What are Pharmacy Technicians Required to Wear?

by Savannah Nazarek, CPhT

Working in a pharmacy setting can have you doing a lot of activity.

While working, you want to be comfortable while sticking to the required dress code. Within the multiple branches of pharmacy, there are numerous types of clothing options that can be worn to work. The main types of clothing that pharmacy technicians wear are business casual and scrubs.

Business Casual

Business casual is the medium between casual clothing and suit and tie. Often, business casual is mainly just a nice top, pair of pants, and clean, comfortable shoes.

Many retail pharmacies and some hospitals follow a business casual dress code. This style of dress code is lenient and can differ depending on the individual.

Some examples include:

Person A 

• Dress shirt with a tie (or top button undone)
• Dress slacks - Khaki or black
• Comfortable dress shoes

Person B

• Work appropriate dress that hits slightly above the knee
• Tights or leggings
• Boots

Person C

• Black dress shirt with some flare
• Black dress pants or skirt
• Comfortable work shoes

Many of the retail chains that follow this are Rite Aid, Walmart, Costco, etc. These retailers, in particular, have to wear a smock that is not white over their clothes as a part of their uniform. It lets the technicians show their individuality and still look like part of a team.

Jeans and Leggings

Many companies do not allow employees to wear jeans or leggings to work as pants because they are seen as "unprofessional work attire". In my opinion, that can be further from the truth. Jeans and leggings are more affordable and versatile than dress pants, and they can easily be thrown in the wash and are more comfortable to work in. In addition, it's easier to find a pair of jeans or leggings that can fit an individual without much alteration, rather than dress pants that could cost some money to alter. Of course, the jeans or leggings would have to be work appropriate and look professional - meaning one solid color, no rips or tears, and (for leggings) made of semi-high quality material. With some overlook and approval, jeans and leggings can potentially become defined as business casual clothing in the future.

Scrubs

Scrubs are the universal pharmacy technician uniform for bigger chain retail pharmacies (CVS and Walgreens) and hospitals. Depending on employment, scrub pants can be paired with a work-approved t-shirt, hoodies, and patterned scrub tops. Scrubs are pretty easy to find and affordable depending on where you go. Walmart, Amazon, and stores online such as Figs all carry a wide selection of scrubs that can fit any technician and their needs.

There are numerous clothing items that pharmacy technicians can wear to work. While shopping for work clothes, remember to keep in mind the policy for the specific place of employment. Don't be afraid to ask if you feel something might or might not work appreciate. Management or other team members will be more than happy to help you out.

It's better to be safe than sorry!