A pharmacy technician is a person who assists a pharmacist with the practice of pharmacy. A pharmacy technician performs various functions, depending on how the pharmacy is set up. Possible job functions include taking prescriptions and entering them into a computer, selecting and counting medication, running a cash register, keeping track of and ordering supplies, and delivering medication.  Pharmacy technicians with motor impairments may have difficulty performing one or more of these tasks.  JAN consultants have suggested the following accommodations:

First, a pharmacy technician is typically required to work at a standing height.  Many motor impairments result in lower extremity weakness or fatigue. One possible solution is to use a stand/lean stool.

Second, a pharmacy technician must count pills.  Fine motor limitations can inhibit one's ability to do this effectively.  A pill counter with an  automatic dispenser is a remedy.

Third, entering information into a computer is common practice for pharmacy technicians.  If an individual has limited use of the hands, alternative input devices and speech recognition software will help.

Fourth, a pharmacy technician operates a cash register when filling prescriptions and dealing with customers.  A coin/bill counter is one solution for individuals who have difficulty gripping and pinching.

Fifth, a pharmacy technician often orders supplies.  This job function involves completing forms.  If one has difficulty performing this function due to limitations that inhibit writing, an individual may benefit from a writing aid or using a computer and form software.

Fifth, a pharmacy technician must deliver medication.  If an individual has difficulty walking distances to distribute medication, the individual may benefit from a scooter.

Examples of JAN accommodation calls involving pharmacist technicians:

A pharmacist technician with a foot disorder who was unable to stand for long periods was accommodated with a stand/lean stool so he could work at a standing height but have his weight supported.

A pharmacist technician with tendonitis who was having difficulty reaching items on high shelves was accommodated with a reacher.

A pharmacy technician with carpal tunnel syndrome who was having difficulty opening vials of medication, placing orders into bags, and sealing the bags was accommodated with a jig to hold the vials of medication in place, an assistive bottle opener, and an electric stapler.

A pharmacist technician with a back injury who was having difficulty carrying supplies was accommodated with a motorized cart.

A pharmacist technician with multiple sclerosis needed to use a wheelchair but could not reach the counters and shelves in the pharmacy. He was accommodated with a stand-up wheelchair.

Resources:

National Pharmacy Technician Association

American Association of Pharmacy Technicians