What does a pharmacia tech do on their job?

Please only answer this question if you have actually been a pharmacy tech or have talked with someone who has been a pharmacy tech.





I know that a pharmacy technician is basically an assistant to a pharmacist. But what job duties are they typically responsible for on that type of job?





I realize that they typically get the prescription and handle the cash transactions from the customers. They also check insurance information and make sure that is updated in the computer. Besides that, what else does a pharmacy tech handle? Do they actually process the actual prescriptions, such as pulling the pills from the dispenser into the small bottles, or any other issues relating to that?





Do they need to understand medical terminology or chemistry?|||Pharmacy technicians are becoming more and more important in the practice of pharmacy, especially in retail settings (Walgreen%26#039;s, CVS). Requirements vary per state laws, but there is a national exam that can be taken (PTCB) which will help to learn the basic requirements of a tech.





Some responsibilities of a tech include interpreting and entering data on prescriptions, counting and filling the medication, calling doctor%26#039;s offices for refill approval, resolving insurance issues, and completing cash register transactions. Advanced tech may also participate in compounding prescriptions and IV admixtures. Techs also participate in the business of a pharmacy, including inventory control and doctor detailing calls.|||Check with state laws in your area first.


Techs have an opportunity to learn about drugs. The more you know about medical terminology the better. There are pharmacy tech training programs here in California.


Here, techs fill the scripts under the supervision of a pharmacist but I know from experience that the supervision doesn%26#039;t mean they are actually watching you. I believe as long as they are %26#039;on site%26#039; that qualifies as supervision. It would be great experience if you%26#039;re looking to become a pharmacist.





There%26#039;s a huge responsibility here and training and attention to detail is essential. Recently there were cases where techs filled the wrong script and people died. I think that was in NY so this area is being carefully evaluated.