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18 Pharmacy Technician Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various pharmacy technician interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

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Common Pharmacy Technician Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with medications and pharmacy equipment?

One of the main duties of a pharmacy technician is to fill prescriptions using a variety of pharmacy equipment such as a tablet counter, pill splitter, and measuring devices. In addition, pharmacy technicians may be responsible for stocking shelves with medications, so it is important that they have experience working with medications.

Example: “I have worked as a pharmacy technician for over 10 years. I have experience working with all types of medications and pharmacy equipment. I am familiar with the different types of medications used to treat various conditions, and I have experience filling prescriptions and preparing medications for dispensing. I am also familiar with the operation of common pharmacy equipment, such as pill counters and tablet splitters.”

What do you know about different types of medications and their uses?

There are many different types of medications and each has a specific use. For example, some medications are used to treat pain, while others are used to treat infections. As a pharmacy technician, it is important to be familiar with the different types of medications and their uses so that you can provide accurate information to patients and help them choose the right medication for their needs.

Example: “There are many different types of medications available on the market today. Each medication has its own unique set of properties and uses. Some medications are designed to treat specific conditions, while others are meant for general use. Medications can be taken orally, injected, or applied topically.”

How would you fill a prescription for a patient?

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the pharmacy technician's level of knowledge and experience. It is important for the interviewer to know how the pharmacy technician would fill a prescription for a patient because it shows whether or not the pharmacy technician is able to do the job.

Example: “In order to fill a prescription for a patient, the pharmacy technician would first need to obtain the prescription from the prescribing healthcare provider. Once they have the prescription, they would then need to verify the patient's insurance coverage and benefits. After that, they would need to retrieve the medication from stock and prepare it for dispensing. Finally, they would dispense the medication to the patient and provide them with any necessary instructions.”

What would you do if a patient had a question about their medication?

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the pharmacy technician's customer service skills. It is important for pharmacy technicians to be able to answer questions from patients about their medication in a polite and professional manner.

Example: “If a patient had a question about their medication, I would first try to answer the question myself. If I could not answer the question, I would ask the pharmacist on duty for help.”

What do you know about insurance billing and reimbursement for medications?

An interviewer would ask "What do you know about insurance billing and reimbursement for medications?" to a/an Pharmacy Technician in order to gauge the level of experience and knowledge the Technician has in this critical area of pharmacy operations. This is important because billing and reimbursement for medications can be a complex and time-consuming process, and it is important for the Technician to have a good understanding of how it works in order to be able to effectively help customers and resolve any issues that may arise.

Example: “The process of insurance billing and reimbursement for medications can be complex and confusing. As a pharmacy technician, it is important to have a good understanding of how this process works in order to be able to effectively assist patients with their medications.

There are two main types of insurance that cover medications: private insurance and public insurance. Private insurance is typically provided through an employer or a family member's employer. Public insurance, such as Medicare and Medicaid, is provided by the government.

Patients with private insurance usually have a copayment for their medications. This copayment is typically a set dollar amount that the patient pays at the time of purchase. The insurance company then reimburses the pharmacy for the remainder of the cost of the medication. Patients with public insurance typically do not have a copayment for their medications. Instead, the government reimburses the pharmacy for the cost of the medication after the patient has purchased it.

It is important to note that not all medications are covered by all insurance plans. Some plans may have restrictions or limits on certain types of medications. For example, some plans may only cover generic medications while others may only cover brand-name medications. It is important to check with the patient's insurance plan to determine what type of”

How would you handle a situation where a patient could not afford their medication?

An interviewer would ask "How would you handle a situation where a patient could not afford their medication?" to a pharmacy technician to gauge the technician's ability to empathize with patients and work with them to find a solution. This question is important because it allows the interviewer to see if the pharmacy technician is patient-focused and has the ability to think on their feet.

Example: “If a patient could not afford their medication, I would work with them to find a way to make it affordable. This could involve looking for coupons or discounts, finding a cheaper alternative medication, or working with the patient's insurance company to see if they will cover the cost of the medication.”

