Occupation AtlasPharmacy Technicians
O*NET · 29-2052.00
Pharmacy Technicians
Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.
Also called Accredited Pharmacy Technician · Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) · Chemo Pharmacy Technician · Chemotherapy Pharmacy Technician (Chemo Pharmacy Technician) · Compounding Pharmacy Tech · Compounding Pharmacy Tech (Compounding Pharmacy Technician) · Compounding Technician · CPhT
19 more
Drug Coordinator · Hospital Pharmacy Tech · Hospital Pharmacy Tech (Hospital Pharmacy Technician) · Inpatient Pharmacy Tech · Inpatient Pharmacy Tech (Inpatient Pharmacy Technician) · OR Pharmacy Tech · OR Pharmacy Tech (Operating Room Pharmacy Tech) · Pharm Tech · Pharmacist Assistant · Pharmacist Technician · Pharmacy Clerk · Pharmacy Laboratory Technician · Pharmacy Service Associate · Pharmacy Technician (Pharm Tech) · Pharmacy Technologist · Retail Pharmacy Tech · Retail Pharmacy Tech (Retail Pharmacy Technician) · RPhT · RPhT (Registered Pharmacy Technician)
Compare with another occupationCompare with Police Identification and Records Officers
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CRSConventional · Realistic · Social — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional7.00
- R Realistic4.21
- S Social3.32
- I Investigative2.99
- E Enterprising2.52
- A Artistic1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (39%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (31%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (45%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Service OrientationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- MathematicsbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
Show the other 23
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- WritingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- PersuasionImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- InstructingImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.1Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- NegotiationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- SciencebasicImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- ProgrammingImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
13 core · 8 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate.Importance 4.9
- Enter prescription information into computer databases.Importance 4.8
- Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs.Importance 4.7
- Establish or maintain patient profiles, including lists of medications taken by individual patients.Importance 4.7
- Answer telephones, responding to questions or requests.Importance 4.6
- Receive and store incoming supplies, verify quantities against invoices, check for outdated medications in current inventory, and inform supervisors of stock needs and shortages.Importance 4.6
- Assist customers by answering simple questions, locating items, or referring them to the pharmacist for medication information.Importance 4.5
- Operate cash registers to accept payment from customers.Importance 4.5
- Price and file prescriptions that have been filled.Importance 4.4
- Clean and help maintain equipment or work areas and sterilize glassware, according to prescribed methods.Importance 4.4
- Order, label, and count stock of medications, chemicals, or supplies and enter inventory data into computer.Importance 4.4
- Mix pharmaceutical preparations, according to written prescriptions.Importance 4.4
Show the other 9
- Prepack bulk medicines, fill bottles with prescribed medications, and type and affix labels.Importance 4.3
- Prepare and process medical insurance claim forms and records.Importance 4.7
- Compute charges for medication or equipment dispensed to hospital patients and enter data in computer.Importance 4.7
- Transfer medication from vials to the appropriate number of sterile, disposable syringes, using aseptic techniques.Importance 4.5
- Supply and monitor robotic machines that dispense medicine into containers and label the containers.Importance 4.4
- Deliver medications or pharmaceutical supplies to patients, nursing stations, or surgery.Importance 4.4
- Restock intravenous (IV) supplies and add measured drugs or nutrients to IV solutions under sterile conditions to prepare IV packs for various uses, such as chemotherapy medication.Importance 4.4
- Price stock and mark items for sale.Importance 3.6
- Maintain and merchandise home healthcare products or services.Importance 3.6
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.6Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 3.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
- English LanguageImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- MathematicsImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.7Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Law and GovernmentImportance 3.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- AdministrativeImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Production and ProcessingImportance 3.2Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
Show all 33
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- ChemistryImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- BiologyImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- PsychologyImportance 2.1Level 2.6
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- TransportationImportance 2.0Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.9Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- MechanicalImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- PhysicsImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Food ProductionImportance 1.4Level —
- DesignImportance 1.3Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
- GeographyImportance 1.2Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.2Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Near VisionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Information OrderingImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
Show all 52
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Finger DexterityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Number FacilityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Manual DexterityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Time SharingImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- MemorizationImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- OriginalityImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- StaminaImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- VisualizationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Static StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Response OrientationImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.1Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Getting InformationImportance 4.3Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Processing InformationImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.9Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
Show all 41
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.8Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.6Level 2.7
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.2Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.2Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.2Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.0Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.9Level 2.7
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.7Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.5Level 2.9
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
20 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (4)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
Hot (5; 4 more marked hot above)
- Apple Safari
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Edge
- Microsoft Word
- Mozilla Firefox
Other tools (11)
- Billing and reimbursement software
- Compounder software
- Database software
- Drug compatibility software
- Label-making software
- Medical condition coding software
- Patient record maintenance software
- Pharmaceutical software
- Pharmacy management software
- Prescription processing software
- Pyxis MedStation software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Police Identification and Records Officers
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O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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Average difference 0.2 points · Negotiation +0.9, Instructing +0.8
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Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −0.9, Science −0.9
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Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing +1.1, Mathematics −1.0
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.