| Aspect | Pharmacy Technician | Pharmacist |
|---|
| Required Credentials | High school diploma, certification (e.g., PTCB) | Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, licensure |
| Work Environment | Retail, hospital, long-term care pharmacies | Hospitals, community pharmacies, clinics |
| Job Responsibilities | Assisting pharmacists, preparing medications, customer service | Dispensing medications, patient counseling, clinical decision-making |
Pharmacy technicians support pharmacists by handling medication preparation and customer service, working under supervision. Pharmacists have advanced training, can make clinical decisions, and provide patient counseling. Both roles are essential in pharmacy settings but differ significantly in education, responsibilities, and scope of practice.