Essential Skills of a Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians require a combination of technical, interpersonal, and organizational skills to perform their duties effectively.

They require a range of essential skills to carry out their responsibilities effectively. In this section, we will discuss eight essential skills that are necessary for success in this field.

Attention to Detail

Pharmacy technicians must have a keen eye for detail to accurately measure, mix, and dispense medications. They must also ensure that patient and medication information is entered correctly into the pharmacy’s computer system.

Communication Skills

Pharmacy technicians must communicate effectively with pharmacists, other healthcare professionals, and patients. They should be able to explain medication instructions clearly and answer questions from patients.

Customer Service

Pharmacy technicians often interact with patients, so they should have good customer service skills. They must be able to work effectively with patients of all ages, backgrounds, and health conditions.

Math Skills

Pharmacy technicians need strong math skills to accurately measure and dispense medication dosages. They may also need to perform calculations related to drug compounding, inventory management, and billing.

Technical Skills

Pharmacy technicians should be familiar with pharmacy software systems, electronic health records, and other technological tools used in the field. They should also be able to troubleshoot any issues that arise with these systems.

Ethics and Prefessionalism

Pharmacy technicians should adhere to ethical and professional standards in all aspects of their work. This includes respecting patient privacy, maintaining confidentiality, and following legal and ethical guidelines related to the dispensing of medications.

Organization Skills

Pharmacy technicians must be organized and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. They may need to fill prescriptions, manage inventory, maintain patient records, and answer phones all in a single shift.

Problem Solving

Pharmacy technicians may encounter problems with prescriptions, inventory, or patient communication. They should be able to identify and solve problems effectively and efficiently.