Certified Pharmacy Technician
Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTs) work under the supervision of pharmacists, assisting them in providing medication to patients. Duties include ordering, stocking, preparing, and packaging medications.
Overview
Certified Pharmacy Technicians (PTs) are key members of healthcare teams who help ensure patients receive the correct medications safely and efficiently. One of their main responsibilities is to assist pharmacists in filling prescriptions. PTs receive prescription or refill requests from patients, doctors, or nurses, and carefully review each one to make sure all information is accurate, including the patient’s name, the medication and dosage, and instructions from the doctor. If there’s any discrepancy or missing information, PTs work with the pharmacist to contact the doctor and clarify the prescription.
After all verification is complete, PTs prepare the medication, which may include counting pills, measuring liquids, or mixing creams and ointments. Pharmacy Techs place the medication in the correct container, print and attach the proper label, and make sure the instructions are clear for the patient. They also help manage the pharmacy’s inventory by tracking supplies and ordering more medicine when needed.
Pharmacy Techs also answer phone calls and assist customers who come to the pharmacy counter. They may help process payments, explain how to take medications, and answer basic questions. For more complex questions or health advice, PTs refer customers to the pharmacist.
Work Environment
Certified Pharmacy Technicians (PTs) work in a variety of settings, including pharmacy departments within hospitals, retail pharmacies in drugstores and grocery stores. Some PTs may work in mail-order or online pharmacies, clinics, or in pharmaceutical wholesalers.
Pharmacy Techs often work the same hours as pharmacists, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Demand
The need for certified pharmacy technicians is expected to increase 6% between 2022 and 2032.
Salary
The median salary range, as stated by the New York State Department of Labor, for the Capital Region, Central New York, and the Finger Lakes, is $37,446 – $38,096.
Demand
+6%
Avg Salary
$37,771
Education Requirements
- Receive certification from an accredited pharmacy technician certification program.
- Meet the requirements set by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) & National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
- No courses, just online materials to prepare for online test with organizations above.
- A high school diploma.
- Some PTs attend postsecondary education programs offered at many community colleges and vocational schools and earn certificates. These education programs typically last one year or less.
- Most PTs are trained on the job, but employers favor applicants who have formal training, certification, or previous experience.
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