If you want to become a Pharmacy Technician, you need to develop the right skills.
Since pharmacy techs handle multiple responsibilities, employers look for candidates who are equipped with a mix of technical knowledge and soft skills.
So, in this article, we’ll break down the essential skills that every pharmacy tech should develop. Plus, we’ll discuss 3 ways to help you develop these skills faster.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve, mastering these skills will help you stand out and succeed in your career.
So, let’s get started.
Top Skills of a Pharmacy Tech
Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists, manage prescriptions, and ensure customers receive the correct medications.
Because they work with sensitive medical information and directly impact patient health, they need a strong set of skills, including technical abilities, organization, and good communication.
In this section, we’ll go over the top skills every pharmacy tech should have to succeed in this field.
#1 Attention to Detail
They handle prescriptions, count pills, and measure medications, so even a small mistake can have serious consequences. For example, miscounting a patient’s medication or labeling the wrong dosage could lead to dangerous health complications.
While pharmacists double-check prescriptions, pharmacy technicians must be meticulous in their work to ensure accuracy at every step.
#2 Strong Communication Skills
They interact with pharmacists, doctors, insurance companies, and customers daily. For instance, when a patient comes in with a prescription, a pharmacy technician must explain how to take the medication properly and what side effects to watch out for.
Additionally, they must communicate clearly with pharmacists and healthcare providers when verifying prescription details.
#3 Customer Service Skills
They often work in retail settings where they interact with patients who may be confused about their prescriptions or frustrated about insurance issues. A pharmacy technician must remain calm, polite, and helpful, ensuring that customers feel heard and supported.
For example, if a customer is unsure whether their medication is covered by insurance, a pharmacy technician patiently explains their options and helps them navigate the process.
#4 Listening Skills
They must actively listen to customers, pharmacists, and doctors to ensure they understand prescription orders and patient concerns.
For instance, if a customer mentions they have an allergy, the pharmacy technician must catch that detail and relay it to the pharmacist to prevent any harmful medication interactions.
#5 Math Skills
They frequently use basic math when counting pills, measuring liquids, or determining dosage conversions.
For example, if a prescription requires a patient to take 250 mg of medication twice a day for 10 days, a pharmacy technician must calculate the total amount needed and ensure the correct number of pills is dispensed.
#6 Organizational Skills
They juggle multiple responsibilities, including filling prescriptions, managing inventory, and assisting customers. A well-organized pharmacy technician ensures that medications are stocked correctly, prescription orders are processed on time, and customers aren’t left waiting too long.
For instance, in a busy pharmacy, they must quickly switch between tasks while keeping everything running smoothly.
#7 Ability to Work Under Pressure
They often work in fast-paced environments, especially in retail or hospital pharmacies, where they may process dozens or even hundreds of prescriptions in a single shift.
Despite the high workload, they must remain calm and focused to prevent errors. For example, during flu season, when customer demand surges, a pharmacy technician must keep up with the pace while maintaining accuracy.
#8 Knowledge of Medications
They must understand different types of medications, their uses, and potential side effects. For example, if a customer asks whether they can take a certain cold medicine with their prescribed medication, a pharmacy technician should know enough to refer them to the pharmacist for guidance.
By developing these skills, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful pharmacy technician career.
Top 3 Ways To Develop Skills of a Pharmacy Tech
To build a successful career as a pharmacy tech, you need the right skills, and the best way to develop them is through structured training, hands-on experience, and certification.
So, if you’re serious about becoming a skilled pharmacy tech, you could take these steps and start your career faster.
Here are the 3 Ways To Develop Skills of a Pharmacy Tech:
#1 Enrolling in a Formal Training Program
The first and most effective way to develop pharmacy tech skills is by enrolling in a formal training program.
While some people assume that a degree is the best option, traditional programs like associate degrees, in-person certificate courses, and diploma programs come with several drawbacks.
Degree programs are expensive, often costing thousands of dollars, and can take up to two years to complete. In-person certificate and diploma programs, while shorter, still require attending classes on a fixed schedule, which can be difficult for adults with jobs or family responsibilities.
A better alternative is online pharmacy tech training. Online programs offer a flexible learning experience, allowing you to study at your own pace from the comfort of your home.
