Notice: Please review our COVID-19 Disclosure

The SAU Tech Pharmacy Tech degree program prepares students to assist pharmacists with dispensing information and processing prescriptions. Most states and employers require pharmacy technicians to be certified/registered with an official board of pharmacy. Many pharmacy technician job openings prefer individuals who are currently enrolled in a pharmacy technician school or are already certified. This program is a great way to enter the healthcare field without training to be a nurse. This career path is good for people who like to work with customers.

Pharmacy technicians typically do the following:

• Collect information needed to fill a prescription from customers or health professionals
• Measure amounts of medication for prescriptions
• Package and label prescriptions
• Organize inventory and alert pharmacists to any shortages of medications or supplies
• Accept payment for prescriptions and process insurance claims
• Enter customer or patient information, including any prescriptions taken, into a computer system
• Answer phone calls from customers
• Arrange for customers to speak with pharmacists if customers have questions about medications or health matters

Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of pharmacists, who must review prescriptions before they are given to patients. In most states, technicians can compound or mix some medications and call physicians for prescription refill authorizations. Technicians also may need to operate automated dispensing equipment when filling prescription orders.

Pharmacy technicians working in hospitals and other medical facilities prepare a greater variety of medications, such as intravenous medications. They may make rounds in the hospital, giving medications to patients.