Specific job duties for pharmacy managers vary based on the size of the pharmacy, the number of employees, and the number of customers being served. However, their core responsibilities and daily tasks are universal across all pharmacy environments:
Manage Pharmacy Staff
Pharmacy managers lead staff members in the pharmacy by assigning work tasks, supervising, evaluating, hiring, firing, training, and scheduling work shifts for all employees.
Oversee Prescriptions
Pharmacy managers fill prescriptions and check prescriptions filled by pharmacy techs to ensure proper procedures have been followed.
Consult with Patients
Pharmacy managers advise patients and give them proper directions for taking prescription drugs, supplements, and over-the-counter medications. Pharmacy managers also address customer problems and complaints.
Administer Immunizations
Pharmacy managers administer immunizations and vaccines to patients, following all safety and cleanliness procedures.
Adhere to Controlled Substance Laws
Pharmacy managers follow controlled substance protocols in accordance with state and federal laws.
Consult with Physicians
Pharmacy managers consult with physicians and medical staff on proper medication dosages before administering medications to patients.
Open and Close Pharmacy
Pharmacy managers follow all opening and closing procedures for the pharmacy.
Maintain Protocols
Pharmacy managers ensure that all employees, including themselves, maintain all pharmacy and store protocols and procedures.
Manage Inventory
Requirements
- Bachelor degree in pharmaceutical science
- Leadership skills – pharmacy managers are supervisors who lead by example, supervising staff and overseeing all daily operations to keep the pharmacy running efficiently and legally
- Customer service– because pharmacy managers address customer complaints and dispense advice to customers, these professionals have strong customer service skills
- Communication– pharmacy managers use good verbal communication skills to explain medications and dosages to patients and direct staff effectively
- Computer skills– pharmacy managers use computer skills to verify prescriptions in the system, enter information into digital customer files, and check inventory records
