Helping a pharmacist dispense prescription medication might seem like an easy task, but it requires immense precision and detail. Pharmacy technicians ensure medications are filled correctly in a specified window of time. Unlike pharmacists, pharmacy technicians are not the sole dispensers of medication. They mostly assist in measuring, mixing, counting and labeling dosages of medications. Also, pharmacy technicians don’t typically advise patients on proper medication dosages and side effects the way a pharmacist does.

"One of the most challenging aspects comes down to maintaining knowledge on all the changes that occur within the field," says Mike Johnston, chief executive officer of the National Pharmacy Technician Association. "Pharmacy practice changes on a weekly basis with new generics and new drugs." Another challenge is interacting with patients who are "not always feeling their best," he says. "The majority of your customers that you’re going to be dealing with are sick – whether it be a cold or sinus infection or a much more serious, chronic condition. So it takes a lot of compassion and empathy."

Pharmacy technicians work in department stores, grocery stores and general merchandise stores, but the majority work at pharmacies, drug stores and hospitals.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5.6% employment growth for pharmacy technicians between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 25,900 jobs should open up.

Pharmacy technicians will develop many of their skills through on-the-job training. Here’s how to get started:

1. Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. Most states require pharmacy technicians to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Complete on-the-job training. Pharmacy technicians pick up many skills through on-site training.
3. Receive a postsecondary education in pharmacy technology. Though a postsecondary program is helpful, it’s not required for the profession. Vocational schools and community colleges offer these programs, which usually last one year or less.
4. Get certified. Though not all, some states and employers require certification to work as a pharmacy technician. Both the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the National Healthcareer Association offer certification.
5. Stay up to date with your continuing education. Certified technicians need to recertify every two years. To do so, you’ll need to complete at least 20 hours of continuing education.

Postsecondary programs might teach mathematics commonly applied in pharmacies and help familiarize students with the names, uses and doses of medications. Best practices for dispensing medications, as well as pharmacy law and ethics, will also be covered. Some training programs include internships that allow students to obtain hands-on experience.