Good command of English. Must be prepared to work overtime and adapt to unpredictable requirements resulting from emergencies. In health care institutions and community settings, must be able to work as team member. Twenty contact hours of continuing education every two years required to maintain certification. Accurate, rather than fast computer entry skills and knowledge of various insurance plans are highly advantageous.
Moderates cost of distributing pharmaceuticals to patients.
However, some variation in opportunities for leadership. May train entrants. Variable degree of leadership in retail pharmacies but usually less than in hospitals. In retail pharmacies, interacts with customers and may be involved in third party reimbursements, cash payments and general accounting. General trend towards assigning more responsibilities to technicians as pharmacists spend more time counseling.