What Skills Should Pharmacy Technicians Have?

When we talk about the pharmacy technicians, they are unsung heroes behind every hospital, clinic, and pharmacy. They work in a fast-paced world where every single detail counts. One small mistake can create serious consequences. 

What do pharmacy techs do is – 

• Help prepare prescription orders,
• Check prescription details, and 
• Communicate with patients. 

However, when it comes to their skills, they need to be very detail-oriented. They should have good communication skills too. Especially when things get busy, they know how to work well under pressure and manage everything. 

In short, becoming a pharmacy technician requires – 

• Technical knowledge, 
• Patient care skills, and 
• A focus on accuracy and safety when handling medications.

Skills Needed to be a Pharmacy Technician

Technical Skills

Most of the skills needed to become a pharmacy technician are technical and can be learned through a pharmacy technician program, either in-person or online. 

These skills include basic tasks like preparing medications, handling billing, and processing insurance. In addition to these, pharmacy technicians also need to know:

• How the human body works
• How medications affect it
• How to make sterile and non-sterile compounds (mixtures of medications)
• Proper hygiene and safety practices
• Guidelines for mixing medications and using equipment
• Using pharmacy software for billing and insurance
• Managing medication inventory
• Understanding pharmacy laws and ethical standards

Soft Skills

What makes a great pharmacy technician? Their skills, abilities, & knowledge of pharmacy.

Besides technical skills, pharmacy technicians need strong people skills and the ability to communicate well. It is especially important because they interact directly with patients. 

These “soft” skills are important for standing out as a candidate and finding fulfillment in the job.

A good pharmacy technician is compassionate and a good listener. They help patients with their concerns and resolve any issues that arise. 

They also need to communicate clearly with doctors and patients, know when to refer a patient to the pharmacist for more information, and maintain a professional attitude at all times.

Some important soft skills for a pharmacy technician include:

• Detail-oriented
• Organized and efficient
• Ability to multitask
• Good judgment

What’s More?

1. Attention to Detail

Pharmacy technicians handle medications that affect the patient’s health directly, so it is important to have accuracy. 

Even small mistakes such as –

• Incorrectly counting medications, or 
• mixing up the prescriptions. 

These can have serious consequences. Employers want technicians who are very careful and thorough no matter what they are doing. 

If you want to improve, you need to take time and double-check your work. It can help you reduce errors and keep patients safe. 

2. Try Communicating Confidently

Pharmacy technicians need to – 

• Give the instructions for the medicines, 
• Answer any questions, and 
• Resolve problems professionally. 

Good communication skills help PTs support patients. 

You can practice listening carefully and communicating actively to sort out the problem. 

Rehearse some common patient questions or scenarios to become more confident. 

To get better, practice listening actively and communicating clearly. 

3. Proficiency with Pharmacy Software and Technology

Today pharmacies are becoming more digital so make sure you know about the software and the technology. 

It includes managing health records, using –

• Automated dispensing systems, and
• Tracking inventory. 

Technicians who know how to use technology can make the pharmacy run more smoothly and reduce errors.

4. Basic Knowledge of Pharmacology

Pharmacy technicians should know – 

• How drugs work,
• Their uses, and
• Their side effects. 

It can help them support pharmacists and answer the basic queries of the patients. You need to know the common medication – essential in clinical settings. 

5. Inventory Management Skills

Inventory management is key that includes – 

• Keeping track of stocks, 
• Checking expiration dates, and 
• Giving orders for new supplies. 

A well-organized inventory system can help the pharmacies run smoothly, without any wastage. 

6. Problem-Solving Abilities

Pharmacy technicians usually end up facing challenges such as – 

• Mistakes with prescriptions, 
• Issues with insurance, or
• Shortages in the medicines. 

With better problem-solving abilities, you can figure out the solutions quickly.

7. Customer Service and Empathy

It is essential to give compassionate care in healthcare. Pharmacy technicians should be – 

• Patient
• Empathetic 
• Understanding. 

Make sure to approach patients with kindness.

8. Knowledge of Pharmacy Law and Regulations

So, before proceeding, know the laws and rules that guide your work. 

It is important, especially, when it comes to prescriptions and patient privacy. 

You need to know the rules about – 

• controlled substances and 
• safety procedures.

9. Teamwork and Collaboration

Pharmacy technicians work as part of a healthcare team. It includes – 

• pharmacists, 
• nurses, 
• doctors, and 
• office staff. 

If you are a good team player, the patients get the best care. 

To Wrap Up

These skills can help a Pharmacy Technician to get high-demand roles. 

As the pharmacy profession continues to grow, you need to work on developing your skills. 

It can help you adapt to the career path. These skills can help you prepare for the future. So, make sure to make the most out of it.