Retail Setting:

Pharmacy technicians receive prescription requests from patients and doctors’ offices. They verify that the information on the prescription is complete and accurate. To prepare the prescription, technicians retrieve, count, pour, weigh, measure, and sometimes mix the medication. Then they prepare the prescription labels, select the type of container, and affix the prescription and auxiliary labels to the container. Once the prescription is filled, technicians price and file the prescription, which must be checked by a pharmacist before it is given to the patient. Technicians may establish and maintain patient profiles, as well as prepare insurance claim forms. Technicians always refer any questions regarding prescriptions, drug information, or health matters to a pharmacist.

Hospital, Nursing Home, and Assisted-Living Setting:

In addition to the retail setting, pharmacy technicians in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted-living facilities have added responsibilities, including preparing sterile solutions and delivering medications to nurses or physicians. They may also record the information about the prescribed medication onto the patient'’s profile.

Work Environment:

Pharmacy technicians spend most of their workday on their feet. They may be required to lift heavy boxes or retrieve supplies from high shelves. Pharmacy technicians often have varying schedules that include nights, weekends, and holidays. In facilities that are open 24 hours a day, such as hospital pharmacies, technicians may be required to work nights. Many work part time.

53% of jobs are in pharmacies and drug stores.
17% of jobs are in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.
12% of jobs are in general merchandise stores
7% of jobs are in grocery stores
3% of jobs are in ambulatory health care services
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition