Health Practitioner Support Technologists and Technicians

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate.97
Enter prescription information into computer databases.94
Establish or maintain patient profiles, including lists of medications taken by individual patients.93
Compute charges for medication or equipment dispensed to hospital patients and enter data in computer.93
Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs.92
Prepare and process medical insurance claim forms and records.92
Receive and store incoming supplies, verify quantities against invoices, check for outdated medications in current inventory, and inform supervisors of stock needs and shortages.90
Answer telephones, responding to questions or requests.89
Assist customers by answering simple questions, locating items, or referring them to the pharmacist for medication information.88
Operate cash registers to accept payment from customers.88
Transfer medication from vials to the appropriate number of sterile, disposable syringes, using aseptic techniques.87
Price and file prescriptions that have been filled.86

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Mix pharmaceutical preparations, according to written prescriptions.86
Restock intravenous (IV) supplies and add measured drugs or nutrients to IV solutions under sterile conditions to prepare IV packs for various uses, such as chemotherapy medication.86
Order, label, and count stock of medications, chemicals, or supplies and enter inventory data into computer.85
Supply and monitor robotic machines that dispense medicine into containers and label the containers.85
Clean and help maintain equipment or work areas and sterilize glassware, according to prescribed methods.84
Prepack bulk medicines, fill bottles with prescribed medications, and type and affix labels.84
Deliver medications or pharmaceutical supplies to patients, nursing stations, or surgery.84
Maintain and merchandise home healthcare products or services.66
Price stock and mark items for sale.64

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening75
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension69
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking69
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking56
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Learning53
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving53
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making53
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Service Orientation53
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness53
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Mathematics50
Using mathematics to solve problems.

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Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Writing50
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Learning Strategies47
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Personnel Resources38
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Persuasion38
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Analysis35
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Instructing31
Teaching others how to do something.
Operations Monitoring31
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Management of Material Resources28
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operation and Control28
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis28
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Systems Evaluation28
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Negotiation25
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Science22
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Management of Financial Resources19
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Operations Analysis19
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Technology Design19
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Troubleshooting19
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Programming13
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service90
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Mathematics71
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Medicine and Dentistry71
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
English Language69
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Computers and Electronics68
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Law and Government62
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Administrative58
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Production and Processing56
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Chemistry49
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Public Safety and Security48
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Administration and Management47
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Education and Training47
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

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Personnel and Human Resources41
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Telecommunications41
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Communications and Media39
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Biology31
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Sales and Marketing31
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Psychology28
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Economics and Accounting26
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Therapy and Counseling26
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Transportation24
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Foreign Language23
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Sociology and Anthropology19
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Engineering and Technology13
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mechanical13
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Philosophy and Theology13
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Physics13
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Food Production9
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Design8
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Geography6
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
History and Archeology6
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Building and Construction4
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Fine Arts4
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Near Vision75
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Speech Recognition72
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Information Ordering69
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Problem Sensitivity69
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Category Flexibility66
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Speech Clarity60
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Deductive Reasoning53
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Finger Dexterity53
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Number Facility53
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

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Perceptual Speed53
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Written Expression53
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Arm-Hand Steadiness50
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Manual Dexterity50
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Time Sharing50
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Flexibility of Closure47
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Mathematical Reasoning47
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Trunk Strength47
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Visual Color Discrimination44
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Auditory Attention41
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Fluency of Ideas38
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Memorization35
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Speed of Closure31
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Control Precision28
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Extent Flexibility28
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Originality28
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Stamina28
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Visualization28
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Dynamic Strength25
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Gross Body Coordination25
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium25
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Multilimb Coordination25
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Static Strength25
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Wrist-Finger Speed25
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Speed of Limb Movement22
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Depth Perception19
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Hearing Sensitivity19
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Reaction Time13
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation13
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Explosive Strength3
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Rate Control3
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information82
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working with Computers79
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards78
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Processing Information77
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Documenting/Recording Information76
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships74
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings73
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public73
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates71
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events71
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Training and Teaching Others67
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge67
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

