CVS Pharmacy Technician Certification Practice Test

Which of the following tasks is part of a pharmacy technician’s job description?

1. Counseling patients on medication

2. Assisting pharmacists in the dispensing process

3. Handling all controlled substance prescriptions

4. Directly diagnosing patients

The correct answer is: Assisting pharmacists in the dispensing process

A pharmacy technician plays a crucial role in supporting pharmacists during the dispensing process. This includes various tasks such as preparing medications, labeling prescriptions, managing inventory, and verifying that prescriptions are ready for pharmacist review. By assisting in these activities, pharmacy technicians help ensure the efficiency and accuracy of medication dispensing, allowing pharmacists to focus more on patient care and counseling. Although counseling patients on medication is an essential aspect of patient care, this responsibility is primarily designated to pharmacists, who have the training and expertise to provide comprehensive medication therapy management and patient education. Meanwhile, handling all controlled substance prescriptions is typically subject to stricter regulations and oversight by pharmacists rather than pharmacy technicians. Directly diagnosing patients is outside the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians, as this requires advanced medical training and licensure that only pharmacists and other healthcare professionals possess.