Pharmacy Technician: An Easy to Learn and High Demand Professional Career in the USA
The healthcare industry is constantly growing, giving birth to more medical roles each day and.
Pharmacy Technicians is one of them. This is a very essential role for any medical teams as
they can accurately timely medication dispensing. Because of this trait, Pharmacy Technician are
in high demand in retail pharmacies and hospitals. Additionally, the role has not only a short
training period but also excellent job prospects which makes this profession very rewarding for
interested individuals.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the role of a Pharmacy Technician, their training requirements, the
job market analysis, and present research-based data on the salaries.
What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?
Pharmacy Technicians as the name suggests assist pharmacists in technical fields of healthcare
like managing prescriptions and pharmacy operations. Some of their responsibilities include:
Key Responsibilities
1. Medication Dispensing:
o Every patient must be provided with accurate prescriptions and a Pharmacy
Technician does that under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
o They also do Labeling and packaging medications for patients.
2. Customer Interaction:
o Since they are knowledgeable in the medical field, a PT can answer questions
over prescriptions and medications.
o Handling customer service is another task as customers can inquire about issues
related to prescriptions.
3. Inventory Management:
o They should constantly check and maintain stock levels of medications and
supplies.
o Ordering and receiving pharmaceutical products is another skill that they must
have.
4. Administrative Duties:
o They should be able to manage insurance claims and processing payments.
o All records of patients must be maintained accurately alongside ensuring
compliance with regulations.
Pharmacy Technicians work in various healthcare sectors like retail pharmacies, hospitals and
mail-order pharmacies, hence, it is very versatile.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician?
Training and Certification
Here are all the topics that will explain on how to become a Pharmacy Technician that will
explain about training, curriculum, certification, and state specific requirements.
1. Training Duration:
o Individuals can choose the certificate programs as per their requirement as they
typically last 6 months to 1 year. The programs and available in online and in-
person learning options.
o On the other hand, the associate degree programs usually take about 2 years.
2. Curriculum:
Training covers essential topics such as:
o Pharmacology basics.
o Dosage calculations.
o Pharmacy law and ethics.
o Hands-on training with pharmacy management software and systems.
3. Certification:
A certification is not mandatory in all states, however, it improves employability for
individuals. The two most recognized certifications are:
o Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) by the Pharmacy
Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
o ExCPT Certification Exam by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
4. State-Specific Requirements:
Some states may require licensure or registration to practice as a Pharmacy Technician.
Job Market and Growth Potential
Pharmacy Technicians is one of the most sought out role in the United States because the
increasing aging population require more healthcare services and medications.
Employment Statistics
Statistically, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of Pharmacy Technicians
is projected to grow by 5% from 2023 to 2033. It means that 15,000 new jobs are handed out
annually.
Factors Driving Demand
1. Aging Population: Older adults is a demography that requires more medications and
prescriptions than any other age groups of people. This is one of the leading reasons for
the increasing demand for Pharmacy Technicians.
2. Expansion of Pharmacies: The rise of Mail-order and specialty pharmacies has seen
massive growth in last 5 years which has created additional roles.
3. Pharmacist Support: A Pharmacy Technician handle more operational tasks nowadays
as pharmacists take over more clinical responsibilities.
Salary Overview
National Averages
The average salary of a Pharmacy Technician depends on mainly three factors: experience,
certification, and location.
Median Annual Salary: $37,000 (May 2023)
Median Hourly Wage: $17.80
State-Specific Data
Salary by Experience
Career Advancement Opportunities
A Pharmacy Technician is as an excellent starting point for individuals interested in the
pharmaceutical or healthcare industries. And factors like education, experience, and
certifications, elevates their PT into higher-paying role.
Advanced Roles
1. Senior Pharmacy Technician:
o They must oversee daily pharmacy operations while mentoring junior staff by
sharing their knowledge.
o Senior roles salaries are very high that can range from $45,000 to $55,000
annually.
2. Specialized Pharmacy Technician:
o Specifically, people in this role work in pharmacies (e.g., oncology, pediatrics) or
compounding pharmacies.
o Additional certifications, such as the Sterile Compounding Certification, are
required.
3. Pharmacist:
o A licensed Pharmacist is a role that is only achieved after accumulating years of
experience as a Pharmacy Technician. Additionally, it also requires a Doctor of
Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree.
4. Pharmacy Management or Administration:
o This role is responsible for managing retail chains or healthcare organizations.
Work Environments for Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy Technicians is a very flexibility role as they get to work in various settings. But note
that they all have unique responsibilities and challenges:
1. Retail Pharmacies:
o Most Pharmacy Technicians work in retail settings like CVS, Walgreens, and
Walmart.
o Mainly, their tasks are to assist customers, manage stock, and process insurance
claims.
2. Hospital Pharmacies:
o Hospital-based Pharmacy Technicians prepare IV medications while managing
patient-specific doses, and working closely with medical staff.
3. Mail-Order and Online Pharmacies:
o Pharmacy Technicians working in this field are involved in packaging, verifying,
and ensuring timely deliveries for prescriptions.
4. Long-Term Care Facilities:
o Managing medications for residents in nursing homes and assisted living
facilities.
Benefits of a Career as a Pharmacy Technician
1. Short Training Period:
o Most training programs is completed in 6 to 10 months which makes it an
accessible option for individuals seeking quick entry into the healthcare industry.
2. Job Stability:
o The healthcare sector is an evergreen field as people always need medications and
prescriptions. Hence, it promises a secured and stable job.
3. Flexibility:
o A PT can either work part-time or full-time so that individuals with various
lifestyle needs can make their choice accordingly.
4. Professional Growth:
o Certifications and experience, enhances this role further by increasing their
earning potential.
Research-Based Insights into the Profession
How to Start Your Career as a Pharmacy Technician
1. Enroll in a Training Program:
o Firstly, individuals must look for accredited programs that fit their schedule and
budget.
o Eligible students can also get financial aid from FAFSA for their program.
2. Get Certified:
o Then, they should pass either of the PTCE or ExCPT exam to stand out from the
crowd.
3. Build Experience:
o They can start working in an entry-level position build experience as they grow.
4. Continue Learning:
o Additionally, they can pursue additional certifications in topics like sterile
compounding, immunization support, or specialty pharmacy roles.
Conclusion
Pharmacy Technician is a very rewarding role with short training periods that ensures
competitive salaries while ensuring job security. Therefore, it is an excellent option for
individuals seeking
So if you are aiming to work anywhere form retail pharmacy, a quiet hospital setting to an
innovative mail-order pharmacy, a career as a Pharmacy Technician is filled with opportunities.
As a result, now is the ideal time to explore training programs near you and begin a rewarding
and dynamic career.
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