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Analyzing Data or Information66
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems66
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work66
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Assisting and Caring for Others65
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others65
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others62
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization57
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others55
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information55
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials55
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People55
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Coaching and Developing Others53
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Scheduling Work and Activities51
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Handling and Moving Objects50
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources50
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Developing and Building Teams49
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Controlling Machines and Processes48
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Performing Administrative Activities46
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates45
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Performing General Physical Activities44
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others43
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing Objectives and Strategies41
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Thinking Creatively39
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Selling or Influencing Others32
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Staffing Organizational Units30
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment27
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment27
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment25
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment23
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail100
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness85
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Integrity79
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Cooperation61
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Self-Control49
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Stress Tolerance48
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Sincerity44
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Social Orientation44
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Achievement Orientation37
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Empathy37
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Perseverance37
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

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Optimism29
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Adaptability28
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Humility28
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Self-Confidence24
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Initiative23
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Intellectual Curiosity22
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional100
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Realistic54
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Social39
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Investigative33
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Enterprising25
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important98%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day100%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day97%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others90%
E-Mail
- Every day78%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day68%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually74%
- More than half the time11%
- About half the time11%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important72%
- Very important12%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important57%
- Very important25%
- Important18%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day51%
- Once a week or more but not every day40%
Time Pressure
- Every day69%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)20%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)68%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)12%

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Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually51%
- More than half the time21%
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time17%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious44%
- Very serious34%
- Serious11%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results34%
- Important results44%
- Moderate results15%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day57%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Never24%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually42%
- More than half the time25%
- About half the time14%
- Less than half the time15%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important47%
- Very important11%
- Important24%
- Fairly important13%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important52%
- Very important17%
- Not important at all23%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually54%
- More than half the time15%
- Never26%
Conflict Situations
- Every day37%
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Some freedom53%
- Limited freedom26%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day49%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never29%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility30%
- High responsibility25%
- Moderate responsibility17%
- Limited responsibility12%
- No responsibility16%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility37%
- High responsibility19%
- Limited responsibility21%
- No responsibility16%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- Some freedom37%
- Limited freedom35%
- Very little freedom12%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day44%
- Never40%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day42%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never29%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive17%
- Highly competitive12%
- Moderately competitive39%
- Slightly competitive11%
- Not at all competitive20%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day18%
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never26%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours17%
- 40 hours57%
- Less than 40 hours26%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- More than half the time22%
- About half the time31%
- Less than half the time29%
- Never16%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day34%
- Never61%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated12%
- Moderately automated36%
- Slightly automated36%
- Not at all automated16%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important12%
- Very important16%
- Fairly important26%
- Not important at all43%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time37%
- Never39%
Spend Time Sitting
- Less than half the time45%
- Never40%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day15%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never66%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day16%
- Never74%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never67%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never65%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
- Never54%
Public Speaking
- Every day11%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never69%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never81%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never87%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)19%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)81%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- About half the time14%
- Never78%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never79%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time26%
- Never74%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Never89%
Exposed to High Places
- Never90%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Never93%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never95%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never96%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Post-secondary certificate
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Medical software
Medical condition coding software, MEDITECH software, Patient record maintenance software, Pharmaceutical software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Internet browser software
Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
Data base user interface and query software
Database software, Drug compatibility software
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Label making software
Label-making software
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Pharmacy management software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Billing and invoicing software
Billing and reimbursement software
Inventory management software
Pyxis MedStation software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Perform clerical work in medical settings.
Verify accuracy of patient information.
Enter codes or other information into computers.
Enter information into databases or software programs.
Enter patient or treatment data into computers.
Process medical billing information.
Record patient medical histories.
Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment.
Operate cash registers.
Process sales or other transactions.
Provide customers with general information or assistance.
Provide information to the general public.

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Prepare medications or medical solutions.
Maintain supply or equipment inventories.
Monitor availability of equipment or supplies.
Clean medical equipment or facilities.
Maintain medical equipment or instruments.
Sterilize medical equipment or instruments.
Arrange delivery of goods or services.
Deliver items.
Merchandise healthcare products or services.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Pharmacist Assistant (Alternate Title: Pharmacy Technician)
Pharmacy Support Staff (Alternate Title: Pharmacy Specialist)
Pharmacy Technician, Retail Store (Existing Title: Pharmacist Assistant)
Pharmacy Technician, Retail Store (Revised)

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology