Pharmacy Technician
Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.
Annual openings
692
BLS median wage
$49,970
Typical education
High school (GED), plus on-the-job training
10-year growth
+11%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
High school (GED), plus on-the-job training
Credential requirement
A certification is critical for many jobs in the Healthcare industry and it is recommended that you get one that is valued by employers. While not currently required for all Pharmacy Technician jobs, it is required for many of them.
Credential detail
Certifications valued by Colorado employers: • Exam for Certified Pharmacy Technician (from NHA) • Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (from PTCB)
Work experience
Entry-level
Experience detail
This is an entry-level role so no experience in a Healthcare environment is required. However, full or part-time work experience of any kind developing the listed knowledge and abilities is preferred, with previous Healthcare and Customer Service experience being valued.
Training
Completion of a Pharmacy Technician program that leads to the completion of one of the certifications listed above is required for many jobs.
Work-based learning
In addition to training to be a Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technicians can specialize in pharmaceutical use in Operating Rooms/Chemotherapy/etc. or become a supervisor or trainer. In retail/ambulatory settings, they can lead a department or a store.
Employer competency information
Feedback from employers identifies the following critical competencies and how they apply for this job
- Customer Focus — Healthcare revolves around providing good customer service to patients
- Interpersonal Skills — Provide culturally congruent care by understanding the patient population in order to provide care that matches patients' values, beliefs, traditions, & lifestyles. Know your boundaries with patients
- Communication - Listen to & understand patients, receive input from others, and communicate effectively orally & in writing
- Critical & Analytical Thinking - Think & act independently, know when to escalate issues, identify regulations & safety issues for each situation
- Problem Solving & Decision Making - Apply common sense to the situation and make appropriate decisions autonomously
- Following Directions - Follow established processes and procedures and have the ability to focus on critical tasks
- Planning & Organizing - Know what is important to address first
Is this work a fit?
What the work actually feels like
How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.
Automation exposure
High exposure
Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.
A typical day
- Receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate.
- Establish or maintain patient profiles, including lists of medications taken by individual patients.
- Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs.
- Receive and store incoming supplies, verify quantities against invoices, check for outdated medications in current inventory, and inform supervisors of stock needs and shortages.
- Answer telephones, responding to questions or requests.
- Order, label, and count stock of medications, chemicals, or supplies and enter inventory data into computer.