Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of registered pharmacists, handling many of the drug product related tasks that must be done in the pharmacy. Pharmacy technicians must be licensed with the California State Board of Pharmacy.
In an outpatient, or drug store, setting, pharmacy technicians prepare prescription medications. They also enter prescription information into the computer, and help with inventory control and customer service.
Pharmacy technicians may choose to work in the inpatient, or hospital, environment. Pharmacy technicians who work in the inpatient area prepare medications for distribution, using unit-dose cassettes or automated dispensing machines. Inpatient pharmacy technicians often prepare intravenous solutions and other types of sterile products. Inventory control and computer entry of medications orders are also part of the inpatient pharmacy technician’s job.
Many home health care and home infusion pharmacies employ pharmacy technicians. These pharmacies provide intravenous medications and supplies to home-bound patients.