Pharmacy Tech

Core Responsibilities

• Count, pour, label, and package prescription medications, and compound sterile or non-sterile products (such as IV solutions in hospitals) under pharmacist supervision.
• Receive incoming prescriptions, input patient and prescriber data into pharmacy computer systems, and route orders for pharmacist verification.
• Process third-party health insurance claims, resolve claim rejections, and handle cash register transactions.
• Track and restock shelves, check for expired medications, manage controlled substances per DEA rules, and order new supplies.
• Greet patients, answer phone calls, assist with non-clinical questions, and direct medical or therapy questions to the licensed pharmacist. (Note: Technicians do not counsel patients or make clinical decisions.)

Qualifications & Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent. Formal postsecondary programs or vocational certificates are optional in some areas.
• Most workers learn through on-the-job training or structured programs like the Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Training Program. Many states require state registration, licensure, or national certification (such as PTCB or NHA).
• Strong attention to detail, basic math and unit conversion skills, familiarity with pharmacy management software, and adherence to HIPAA and safety guidelines.