JOB DESCRIPTION

Assist licensed pharmacist in preparing prescribed medication for patients, price and file prescriptions, establish and maintain patient profiles, prepare insurance claim forms, and inventory medication.

SKILLS AND APTITUDES NEEDED

Basic knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, English, and health education Strong customer service and communication skills Experience managing inventories Competency in using a computer Qualities of being observant and organized Ability to perform precise, detailed work No prior record of drug or substance abuse

Technicians receive written prescriptions or requests for a prescription refill from patients or doctor’s representatives. They must verify that the information on the prescription is complete and accurate. To prepare the prescription, the technician must retrieve, count, pour, weigh, measure, and sometimes mix the medication. Once the prescription is filled, technicians price and file the prescription. Some also clean the pharmacy equipment, help with the maintenance of equipment and supplies, and manage the cash register. In hospitals, technicians read patient charts, prepare and, after it is checked by the supervising pharmacist, deliver medication to patients. They record information about the medication onto the patient’s profile. They are responsible for keeping a running inventory of medicines and supplies used. They may be required to lift heavy boxes or to use stepladders to retrieve supplies from high shelves.

Pharmacy technicians refer any questions regarding prescriptions, drug information, or health matters to a pharmacist. A pharmacist must check every prescription before it can be given to a patient.