What do you know about compounding medications?

One of the duties of a pharmacy technician is to compound medications. This involves combining, mixing, or altering ingredients to create a medication tailored to the needs of a specific patient. Compounding is important because it allows for the creation of customized medications that are not available commercially.

Example: “Compounding is the process of preparing customized medications for patients. This may be done in response to a physician’s prescription or to meet the specific needs of a patient who has difficulty taking commercially available medications. Compounded medications are created by combining two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and excipients, which are inactive ingredients that serve a variety of purposes such as binding, filling, or disintegrating. The finished product is then dispensed in the form of capsules, tablets, creams, ointments, suppositories, or solutions, depending on the intended use.

Compounding allows pharmacists to tailor medications to meet the unique needs of individual patients. For example, a compounding pharmacist may be able to prepare a medication in a different form (such as a liquid instead of a pill) or with different flavors (such as bubble gum or chocolate) to make it easier for a child to take. Compounding also allows pharmacists to adjust the strength of a medication to meet the needs of an elderly patient or one who is sensitive to certain medications. In addition, compounding can be used to create medications that are not commercially available, such as those that contain multiple active ingredients or those that are designed for specific routes of administration (such”

What is your experience with enteric-coated medications?

An interviewer would ask "What is your experience with enteric-coated medications?" to a/an Pharmacy Technician because it is important for the technician to know how to handle and dispense these types of medications. Enteric-coated medications are designed to dissolve in the intestine, not the stomach, so it is important that they are not crushed or broken before taking.

Example: “I have experience with enteric-coated medications from both a personal and professional standpoint. I have taken enteric-coated medications myself, and have also dispensed them to patients. I am familiar with the process of manufacturing enteric-coated medications, as well as how to store and handle them.”

What do you know about controlled substances and their storage requirements?

Controlled substances are drugs that are regulated by the government. They are typically illegal to possess or use without a prescription. Pharmacy technicians must be familiar with the storage requirements for controlled substances, as they are responsible for handling and dispensing them.

Example: “Controlled substances are drugs that are regulated by the government due to their potential for abuse. They are typically divided into three categories: Schedule I, II, and III. Schedule I drugs are considered the most dangerous and have a high potential for abuse, while Schedule III drugs are considered the least dangerous and have a lower potential for abuse. Storage requirements for controlled substances vary depending on the schedule, but all must be kept in a secure location that is inaccessible to unauthorized persons.”

How would you deal with a situation where you were short-staffed and had to work alone in the pharmacy?

An interviewer would ask "How would you deal with a situation where you were short-staffed and had to work alone in the pharmacy?" to a pharmacy technician to gauge the technician's ability to work independently and handle a high-pressure situation. This question is important because it allows the interviewer to get a sense of the technician's problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changes in the work environment.

Example: “If I were short-staffed and had to work alone in the pharmacy, I would first try to complete any tasks that absolutely need to be done in order for the pharmacy to function properly. This might include tasks like filling prescriptions, answering the phone, and helping customers. Once those tasks are taken care of, I would then focus on stocking shelves and completing other tasks that can be done more quickly when there are fewer people around.”

What is your experience with computerized pharmacy systems?

An interviewer would ask "What is your experience with computerized pharmacy systems?" to a pharmacy technician to gain an understanding of the technician's level of experience and comfort using technology in a pharmacy setting. This is important because many pharmacies are now using computerized systems to manage inventory, orders, and patient records, and it is important for technicians to be able to use these systems effectively.

Example: “I have experience with computerized pharmacy systems, specifically with the Rx30 system. I am familiar with the various features and functions of the system, and I am able to navigate it efficiently. I have also helped train other pharmacy technicians on how to use the system.”

How would you handle a mistake that you made while filling a prescription?

Possible reasons for why an interviewer would ask "How would you handle a mistake that you made while filling a prescription?" to a pharmacy technician include:

-To gauge the technician's ability to take responsibility for their actions and learn from their mistakes.

-To assess the technician's attention to detail and accuracy.

-To see if the technician is able to think on their feet and come up with a quick solution.

It is important for a pharmacy technician to be able to take responsibility for their actions, learn from their mistakes, and be accurate in their work in order to avoid any potential errors that could cause harm to patients.

Example: “If I made a mistake while filling a prescription, I would first check to see if the error could be corrected. If the error could be corrected, I would fix it and then document the mistake in the patient's file. If the error could not be corrected, I would notify the pharmacist and document the mistake in the patient's file.”

What do you do to stay up-to-date on new medications and changes in pharmacy practice?

An interviewer would ask "What do you do to stay up-to-date on new medications and changes in pharmacy practice?" to a/an Pharmacy Technician to ensure that the technician is keeping up with new developments in the field. This is important because new medications and changes in pharmacy practice can have a significant impact on the work of a pharmacy technician, and it is important for technicians to be aware of these developments in order to perform their job duties effectively.

Example: “I stay up-to-date on new medications and changes in pharmacy practice by reading pharmacy journals, attending continuing education courses, and talking to other pharmacists.”

What do you think is the most important skill for a pharmacy technician?

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the pharmacy technician's understanding of the role and responsibilities of a pharmacy technician. It is important for a pharmacy technician to have excellent communication skills in order to effectively communicate with patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. They must also be able to accurately and efficiently enter data into the pharmacy computer system.

Example: “The most important skill for a pharmacy technician is the ability to accurately and efficiently fill prescriptions. This includes knowing how to measure medications, calculate dosages, and select the appropriate form of medication (e.g., tablet, capsule, liquid, etc.). Pharmacy technicians must also be able to enter prescription information into a computer system and print out labels.”

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing pharmacy technicians today?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the interviewee's understanding of the pharmacy technician field and what challenges it currently faces. It is important for the interviewer to know if the interviewee is aware of the challenges facing pharmacy technicians so that they can determine if the interviewee is a good fit for the position.

Example: “The biggest challenges facing pharmacy technicians today are:

1. The increasing complexity of medications and drug regimens
2. The need for more specialized training
3. The shortage of qualified pharmacy technicians
4. The increasing cost of medications and healthcare”

How do you deal with difficult customers or patients?

An interviewer would ask this question to a pharmacy technician to gauge their customer service skills and ability to deal with difficult situations. This is important because pharmacy technicians are often the first point of contact for customers and are responsible for handling customer inquiries and complaints. They must be able to resolve issues in a professional and courteous manner.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to deal with difficult customers or patients will vary depending on the situation. However, some tips on how to deal with difficult customers or patients include remaining calm and professional, being willing to listen to their concerns and try to understand their perspective, and being proactive in finding solutions that will work for both parties.”

What do you think sets your experience apart from other candidates for this position?

One reason an interviewer might ask this question is to gauge whether the candidate has carefully considered their qualifications and how they fit with the job requirements. It is important for candidates to be able to articulate why they are a good fit for the position, and this question allows them to do so. Additionally, this question gives the interviewer insight into the candidate's self-awareness and confidence.

Example: “I believe my experience sets me apart from other candidates for this position for several reasons. First, I have worked as a pharmacy technician for over 10 years in a variety of settings, including retail, hospital, and long-term care. This has given me a well-rounded understanding of the role of the pharmacy technician and how to best support pharmacists and patients. Additionally, I am a certified pharmacy technician and have completed extensive training in medication safety and error prevention. I am also proficient in using computerized pharmacy systems, which is an increasingly important skill in today's healthcare environment. Finally, I have excellent communication and customer service skills, which are essential in this role.”

Do you have any questions for me about the position or the pharmacy?

The interviewer is gauging the applicant's interest in the position and the pharmacy. It is important to ask questions about the position and the pharmacy to show that you are interested in the job and have researched the company. Asking questions also shows that you are thoughtful and inquisitive, which are qualities that are important in a pharmacy technician.

Example: “No, I don't have any questions for you.”

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