Pharmacists used to fill prescriptions by hand, preparing and dispensing the doctor's prescribed pills, lotions, and liquids. Most drugs are now manufactured by pharmaceutical corporations and delivered in bulk to pharmacies. As a result, pharmacists can devote more time to providing clinical services. However, someone must still measure the amounts, count the pills, and type up the patient's instructions. This is increasingly the duty of the pharmacy technician. 

Pharmacy technicians are always supervised by a qualified pharmacist, and considering the potency of today's pharmaceuticals, they must be exceedingly detail-oriented, accurate, and precise. This is not a profession that tolerates errors and blunders. After all, with each prescription, someone's life could be jeopardised. 

A high school certificate and pharmacy tech certification from a community college, vocational school, or other institution are required. The ageing baby boomer generation will ensure a long-term demand for pharmacy technologists.