This page was prepared by SSG Ho Yong Lee, a Korean-speaking U.S. Army recruiter, as an informational guide for the 68Q Pharmacy Specialist.
Hello,
My name is SSG Lee Ho Yong, a U.S. Army Korean-speaking recruiter currently serving at the Fairfax Recruiting Center in Virginia.
This guide provides an overview of the 68Q Pharmacy Specialist Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
A 68Q Pharmacy Specialist is an enlisted Soldier who supports military pharmacy operations by preparing and dispensing medications under the supervision of licensed pharmacists and physicians. They also maintain pharmaceutical inventories, manage pharmacy records, and help ensure patients receive medications safely and accurately.
This page covers:
Job responsibilities
Training
Green Card eligibility
ASVAB requirements
Army career opportunities
Civilian certifications and career pathways
This page is designed to help you understand the MOS more clearly before starting the enlistment process.
Actual eligibility may depend on your personal immigration status, ASVAB score, security clearance requirements, current Army regulations, and MOS availability at the time of enlistment.
Consultations are free, and you are welcome to ask questions just to understand your current options.
Real recruiter. Real answers.
A father of four and an immigrant myself, I provide honest guidance based on real recruiting experience.
A 68Q Pharmacy Specialist is an enlisted Soldier who supports pharmacy operations within Army medical treatment facilities.
Working under the supervision of licensed pharmacists and physicians, Pharmacy Specialists prepare medications, assist with prescription processing, maintain pharmaceutical inventories, and provide medication instructions to patients.
They also perform pharmacy administrative duties, maintain accurate medical records, and ensure medications are stored and distributed according to Army medical standards.
This MOS requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, professionalism, and the ability to work as part of a healthcare team.
Assignments vary depending on unit type and mission.
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The video below may help you better understand the responsibilities and working environment of this Army career. The video creator and publishing channel may vary by content.
Preparing and dispensing prescription medications
Processing prescription orders
Maintaining pharmaceutical inventories
Managing pharmacy records
Assisting pharmacists and physicians
Providing medication instructions to patients
Ordering and stocking medications
Monitoring medication storage requirements
Maintaining confidential medical records
Supporting daily pharmacy operations
Actual duties and work environments may vary depending on the type of unit, assignment, training level, and deployment status.
68Q applicants generally complete 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training (BCT) followed by 23 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT).
During training, Soldiers may learn:
Pharmacy operations
Pharmaceutical calculations
Medication preparation
Prescription processing
Drug classifications
Medical terminology
Inventory management
Pharmacy administration
Patient communication
Army pharmacy procedures
Training content and length may change depending on Army policy.
The 68Q is currently available to Green Card holders.
However, actual eligibility may depend on:
βͺ Current Army regulations
βͺ MOS availability at the time of contract
βͺ Individual immigration status
βͺ Additional qualification requirements
Some MOSs may require U.S. citizenship due to security clearance requirements. For this reason, it is best to confirm your eligibility through a recruiter before making a decision.
Your ASVAB score can be an important factor when applying for 68Q Pharmacy Specialist.
The commonly referenced requirement is:
Skilled Technical (ST) - 95 or higher
Line scores can affect MOS eligibility, and required scores may change depending on current Army policy.
If you have questions about the ASVAB or PiCAT, separate guidance is available.
The 68Q MOS offers outstanding opportunities for professional growth within Army Medicine.
As Soldiers gain experience, they may advance into leadership positions such as:
Team Leader
Squad Leader
Pharmacy NCO
Operations NCO
Medical Logistics Supervisor
Platoon Sergeant
Professional development opportunities may also include:
Professional Military Education (PME)
Army Schools
Tuition Assistance (TA)
Credentialing Assistance (CA)
Leadership development programs
These opportunities help Soldiers build leadership, pharmacy operations, healthcare administration, and organizational management skills throughout their Army careers.
Many prospective applicants ask how military experience translates into civilian careers.
The 68Q MOS provides valuable experience in:
Pharmacy operations
Medication management
Pharmaceutical inventory control
Healthcare administration
Medical documentation
Patient communication
Administrative management
Healthcare support services
Eligible Soldiers may use Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) and Army COOL to pursue civilian certifications such as:
Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
Medical Office Administration certifications
Healthcare Administration certifications
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
Project Management certifications
Experience gained as a Pharmacy Specialist may also support future careers in:
Retail Pharmacies
Hospital Pharmacies
Healthcare Systems
Medical Clinics
Pharmaceutical Companies
Medical Distribution Companies
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Federal Government
Army training does not automatically qualify Soldiers to become licensed pharmacists. Becoming a licensed pharmacist requires additional education, licensing, and state-specific requirements.
However, the experience gained as a 68Q can provide an excellent foundation for careers as a Pharmacy Technician or in other healthcare support roles.
The 68Q Pharmacy Specialist MOS is an excellent choice for individuals interested in healthcare, medications, and pharmacy operations.
This MOS offers opportunities to:
Gain hands-on pharmacy experience
Learn medication management procedures
Develop strong organizational skills
Work alongside healthcare professionals
Build leadership and communication skills
Pursue civilian certifications through Army programs
Prepare for healthcare-related civilian careers
For individuals interested in pharmacy services and healthcare administration, the 68Q MOS offers a rewarding and highly transferable career path.
No.
A 68Q Pharmacy Specialist supports licensed pharmacists and physicians but is not a licensed pharmacist.
No.
Pharmacy Specialists prepare and dispense medications under supervision but do not prescribe medications.
No.
No prior pharmacy education or work experience is required. All required job-specific training is provided by the U.S. Army.
Yes.
The experience gained in this MOS, combined with Army COOL and Credentialing Assistance, may help prepare Soldiers for Pharmacy Technician certifications and civilian employment.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Real recruiter. Real answers.
SSG Lee Ho Yong
U.S. Army Recruiter
π± Phone/Text: 703-594-6878
π§ E-mail 1: β hoyong.lee4.mil@army.mil
π§ E-mail 2 β sgt.hoyong.lee@gmail.com
π Google Search:
βSSG Lee Ho Yongβ
I currently serve at the Fairfax Recruiting Center in Virginia, where I assist applicants in the Northern Virginia area.
Because many parts of the U.S. Army enlistment process can be coordinated through online consultation, I also assist applicants from other states across the United States, not only those living in Virginia.
Note: Actual MEPS processing and shipping procedures are generally handled based on the applicantβs residential area.