Everything You Need to Know About Working as a Walmart Pharmacy Technician
As an experienced pharmacy professional, I often get asked what it‘s like to work as a pharmacy technician at Walmart. With over 5,000 pharmacy locations nationwide, Walmart is the third largest pharmacy operator in the US. Its pharmacies fill around 20% of all retail prescriptions in the country – amounting to over 1 billion prescriptions filled annually!
With this massive scale, Walmart employs thousands of pharmacy technicians to support its pharmacy operations and provide medications to millions of customers. If you‘re interested in launching a career as a pharmacy tech, Walmart can be a great place to gain experience and learn the ropes. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share insider details on the realities of the job, requirements, pay, work environment, and best advice for aspiring Walmart pharmacy technicians.
What Exactly Does a Walmart Pharmacy Tech Do?
As a Walmart pharmacy technician, your primary responsibilities will be assisting the pharmacist in serving customers and preparing medications. This includes:
Receiving new prescriptions from doctors‘ offices and patients. You‘ll collect information and enter the prescription details accurately into the pharmacy computer system. Walmart uses a system called Connexus.
Filling and preparing prescriptions under the pharmacist‘s supervision. This involves retrieving the correct medication from shelves or inventory, counting pills, measuring dosages, and labeling bottles. You‘ll also mix compounds and medications for specialized prescriptions.
Handling the pickup process for customers. You‘ll manage payment, insurance claims, and patient questions at pickup. This is where you can really demonstrate good customer service.
Maintaining pharmacy inventory. You‘ll keep shelves stocked, place medication orders, check for expired drugs, and handle returns. Most inventory tasks are done using the Telxon scanner device.
Performing administrative tasks like answering phones, taking patient medication histories, assisting with vaccine administration, and handling paperwork.
Ensuring the pharmacy is clean, organized, and running efficiently.
On an average shift as a Walmart pharmacy tech, you can expect to stay busy with various customer-service and administrative tasks. The job requires multi-tasking, attention to detail, and excellent organization. You‘ll work on your feet for most of your shift.
Here‘s an example walkthrough of common tasks:
- Arrive at pharmacy and log in to Connexus computer
- Check inbox for any new e-prescriptions from doctors
- Fill any prescriptions queued in Connexus into labeled bottles
- Place refill orders for inventory running low
- Answer phones and look up patient histories
- Help customers at pickup and counsel them on new medications
- Process insurance claims and take payments
- Look for expired meds and damaged products for returns
- Assist pharmacist with administering vaccines
- Update paperwork and patient files
- Restock shelves, take inventory with Telxon
- Clean and disinfect pharmacy counters
Step-by-Step Process for Filling Prescriptions
Since filling prescriptions is at the core of the job, let‘s look at that process:
Receive the new prescription into Connexus either electronically from doctor or from patient drop-off
Enter the patient and medication information into Connexus. Double and triple check accuracy.
Retrieve correct medication bottle from shelf/inventory. Scan barcode to verify it‘s the right drug and dosage.
Carefully count the pills – this step requires extreme focus. Count twice to ensure accuracy.
Place pills into the prescription bottle. Measure out liquids or compounds if required.
Print and firmly affix the prescription label onto bottle. Include patient name, dosage, doctor name, date, etc.
Have pharmacist review filled script and sign off before pickup.
Bag medication and file paperwork under patient name.
When patient comes for pickup, have them sign paperwork and counsel them on medication usage.
Update inventory levels and orders in Connexus.
This entire process must be handled with great care and precision. A pharmacy tech‘s work directly impacts the health and safety of patients.
How Much Do Walmart Pharmacy Techs Get Paid?
The average hourly wage for a Walmart pharmacy technician ranges between $13 – $21 per hour. Salary is based on prior pharmacy experience:
0 – 4 years experience: around $13 – $15 per hour
4 – 8 years experience: about $15 – $18 per hour
8+ years experience: approximately $17 – $21 per hour
In addition to hourly pay, Walmart offers pharmacy techs the following benefits:
Health insurance – medical, dental, vision plans
401(k) retirement plan with 6% company match
Employee stock purchase plan with 15% company match
Paid time off – vacation, personal, sick days
Employee discounts on Walmart merchandise
Annual bonuses based on store performance
Some locations may offer slightly higher starting pay depending on cost of living in the area. Overall, the compensation package is quite competitive for pharmacy technician roles especially just starting out.