These programs are often more affordable, cutting down costs on tuition, commuting, and other expenses. Additionally, it could help you prepare for certification and potentially make you job-ready in as little as a few months.
A standout option in this category is Preppy’s Self-Paced Pharmacy Tech Training Program. Preppy offers a fully online, self-paced curriculum, which is ideal for those looking to complete their education while managing other commitments.
We’ll get onto that later.
#2 Gain Experience Through an Externship
While formal education builds your knowledge, hands-on experience is just as important. Employers prefer candidates with real-world experience because it helps them transition into the job more easily.
This is where an externship comes in. An externship allows you to work in a real pharmacy setting, observe professionals, and apply what you’ve learned in training.
Preppy offers an externship opportunity near your location, helping you gain valuable experience without having to search for opportunities on your own.
Remember – you should always look for training programs that include an externship, as it significantly improves your chances of getting hired.
#3 Obtain CPhT Certification
Certification is one of the most important qualifications employers look for when hiring pharmacy technicians. The Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification, provided by the PTCB, is the most recognized and sought-after certification in the field.
Having this credential not only boosts your resume but also increases your chances of landing a job with better pay and career growth opportunities.
With proper training, passing the CPhT exam becomes much easier. That’s why choosing a program that prepares you for certification is essential.
Moreover, employers value certified pharmacy technicians because they demonstrate a strong understanding of pharmacy operations, medication safety, and customer service.
Introducing Preppy’s Self-Paced Pharmacy Tech Training Program
Preppy’s self-paced training is perfect for busy adults juggling work, family, or other responsibilities. It offers a faster, more affordable way to start your pharmacy tech career without spending years in school.
Here’s what to expect from Preppy:
#1 100% Online and Self-Paced
This program is fully online and self-paced, allowing you to learn at your own pace. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those who need to balance their studies with other commitments, such as work or family responsibilities.
#2 Faster Completion
Degree programs can take up to two years to complete, while diploma programs take about a year. But with Preppy, you could complete the course in as little as 2 months.
This faster completion time is ideal if you’re eager to start this career without the long wait associated with traditional education paths.
#3 Externship Opportunity
Preppy offers an externship opportunity providing you with hands-on experience in a real-world pharmacy setting. Preppy could also arrange an externship close to your location, ensuring convenience.
This practical component is essential for pharmacy techs, allowing you to apply your learning and gain valuable insights into the daily operations in a professional environment.
#4 You Could Become Certification Ready
Preppy’s curriculum is meticulously designed to meet industry standards, so you could become ready for the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, offered by the PTCB.
This certification is widely recognized and highly sought after in the pharmacy technology field, making it a vital step in a successful career.
Obtaining the CPhT certification can significantly boost your employability, as it is a credential that employers value highly.
#5 Affordable Tuition
Preppy’s self-paced pharmacy tech program is one of the most cost-effective training options available. You could get it at just $1,599. This affordability makes pharmacy tech training accessible without the risk of student loan debt.
#6 University Certificate
As soon as you finish the coursework, you’ll receive a university certificate from a reputable non-profit institution, Texas A&M International University.
This university certificate adds significant weight to your credentials, demonstrating that you have undergone quality training.
#7 24/7 Support
Preppy goes the extra mile to support you by offering 24/7 assistance throughout the program. Whether you have coursework questions, need technical help, or require guidance, our dedicated team is always available to ensure your success.
#8 Big Bonus
If you pay our tuition in full, you’ll get a free laptop, which is yours to keep even after completing the program, making it a practical and valuable bonus.
Ultimately, if you want to start this career faster, without the burden of student loan debt or the hassle of attending in-person classes, then Preppy’s Self-Paced Pharmacy Tech Training Program could be a great option.
In Conclusion
Becoming a skilled pharmacy tech requires more than just technical knowledge. You need a mix of organization, communication, and problem-solving skills to thrive in this fast-paced role.
The good news is that you can develop these skills through the right training program, gain real-world exposure through an externship, and earn your CPhT certification.
So, if you’re really serious about launching a career as a pharmacy tech, start building these skills today—because the stronger your skills, the greater your career opportunities.
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, whose work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
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