Pharmacy Technician
Summary of profession
Pharmacy Technicians work under the supervision of pharmacists to perform technical and clerical duties in the
systematic operation of the pharmacy.
Working hours, patterns and environments
Pharmacy technicians work in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, mail order pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies. Many also work in large retail settings where they may greet and assist customers.
Education and skills
Achievement of ‘O’ levels opens the way to a pharmacy technology program. These teach the knowledge and skills needed to prepare, distribute, label and package drugs and to keep records. Formalized educational programs range from an eight-month certificate program to a two-year associate degree, which is usually obtained through a community college. Since pharmacy technicians deal with controlled substances, they must
submit to a background check.
Job growth and opportunities
Pharmacy technicians have opportunities to advance into supervisory positions. It may take several years to be promoted into higher level management positions, but they do exist.