What is the primary role of a pharmacy technician?

The primary role of a pharmacy technician is to assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications. This involves a variety of tasks that support the pharmacist's responsibilities, such as measuring, mixing, counting, packaging, and labeling medications accurately. Pharmacy technicians help ensure that prescriptions are filled correctly and efficiently, following all relevant laws and regulations. They may also handle customer interactions, including answering questions about medications, which helps to ensure that patients receive accurate information and support regarding their prescriptions. This foundational support is critical to maintaining the flow of pharmacy operations and ensuring patient safety.

In contrast, the other roles listed do not primarily fall under the responsibilities of a pharmacy technician. Conducting health screenings and performing diagnostic tests are typically clinical functions carried out by licensed health care professionals. Managing pharmacy finances and billing, while important, usually falls under the purview of administrative personnel or a pharmacist, not the technician's primary scope of work. Thus, assisting pharmacists in medication-related tasks encapsulates the core duties of a pharmacy technician.