From Classroom to Counter: First-Year Advice for New Pharmacy Technicians.

Starting your first year as a registered pharmacy technician is both exciting and overwhelming. After years of study, exams, and practicum placements, you’ve finally stepped into the professional world, ready to support patients, pharmacists, and the healthcare system. But real-world practice comes with its own set of challenges and surprises.

Whether you’re working in a bustling community pharmacy or a busy hospital dispensary, here are some practical tips and reflections to help you navigate your first year with confidence and clarity.

🎯 1. Keep Learning Beyond the Classroom

Just because you’ve finished your program doesn’t mean the learning stops. Studying for the PEBC exams has just begun. However, every day in the pharmacy is a learning opportunity. Stay curious:

• Ask questions when you’re unsure.
• Take notes on policies, procedures and common issues.
• Review policies, formularies, and drug information regularly.

Many pharmacy techs say their on-the-job learning during the first year is just as important as what they learned in school.

🧠 2. Embrace the Fast Pace — But Don’t Rush

A pharmacy is fast-paced by nature. You’ll often juggle multiple tasks—dispensing, checking inventory, managing workflow, and answering phones—all at once. It’s tempting to rush, but accuracy is everything. Slow down when needed. Patient safety always comes first.

💡 Tip: Double-check patient information like names, allergies, and PHN number every time, especially when you’re tired or distracted. Remember to create a process when checking prescriptions and other areas of workflow.

🤝 3. Build Strong Relationships

Pharmacy is a team sport. From pharmacists and technicians to nurses and delivery drivers, your success depends on collaboration. Take time to:

• Learn your coworkers’ communication styles.
• Support others when they’re overwhelmed.
• Speak up respectfully if something seems off.

A positive, professional attitude goes a long way. ACP has six tenets of professionalism you can check out below.

Understanding Professionalism

🧾 4. Stay Organized and Detail-Oriented

You’ll be managing complex workflows and handling sensitive tasks. Stay ahead by:

• Creating checklists or routines.
• Keeping your workspace tidy (remember you share the space).
• Review your work before passing it along.

Consistency helps build trust with your team and ensures smoother operations.

🌿 5. Prioritize Self-Care

Pharmacy work can be mentally and physically demanding. It’s easy to skip breaks or push through stress, but burnout is real. Protect your well-being:

• Take your breaks (even short ones help).
• Stretch, stay hydrated, and remember to eat.
• Talk to someone if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

A healthy tech is a better tech.

🗣 6. Know When to Speak Up

You’re not expected to know everything right away. What matters is recognizing when to pause and ask for clarification or help. If you spot a potential error, say something—even if you’re new. Patient safety relies on every voice in the pharmacy.

📈 Final Thoughts: 

Every experienced pharmacy technician was once where you are—nervous, new, and learning. Trust the process, stay committed to growth, and celebrate the wins (big and small) along the way.

Welcome to the profession—you’ve got this!

Written by Lorén Voice, PTSA Communication Director.