Pharmacy Technician Experience 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What will I do on a daily basis in the pharmacy as a pharmacy technician?

As a pharmacy technician, you will gain hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations of a pharmacy. This includes dispensing medications, managing inventory, and interacting with patients. This practical experience can provide valuable insights into the pharmaceutical field and help you understand the nuances of pharmacy practice, especially within a retail setting. Take a look at our “Career Paths in Pharmacy” module for more information on retail pharmacy and what this setting looks like. 

What will I learn as a pharmacy technician?

Pharmacy technicians are exposed to the workflow and processes within a pharmacy. There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into packaging a medication for a patient. As a technician, you will learn deeply about this process and all that goes into ensuring a medication is given to a patient with safety at the forefront of it all. This firsthand experience can be beneficial when transitioning to pharmacy school, as you may already be familiar with the routine tasks and responsibilities associated with the profession.

Will I interact with patients as a pharmacy technician? 

Yes, as a pharmacy technician, you will have direct interactions with patients quite frequently. This may involve answering questions about medications to the best of your knowledge, providing instructions, and addressing concerns. Developing strong communication skills and the ability to interact with diverse patient populations is crucial for a pharmacist, and working as a technician helps in honing these skills. These interactions also make for great anecdotes in the interview portion of the admissions process to further enhance your application. 

Will I learn about medications as a pharmacy technician?

Yes, pharmacy technicians become familiar with various medications, dosage forms, and prescription terminology. This foundational knowledge is advantageous when entering pharmacy school, as you may already have a basic understanding of some common medications.

If I am considering pharmacy school, why should I become a pharmacy technician?

Exposure to the daily responsibilities of a pharmacy technician can reaffirm your early interest in pursuing a career in pharmacy. It provides an opportunity to assess whether the profession aligns with your personal and professional goals before truly committing to a pharmacy school. It will provide both experience and peace of mind before diving head first into pharmacy school. This experience will aid you during the admissions process and in pharmacy school, as it will give you real-world experience to draw on, and also affirm your decision to pursue this degree throughout hard times.