Pharmacy PEBC Practice Exam

How does a pharmacy technician's role differ from that of a pharmacist?

1. Pharmacy technicians provide clinical judgment

2. Pharmacists manage administrative tasks

3. Pharmacy technicians handle administrative tasks

4. Pharmacists focus solely on medication storage

The correct answer is: Pharmacy technicians handle administrative tasks

Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in the pharmacy setting by handling a variety of administrative tasks that support the overall operations of the pharmacy. These may include processing prescriptions, managing inventory, and assisting with customer service. Their responsibilities allow pharmacists to focus on more clinical aspects of patient care, such as medication therapy management, counselling patients, and performing clinical assessments. In contrast, pharmacists are equipped with advanced education and training that empower them to provide clinical judgment and ensure effective therapy management for patients. The distinction is significant in that pharmacy technicians are not authorized to make clinical decisions or provide patient counseling, while pharmacists are responsible for these critical aspects of patient care. Understanding these differences highlights the collaborative nature of pharmacy practice, where both technicians and pharmacists contribute uniquely to patient health and safety.