Due to the tremendous growth and maturity in the healthcare sector, there is a great need for qualified healthcare personnel. One such occupation whose popularity has increased dramatically recently is that of the pharmaceutical sector.
The Bureau of Labour Statistics projects that amid 2021 and 2031, the employment of pharmacy technicians will increase by 5%, or about average for all occupations. An aging population that needs more medication to manage chronic illnesses is blamed for this increase.
In addition, pharmacy technicians’ careers have substantially lower education and training requirements than other healthcare professionals, making them a popular career choice for those seeking employment in the medical industry. This blog post will explain why becoming a pharmacy technician can be the finest career move.
What is a Pharmacy Technician?
A healthcare professional who works as per the precise direction of a registered pharmacist is called a pharmacy technician. They aid pharmacists with the administration of drugs, inventory control, and patient service.
Retail pharmacies and medical and long-term care facilities are just a few places pharmacy technicians can find employment. They are crucial medical team members, ensuring patients receive the proper medications and dose recommendations. As a result, pharmacy technicians must be aware of pharmacological calculations, drug interactions, and medication safety.
Role of a Pharmacy Technician
There are a variety of responsibilities of a pharmacy technician variety. Among the primary responsibilities are:
- Assisting pharmacists in dispensing medications to patients.
- Labelling and packaging medications.
- Managing inventory and ordering supplies.
- When necessary, compounding medications.
- Responding to patient inquiries about medications and dosage instructions.
- Interacting with medical professionals to request prescription authorizations and refills.
- Processing insurance claims, working with insurance providers, maintaining patient data, and protecting confidentiality.
- Pharmacy technicians may also manage administrative responsibilities like organizing appointments and taking phone calls in addition to these duties.
- Depending on the environment in which they operate, pharmacy technicians may have a variety of unique responsibilities.
10 Reasons to Become a Pharmacy Technician
1. Job Security and Significant Demand
The healthcare sector is continuously expanding. With advancements in medical treatments and an aging population, the demand for prescription pharmaceuticals is projected to continue rising. As a result, pharmacy technicians are gowing healthcare industry, making the profession an excellent choice for job stability.
Unlike other industries susceptible to economic downturns, pharmacy technicians are less likely to face layoffs or job loss. This demands for pharmacy technicians is seen in retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, making it a versatile career choice.
2. Having a Positive Impact on Patients’ Lives
Pharmacy technicians play a dynamic role in the healthcare system by working alongside pharmacists to ensure patients receive proper medication and dosages. This is crucial for patients with chronic conditions or requiring multiple medications, as errors can have severe consequences.
Pharmacy technicians passionate about improving people’s lives and assisting others can find fulfillment in their work as they help patients manage their health and well-being. Furthermore, pharmacy technicians can build strong relationships with patients and healthcare professionals, creating a sense of community and positively affecting the lives of those they explicitly serve.
3. Career Development and Advancement
A career as a pharmacy technician offers numerous opportunities for growth and advancement through additional education and training. A pharmacy technician can pursue advanced certifications, such as becoming a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT), leading to increased responsibilities and higher pay.
Additionally, pharmacy technicians with significant experience and credentials can advance to positions as pharmacy managers or supervisors, providing opportunities for leadership and management roles. For those who aspire to become pharmacists, working as a pharmacy technician can offer valued experience and knowledge of the industry.
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4. Developing Important Skills
Pharmacy technicians develop valuable skills transferable to other areas of life and work. The job required attention to detail, organization, and clear communication with colleagues and patients. These skill sets can be better applied to various other professions and day–to–day activities, making pharmacy technicians a versatile and adaptable workplace.
5. Flexible Work Times
Pharmacy technicians enjoy a flexible work schedule as many pharmacies operate late into the evening and on weekends. This scheduling flexibility can appeal to individuals with other commitments, like caring for children or pursuing further education.
Moreover, depending on their preferences and interests, pharmacy technicians can choose from various work environments, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and nursing homes. The capability to balance work and personal life is a significant advantage of working as a pharmacy technician, making it an ideal career choice for those seeking employment-life balance.
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6. Diverse Work Environments
One of the most attractive aspects of a career as a pharmacy technician is the ability to work in various settings, such as hospitals, long–term care homes, and retail pharmacies. Each environment showcases some challenges and opportunities for growth, enabling pharmacy technicians to gain a wealth of experience and hone their skills.
