What Are the Different Levels of Pharmacy Technician?

What does the pharmacy technician career path look like? A tree full of branches. We say this because not all pharm techs do the same type of work, with different positions offering a diverse array of roles and responsibilities.

Choosing the right path for you involves understanding not only what a pharm tech does, but also a few of your options in this field. One way to differentiate these options is through the various pharmacy technician levels, each with different education and experience requirements. Before we get into these levels, let’s clarify this role.

What Is a Pharmacy Technician?

Pharmacy technicians help prepare and dispense prescription medications. This may entail:

• Entering patient and medication information into the pharmacy’s computer system
• Measuring medications to ensure they are accurate as prescribed
• Packaging and labeling medications before providing them to the customer or patient

Pharmacy technicians perform these duties under the supervision of licensed pharmacists. Working in a pharm tech role might also involve assisting with inventory management, providing customer service (answering the phone, ringing up prescription purchases, processing insurance claims, etc.), and performing any other duties as assigned.

You can find pharm techs in a variety of settings, from retail pharmacies to compounding pharmacies to mail-order pharmacies. Some healthcare facilities also hire pharmacy technicians, such as hospitals or urgent cares that dispense prescription medications.

Watch this short video: What is a Pharmacy Technician?

The Different Pharmacy Technician Levels

Pharmacy technician roles can be differentiated by their levels, of which there are three. While we refer to them as level I pharmacy technician, level II pharmacy technician, and level III pharmacy technician, you may also see the Roman numerals after the title (i.e., pharmacy technician I, pharmacy technician II, and pharmacy technician III). You might even see numbers used instead (pharmacy technician 1, pharmacy technician 2, and pharmacy technician 3).

What is a level I pharmacy technician?

A level I pharmacy tech performs basic pharmaceutical functions, such as those listed above. Thus, if you are just beginning your career, you will likely be in a level I position as an entry-level pharmacy technician.

There are a few ways to become a pharmacy technician at this foundational level. One option is to obtain your high school diploma and engage in on-the-job training. Another is to complete a pharmacy tech training program, with a third option being earning your pharmacy technician degree.

The route you choose may depend, in part, on your state’s requirements for healthcare professionals working in this particular role. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that most states regulate the pharmacy technician position, and this regulation may require you to complete a formal training program, earn a degree, or obtain your certification.¹

Your employer may have specific requirements as well. Paying close attention to the job description can help you identify the qualifications you need for the pharmacy technician jobs you wish to apply for.

What is a level II pharmacy technician?

What’s the difference between a pharmacy technician I vs. II? In addition to the duties assigned to a level I tech, level II pharmacy technicians often perform more advanced pharmaceutical duties. This may include preparing more complex medications, maintaining patient and medication files, and compiling pharmacy statistics. Some level II pharmacy techs are also tasked with managing and/or training level I pharmacy technicians.

A level II pharmacy tech is typically required to have more education or training than a level I tech. This training may involve completing a pharmacy technician training or degree program. Pharmacy technician certification might also be required.

A level II pharmacy tech also often has more experience. Some employers require that level II techs have between one and three years of experience as a pharmacy technician to qualify for this more advanced position.

Related: Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) Overview

What is a level III pharmacy technician?

A level III pharmacy technician can perform the same duties as a level I and level II pharm tech, with a few additions. Depending on the employer, these additions may include assigning duties to other pharmacy techs, creating and prioritizing daily work, assisting with the hiring of new pharmacy technicians, maintaining the pharmacy’s computer system and databases, and ensuring the pharmaceuticals are handled as required by regulatory agencies.

Just as with level II pharmacy techs, individuals interested in pursuing this more advanced role are generally required to complete formal training or a certificate program. More experience is often requested as well, with some employers requiring at least three years in a level II role.

The Benefits of Working as a Level II or III Pharmacy Technician

One of the benefits of pursuing a level II or level III pharmacy tech role is that both come with increased responsibility. If you’re the type of person who likes to continue to progress in the duties you’re assigned within your career role, each one offers this ability.

Working in a pharmacy that employs all three levels of pharmacy technicians also provides the opportunity to advance to a higher-level position if this is your goal. It could give you something to strive for, working your way from one level to the next level of technician.

Performing pharmacy technician duties as a level II or III may also increase your wage potential.

Ready to Begin Your Career as a Pharmacy Technician?

If you’d like to begin your pharmacy technician career path, one way to achieve this goal is by completing an educational program. This helps provide the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties typically assigned to this role.

Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) offers a Health Science — Pharmacy Technician Associate of Science / Associate of Applied Science degree Coursework for this program is available online.² You also gain access to a 180-hour on-site externship to further enhance your skills while also providing experience before beginning your pharm tech job search.

Learners completing UMA’s Health Sciences – Pharmacy Technician Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science degree program are prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) if they meet the eligibility requirements.³ We also continue to work with you post-graduation, helping you with your resume and providing advice on what to expect in your upcoming interviews.

If you’re ready to begin pursuing your career as a pharmacy technician, UMA is here to help every step of the way! Contact us to learn more.

FAQs

What are the three different levels of pharmacy technician?

They are a level I, level II, and level III pharmacy technician — sometimes written as level 1, level 2, and level 3 pharmacy technician. Each level has more responsibilities than the one before it, and more experience too.

Is a pharmacy tech considered a healthcare worker?

Yes. These professionals play an important role in the healthcare industry by helping patients get the medications they need in the dosages prescribed.

How long does it take to complete a pharmacy technician training program?

Program lengths can vary. UMA’s Health Sciences – Pharmacy Technician Associate of Science / Associate of Applied Science degree can be completed in 18 months or more, though completion times vary according to individual students.