If you’re exploring the world of pharmacy, you’ve probably heard people talk about pharmacy tech vs. pharmacist and wondered what the difference really is.1
Maybe you’re considering a career in healthcare but aren’t sure whether to become a pharmacy technician or pursue a path to become a licensed pharmacist.
Both roles are vital to the healthcare system, and understanding how they differ (and how they work together) can help you decide which path fits your skills, interests and career goals.
The role of a pharmacy technician
A pharmacy technician is an essential member of the pharmacy team who works under a pharmacist's supervision to assist in a variety of tasks. Pharmacy technicians and pharmacists collaborate closely to ensure patients receive proper medications, patient treatments and guidance on drug interactions.
Pharmacy technicians typically handle a mix of technical and administrative responsibilities, such as filling prescriptions, dispensing medications, managing pharmacy orders and handling inventory management. They also process insurance claims, input data into patient records and may provide basic health screenings.
One of the key benefits of becoming a pharmacy technician is that you can start your pharmacy career relatively quickly compared to a pharmacist. Many positions only require a high school diploma or an associate degree, and completing a pharmacy technician program or training program can provide both formal training and on-the-job training.
Educational pathways for pharmacy technicians
If you’re interested in becoming a pharmacy technician, the first step is often completing an accredited training program.
This can include classroom instruction on pharmacy law, preparing medications, dispensing medications and patient safety, as well as hands-on or virtual experience with real-world pharmacy tasks.
Some programs offer an externship component, giving students the chance to work in retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, or geriatric pharmacy settings under direct supervision.
After completing the program, candidates may take a pharmacy technician certification exam through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, which may include two licensing exams or a certification exam, depending on state requirements. Becoming a certified pharmacy technician can increase your chances of landing pharmacy technician jobs and may improve your projected job growth in the field.
Many states also require licensure, which may involve additional exams or a multistate pharmacy jurisprudence exam. Once licensed, pharmacy technicians can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies, and specialized clinics.
For more on how to become a pharmacy tech, check out Pharmacy Technician Training: A Sneak Peek at the Road Ahead.
Key responsibilities of pharmacy technicians
In a typical pharmacy, pharmacy technicians and pharmacists have collaborative responsibilities to ensure smooth operations and patient safety. Here's what pharmacy technicians typically handle:
- Filling prescriptions accurately and efficiently under the supervision of a pharmacist.
- Preparing medications for dispensing, including measuring, compounding or packaging under the supervision of a pharmacist.
- Maintaining accurate patient records and documentation.
- Managing inventory, ordering pharmacy supplies and coordinating with insurance providers.
- Performing administrative tasks, like processing insurance claims and updating pharmacy software systems.
- Offering basic health screenings with proper training and certification to support healthcare providers.
In short, pharmacy technicians and pharmacists work together to make sure pharmacy customers receive the correct prescription medication and guidance on proper use. While technicians focus more on technical tasks and administrative support, pharmacists take the lead in clinical decisions.
The role of a pharmacist
A pharmacist has a broader scope of responsibility compared to a pharmacy technician. Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who have earned a PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) degree through a rigorous PharmD program or pharmacy school, including prerequisite courses and undergraduate coursework. Some pharmacists also hold bachelor’s degrees before entering a PharmD program.
Please note: Rasmussen University does not offer a PharmD program.
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians work side by side, but the pharmacist is the professional responsible for:
- Advising patients on proper medication use and potential drug interactions.
- Prescribing medications in states that allow pharmacist prescribing.
- Ensuring patient safety and the appropriateness of patient treatments.
- Overseeing pharmacy staff, including pharmacy technicians.
- Participating in clinical research and developing protocols for health screenings.
Unlike a pharmacy tech, pharmacists must be licensed as pharmacists and can work in a variety of healthcare environments, including hospital pharmacy, geriatric pharmacy and clinical research. Pharmacists may also hold supervisory roles, managing pharmacy staff and coordinating care with other healthcare professionals.
Pharmacy technician vs pharmacist: Key differences
Understanding the key differences between a pharmacy tech and a pharmacist can help clarify career decisions. Here are the main contrasts...
| Aspect | Pharmacy Technician | Pharmacist |
| Education | High school diploma, associate degree, pharmacy technician program | PharmD degree, pharmacy school, undergraduate coursework |
| Licensing | Pharmacy technician certification, state licensure | Licensed pharmacist, may require PharmD program completion and licensing exams |
| Scope of Practice | Preparing medications, dispensing medications, administrative tasks, inventory management | Advising patients, prescribing medications, clinical decision-making, supervising pharmacy staff |
| Patient Interaction | Supports pharmacists, performs technical tasks | Leads patient care, consults on drug interactions, approves prescriptions |
| Job Outlook | Pharmacy technicians earn opportunities in retail pharmacies, hospitals and mail order pharmacies | Pharmacist jobs often offer higher responsibility |
This table highlights the significant difference in responsibilities and required education, but both roles are essential for patient care and the smooth operation of any pharmacy setting.
