Pharmacy technicians work in pharmacy setting such as retail pharmacies or mail-order pharmacies. Responsibilities include preparing prescription medication, providing customer service and performing administrative tasks such as answering the telephone. They usually work along side pharmacists to help them properly prepare, measure and dispense medication. Other responsibilities include receiving prescriptions from physician's offices and processing prescription requests by telephone.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Good customer service skills, basic math skills and reading skills are also imperative for the job. Technicians should also be precise with verifying doses and giving patients the right medication. Even though there are no stringent education requirements, employers favor those who have training, certification and previous experience. Pharmacy technicians can receive certification from either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT). Both of these organizations offer national examinations for technicians across the country.