have completed a recognized pharmacy technician program or hold at least 1,200 hours of pharmaceutical work experience.
To maintain these certifications, you’ll need to re-certify every two years and take 20 hours of continuing education credits.
Skills of a pharmacy tech
A pharmacy tech needs .css-1v152rs{border-radius:0;color:#2557a7;font-family:”Noto Sans”,”Helvetica Neue”,”Helvetica”,”Arial”,”Liberation Sans”,”Roboto”,”Noto”,sans-serif;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;-webkit-transition:border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),opacity 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-style 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-width 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-radius 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),box-shadow 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1);transition:border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),opacity 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-style 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-width 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-radius 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),box-shadow 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1);border-bottom:1px solid;cursor:pointer;}.css-1v152rs:hover{color:#164081;}.css-1v152rs:active{color:#0d2d5e;}.css-1v152rs:focus{outline:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:transparent;border-radius:4px;box-shadow:0 0 0 1px;}.css-1v152rs:focus:not([data-focus-visible-added]){box-shadow:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-radius:0;}.css-1v152rs:hover,.css-1v152rs:active{color:#164081;}.css-1v152rs:visited{color:#2557a7;}@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce){.css-1v152rs{-webkit-transition:none;transition:none;}}.css-1v152rs:focus:active:not([data-focus-visible-added]){box-shadow:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-radius:0;}hard skills.css-r5jz5s{width:1.5rem;height:1.5rem;color:inherit;display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;-webkit-flex:0 0 auto;-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto;height:1em;width:1em;margin:0 0 0.25rem 0.25rem;vertical-align:middle;} like scientific and medical knowledge along with soft skills like customer service. Here are the top skills a pharmacy tech needs to succeed in this career:
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Mathematics: A pharmacy technician needs to know basic and some advanced mathematics for dispensing measurements of prescriptions.
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Medical terminology: Since pharmacies handle patients with all types of medical conditions, pharmacy techs must have a broad knowledge of medical terms associated with medications used for prescriptions or even over-the-counter medicines.
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Computer proficiency: Pharmacy techs use computerized data systems to store and recall patient information when handling prescriptions.
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Communication: A pharmacy tech communicates with physicians, other pharmacy staff, customers and insurance company representatives. They must be able to clearly express the needs of a patient and understand any requests coming from a medical professional.
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Customer service: Patients rely on pharmacy technicians to provide support and offer assistance whenever they have questions about a medication or a specific prescription.
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Detail-oriented: Because pharmacies deal with important medical products, a pharmacy tech needs to pay attention to the detailed instructions used when filling prescriptions. They must manage complex systems that request and refill medications along with the intricacies of insurance processes.
Mathematics: A pharmacy technician needs to know basic and some advanced mathematics for dispensing measurements of prescriptions.
Mathematics: A pharmacy technician needs to know basic and some advanced mathematics for dispensing measurements of prescriptions.
Medical terminology: Since pharmacies handle patients with all types of medical conditions, pharmacy techs must have a broad knowledge of medical terms associated with medications used for prescriptions or even over-the-counter medicines.
Medical terminology: Since pharmacies handle patients with all types of medical conditions, pharmacy techs must have a broad knowledge of medical terms associated with medications used for prescriptions or even over-the-counter medicines.
Computer proficiency: Pharmacy techs use computerized data systems to store and recall patient information when handling prescriptions.
Computer proficiency: Pharmacy techs use computerized data systems to store and recall patient information when handling prescriptions.
Communication: A pharmacy tech communicates with physicians, other pharmacy staff, customers and insurance company representatives. They must be able to clearly express the needs of a patient and understand any requests coming from a medical professional.
Communication: A pharmacy tech communicates with physicians, other pharmacy staff, customers and insurance company representatives. They must be able to clearly express the needs of a patient and understand any requests coming from a medical professional.
Customer service: Patients rely on pharmacy technicians to provide support and offer assistance whenever they have questions about a medication or a specific prescription.
Customer service: Patients rely on pharmacy technicians to provide support and offer assistance whenever they have questions about a medication or a specific prescription.
Detail-oriented: Because pharmacies deal with important medical products, a pharmacy tech needs to pay attention to the detailed instructions used when filling prescriptions. They must manage complex systems that request and refill medications along with the intricacies of insurance processes.
Detail-oriented: Because pharmacies deal with important medical products, a pharmacy tech needs to pay attention to the detailed instructions used when filling prescriptions. They must manage complex systems that request and refill medications along with the intricacies of insurance processes.
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Ways to increase your salary as a pharmacy tech
Though you may be able to begin a career as a pharmacy tech with no formal training, here are some ways to make yourself a stronger candidate for a higher-paying position:
Specialize
After you train as a pharmacy technician, consider finding a job in a niche area of the industry or earning continuing education credit towards your certification in the following areas:
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Laboratory Pharmacy Tech
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Central Pharmacy Operations Tech
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General Pharmacy Tech
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Community Pharmacy Tech
Laboratory Pharmacy Tech
Laboratory Pharmacy Tech
Central Pharmacy Operations Tech
Central Pharmacy Operations Tech
General Pharmacy Tech
General Pharmacy Tech
Community Pharmacy Tech
Community Pharmacy Tech
Seek management opportunities
Once you begin work as a pharmacy tech, learn your position well and keep up with your certification hours. Prove you have the skills and work ethic to take on leadership responsibilities within your workplace or at another. As you gain experience, you will have more to offer prospective employees looking for senior pharmacy staff.
Work toward another medical career
Some professionals who begin their career as pharmacy technicians use this job to work toward another position in the medical field. Consider learning to become a fully licensed pharmacist while you work and gain experience as a tech.
Choose a different location
In some areas, the pay for a pharmacy tech is much higher than the national average. Although you may want to consider the cost of living in these areas, moving to one of these locations may provide a higher income for your job. The states with the highest wages for pharmacy technicians are Colorado, Nebraska, Alaska and Wyoming.