Becoming a pharmacy technician
For someone new to the field, becoming a pharmacy technician is a practical way to enter the pharmacy world. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
- Meet the educational requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required. Completing an associate degree in health science can help, but it isn’t always mandatory.
- Enroll in a pharmacy technician certificate program: Many programs may include training, virtual or on-site practicums, and preparation for the pharmacy technician certification exam.
- Pass certification exams: Most states encourage or require passing the pharmacy technician certification exam or the multistate pharmacy jurisprudence exam. This ensures that certified pharmacy technicians are competent in pharmacy law, safety protocols, and preparing medications.
- Gain experience: Entry-level pharmacy technician jobs in retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, or mail order pharmacies provide hands-on experience and exposure to healthcare providers.
- Advance your career: Experienced pharmacy techs may take on specialized roles in geriatric pharmacy, clinical research or management positions. Please note that additional education and/or specific work experience may be required to work in specialized roles. So, it’s important to check education and work experience requirements for desired role
Pharmacy technicians earn opportunities for growth through training programs, certification and ongoing professional development. The field is projected to see positive job growth, especially with an aging population and increasing demand for prescription medication.
Benefits of becoming a pharmacy technician before a pharmacist
Many people wonder if starting as a pharmacy tech is a smart stepping stone to becoming a pharmacist.
The short answer is yes, and here’s why.
Working as a pharmacy technician gives you practical, hands-on experience that is incredibly valuable if you eventually want to pursue a PharmD program. As a pharmacy tech, you learn how to dispense medications, prepare medications, handle pharmacy orders and maintain accurate patient records. These are the day-to-day skills that pharmacists rely on, and gaining this experience early makes the transition smoother.
You also get exposure to pharmacy law, pharmacy staff workflow, and patient care in real-world settings like retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies or mail order pharmacies. Understanding these processes firsthand allows you to see the bigger picture of how a pharmacy operates and how pharmacists and pharmacy technicians collaborate to ensure patient safety and proper patient treatment.
Another benefit is that starting as a pharmacy tech can help you determine if a career in pharmacy is the right fit for you. It gives you insight into the pace, responsibilities and challenges of the pharmacy world without immediately committing to the years of study required for a PharmD degree.
For those planning to continue on to pharmacy school, the experience you gain as a certified pharmacy technician can make you a stronger candidate for a PharmD program, as admissions committees value real-world experience.
Additionally, it can help you build confidence, develop essential skills and start networking with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals who can support you along your career path.
Disadvantages of being a pharmacy technician
It is important to understand some of the limitations of this role so you can make an informed choice.
1. Limited scope of practice
Compared to pharmacists, pharmacy technicians have a narrower scope of responsibilities. Pharmacy techs cannot prescribe medications, approve prescriptions, or make final clinical decisions. Their role is supportive, helping pharmacists and pharmacy technicians ensure patient safety, dispense medications, and handle administrative tasks such as processing insurance claims.
For someone who dreams of taking the lead in patient care or making clinical decisions, this limitation may feel restrictive.
2. Long hours and physical demands
Some pharmacy technician jobs, especially in retail pharmacies or busy hospital pharmacies—can require long periods on your feet and fast-paced work. During peak hours, pharmacy techs may be juggling dispensing medications, managing pharmacy orders and assisting pharmacy customers, which can be physically and mentally demanding.
3. Career advancement requires additional training
While there is room to grow as a pharmacy tech, significant career advancement often requires further education, certifications or transitioning to a pharmacist role via a PharmD program. Ambitious pharmacy technicians can move into specialized areas like geriatric pharmacy, clinical research or supervisory roles, but it often takes dedication and continued learning.
Despite these challenges, many people find pharmacy technician jobs extremely rewarding. The role offers hands-on exposure to prescription medications, the chance to contribute to patient care, and a fast-track entry into the healthcare industry. For those who enjoy helping patients, working in a team with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, and learning about pharmacy operations, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.
In fact, starting as a pharmacy tech can be a stepping stone to greater opportunities, whether that’s moving into advanced technician roles, pursuing specialized certifications, or eventually becoming a pharmacist. It’s a career that blends skill, service and personal growth in a meaningful way.
Pharmacy careers are both rewarding and fascinating
Choosing between a pharmacy technician and a pharmacist depends on your career goals, timeline and interests. Both roles are crucial to patient care and the healthcare system. And starting as a pharmacy technician can be a great entry point into the field of pharmacy, giving you an important, stable, healthcare position that will always be needed by society.
Check out Pharmacy Tech to Pharmacist: 7 Reasons to Start as a Tech to see how some professionals work their way up in the pharmacy and why this path is so useful.
1This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice.