What are Walmart‘s Training and Certification Requirements?
Walmart provides comprehensive on-the-job training for new pharmacy technicians through a combination of computer modules and hands-on learning. The training program typically takes 8-12 weeks to fully complete.
Here‘s an overview of Walmart‘s pharmacy tech training program:
Computer modules: These are online courses that teach you Walmart‘s pharmacy processes, patient privacy policies, medication classifications, prescription abbreviations, and more. The modules take around 4 weeks to complete.
Hands-on training: After the modules, you‘ll receive 2-4 weeks of practical training shadowing an experienced pharmacy tech at your store. If there are no seasoned techs available, you may need to go to another store temporarily.
Connexus software training: You‘ll receive specialized instruction on navigating Walmart‘s Connexus pharmacy management software. Fluency with the Connexus system is critical.
Register and law exam: Some states require passing a registration exam through the Board of Pharmacy to begin working. Walmart‘s training preps you for any required state exams.
While Walmart provides robust on-site training, most states actually require pharmacy technicians to become officially certified within 1-2 years of starting the job.
The two main national certification options are:
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Earning national certification demonstrates to Walmart that you have the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to work in the pharmacy safely and effectively. I recommend becoming certified even before applying to give yourself a competitive edge.
What‘s the Work Environment and Culture Like?
With over 9,700 total Walmart stores, experiences can vary greatly depending on location, pharmacist leadership, and co-workers. That said, there are some common themes:
Busy and fast-paced: Walmart pharmacies typically see high prescription volumes and constant customer traffic. You have to be comfortable working in a hectic environment with competing priorities.
On your feet: Expect to be standing most of your shift with little chance to sit down. Wearing comfortable shoes is a must.
Teamwork is key: You‘ll need to collaborate closely with pharmacists and other techs to get through the daily workload. Having a supportive team makes all the difference.
Can be stressful: Pharmacy staff often feel pressure to work quickly while maintaining quality. Understaffing issues at some locations add to the strain.
Rewarding work: Many pharmacy techs take pride in their health care role and enjoy interacting with customers. When there‘s a well-run pharmacy, the job satisfaction tends to be higher.
Opportunities to advance: Walmart offers roles like lead/senior tech, specialty pharmacy tech, and pharmacy manager for career development.
Overall, it‘s a fast-paced job that requires commitment and a service mindset. Your mileage will vary depending on your store‘s resources and team culture. Look for pharmacies with an experienced pharmacist and techs that emphasize support.
Expert Tips for Succeeding as a Walmart Pharmacy Technician
Here are my top insider tips for excelling as a technician at Walmart:
1. Earn PTCB or NHA certification. Invest upfront in certification to gain skills and look more qualified for hiring.
2. Master the Connexus software. Fluency with Walmart‘s pharmacy tech software is essential.
3. Focus on customer satisfaction. Make patients feel cared for during stressful health times.
4. Ask questions early and often. It‘s a learning process. Don‘t be afraid to ask peers.
5. Have patience and stay calm. The job gets hectic. Keeping cool under pressure will help you focus.
6. Double and triple check. Accuracy is critical when people‘s health is at stake. Leave no room for error.
7. Speak up on concerns. Report any staffing, workload, or training issues to improve the work environment.
8. Consider specializing. Becoming a specialty tech in areas like diabetes or immunizations expands opportunities.
9. Keep learning. Take on extra training shifts to get exposure to all pharmacy areas.
10. Have a thick skin. Pharmacy can be a demanding work environment. Try not to take harsh words personally.
With certification, training, and the right mindset, a career as a Walmart pharmacy technician can be highly rewarding. I hope this guide gives you a better idea of how to decide if it‘s the right healthcare job for you!
