The basic definition is a person who works under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist and performs many pharmacy-related functions. Pharmacy technicians are used in a wide variety of practice settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, the military, in home health care, long term care, mail service facility, managed health care facilities, and educational/training programs. For the purposes of national voluntary certification, pharmacy technicians are defined as individuals working in a pharmacy, who under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assist in pharmacy activities not requiring the professional judgment of a pharmacist. The pharmacy technician is accountable to the supervising pharmacist, who is legally responsible by virtue of state licensure for the care and safety of patients served by the pharmacy. The pharmacy technician performs activities as the result of having certain knowledge and skills.

Outlook:
The Department of Labor says that job opportunities are expected to be good for full-time and part-time work, especially for those with certification or previous work experience. Many technicians work evenings, weekends, and holidays. About 7 out of 10 of jobs were in retail pharmacies, grocery stores, department stores, or mass retailers. In hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted-living facilities, technicians have added responsibilities, including reading patients’ charts and preparing and delivering the medicine to patients.