4 Skills Every Pharmacy Technician Should Have

With more people relying on prescription medications, pharmacy technicians are in high demand. If you’re interested in this fast-growing field, here are some must-have skills to excel as a pharmacy technician.

1. Knowledge of Medications

One critical skill for pharmacy technicians is having a strong knowledge of medications. You’ll need to be familiar with drug names, classifications, doses, side effects, and more. Build your expertise by studying guides like the top 200 drugs and common over-the-counter medications. Create flashcards to help memorize important details about each medication. With this foundation, you’ll be able to understand prescription orders and properly fill medications. According to NBC News, the number of job openings for pharmacy technicians has grown by almost 60% in the last five years, industrywide. Medication fluency is a huge asset for entering this expanding field.

2. Organization

Staying organized is essential for pharmacy technicians. You’ll handle high prescription volumes and must accurately fill orders without errors. Keep workspaces neat so you can efficiently find bottles, tools, and paperwork when needed. Invest in organization systems like bins, folders, and checklists to stay on top of tasks. Double-check prescription details like dosages each time. A meticulous, orderly approach prevents potentially dangerous mistakes. Healthcare staffing agencies look for techs who are focused and attentive to small but important details.

3. Effective Communication

Strong communication skills allow pharmacy techs to interact clearly with customers, coworkers, and healthcare staff. You’ll need to explain prescription information to patients in a helpful, easy-to-understand way. Repeat back instructions to ensure comprehension. When speaking with doctors’ offices, be sure you understand their medication orders precisely. Building rapport with your pharmacy team is also key. Greet coworkers, listen attentively during discussions, and ask clarifying questions. With good communication habits, you’ll provide better patient care and excel in fast-paced pharmacy settings.

4. Tech Savvy

Computer competency helps pharmacy technicians in many ways. You’ll use software programs to enter customer data, fill prescriptions, manage inventory, and more. Being comfortable navigating apps and technology prevents workflow slow-downs. Experience with medical information systems like EPIC or Cerner is a big plus, too. Overall, digital skills translate to higher efficiency, fewer errors, and happier patients. Brush up on computer basics and pharmacy-specific programs so you can thrive in a technology-driven role.

As demand for pharmacy technicians keeps climbing, so do opportunities with healthcare staffing companies. Bring these essential skills to the job and you’ll show employers you have what it takes to flourish in this field. If you’re looking for a job as a pharmacy tech, reach out to Concentric Healthcare Staffing today to find the right fit for you.