Pharmacy Technician Careers Information
Pharmacy technicians work closely with licensed pharmacists to assist them with providing medication and relevant education to patients. The majority of pharmacy technicians work in a retail environment like a grocery store or drug store, and others work in settings like a hospital or nursing home.
Pharmacy Technician Careers & Degrees
- Virginia College: Austin
Lincoln Technical Institute: Allentown
Everest College: Aurora
In a retail setting, a pharmacy technician verifies the accuracy of prescription information once it comes in. They also help prepare medication by counting tablets, weighing mixtures, and preparing & affixing labels. A number of their tasks are more clerical in nature and involve answering phones, organizing files, preparing insurance claim forms, taking inventory, and stocking shelves.
Pharmacy technicians in an environment like a nursing home or assisted-living facility have additional tasks such as reviewing patients’ charts, preparing their medication for a 24 hour time period, and delivering it to them. Pharmacy technicians in retail settings should be aware that they might be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays (especially in a 24-hour facility).
Pharmacy Technician Careers Path
Many technicians begin with on-the-job training and others will receive a diploma/certificate/or Associate’s degree from a pharmacy technician program. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians both offer certification exams. Certification is not required in most states, but it is recommended.
Pharmacy Technician Careers: Compatible Personality Traits
Organized, alert, attention to detail, strong customer service orientation, solid communication skills, able to accurately and clearly convey information, able to closely follow instructions
Pharmacy Technician Careers: Salary Expectations
The median hourly wage for technicians is approximately $12.50, with the middle 50% earning between $10 and $15. Certified technicians generally receive a higher wage.
Pharmacy Technician Careers: Job Outlook
Job opportunities are projected to grow much faster than average with an approximate 32% growth rate through 2016. The aging population and their rising needs for prescription medications will largely drive the demand for pharmacy technicians. And as advances in healthcare make treatments available for conditions that were previously untreatable, there will be a rise in the demand for prescriptions (and likewise pharmacy technicians). Technicians are expected to assume more responsibilities as they help pharmacists meet growing demands.
Pharmacy Technician Associations and Resources
Slightly off the Footpath