For example, working in a hospital may involve more complex medication management, while working in a retail pharmacy may include interacting with patients more frequently. This diversity of work settings and experiences makes a career as a pharmacy technician a rewarding and fulfilling choice for individuals seeking a dynamic and challenging role in the healthcare industry.
7. Competitive Salaries and Benefits
Pharmacy technicians are highly valued healthcare team members and are often well-compensated for their work. Many employers in the pharmacy sector offer competitive salaries, along with advantages like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. This can provide job security and peace of mind for pharmacy technicians and their families. Additionally, some employers may offer opportunities for career advancement and further education, which can lead to even higher salaries and greater job satisfaction. Overall, a career as a pharmacy technician can provide both financial stability and professional growth potential.
8. Working with Healthcare Professionals
Pharmacy technicians can work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists and nurses, as well as patients, providing a valuable opportunity for collaboration, networking, and professional growth. By working in a team-based environment, pharmacy technicians can develop strong communication and interpersonal skills while gaining insight into the healthcare system.
They even have the chance to explore from experienced professionals and potentially advance their careers by pursuing additional education or certifications. This collaborative atmosphere fosters a sense of community and can lead to a satisfying and rewarding career in the pharmacy sector.
9. Short and Affordable Training
Pharmacy technician training is an affordable and quick way to enter the healthcare industry. Unlike other healthcare professions that require several years of schooling and training, pharmacy technicians can complete their training in less than a year. Furthermore, many employers offer on-the-job training for aspiring pharmacy technicians, which eliminates the need for formal education. This makes it an accessible career path for individuals looking to enter healthcare without incurring significant student loan debt or spending years in school.
10. You will get an understanding of medicine and the healthcare system
Choosing a pharmacy technical career can offer several benefits, including gaining an experience in medicine, healthcare, and the healthcare system. Pharmacy technicians work alongside pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, which provides an opportunity to acquire acquaintance and skill sets that can be applied in both personal and professional lives.
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Understanding healthcare can enable individuals to make informed decisions for themselves and their families. Moreover, it can increase job satisfaction and confidence in assisting others with their healthcare needs.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician?
To become a successful pharmacy technician, you must first complete a formal training program and obtain certification. Here are the key steps to becoming a pharmacy technician:
1. Earn a high school diploma or equivalent
To formally work as a pharmacy technician, you must possess a high school diploma or an equivalent, like a GED.
2. Register in a pharmacy technician program
Pharmacy technician programs are accessible at community-based colleges, vocational schools, and online. These programs usually run for 6 to 12 months, covering pharmacy law and ethics, prescription dispensing, and pharmacy math.
3. Do hands-on training
Many pharmacy technician programs require students to do hands-on training in a pharmacy setting besides studying. This gives pupils real-world experience and helps them to apply what they have been educated in the classroom.
4. Obtain certification
Although pharmacy technician certification is not necessarily required, many businesses prefer or require qualified pharmacy technicians. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, directed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), and the Exam for Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) offered by the National Healthcare Association (NHA) are the two most prevalent certifications.
5. Comply with state-specific requirements
Some states require pharmacy technicians to complete continuing education courses or register with the state board of pharmacy.
Job Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians
The job prognosis for pharmacy technicians is excellent, as per the United States Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS). Several variables are likely to drive growth, including:
- The growing need for prescription pharmaceuticals, along with an aging population, is steering the requirement for additional pharmacy technicians in the workforce.
- Pharmacy technicians are in high demand as pharmacies extend their services, including additional immunizations, pharmaceutical treatment monitoring, and other clinical services.
- The job outlook for pharmacy technicians varies depending on region, industry, and work situation, but it is a viable career path with room for growth and promotion.
- In 2021, the median yearly wage for pharmacy technicians in the United States was $36,740 per year and $17.66 per hour.
- A high school graduation or equivalent is usually required, although some employers may need certification or specialized training programs.
- Pharmacy technicians can find work in several settings, such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care institutions, and mail-order pharmacies.
- The duties of a pharmacy assistant are changing, with some states permitting them to conduct additional responsibilities under the supervision of a pharmacist, such as delivering vaccines and offering patient counselling.
- Projected employment for pharmacy technicians in 2031 is projected to be 469,700.
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Key Takeaways
A career as a pharmacy technician provides numerous rewards and prospects for individuals considering a healthcare career.
The expanding demand for pharmacy technicians, flexible work environments, good pay and benefits, and growth opportunities make this profession desirable. Furthermore, assisting others and being a healthcare team member can provide personal fulfilment and career satisfaction.
A pharmacy technician career is a promising option for those interested in healthcare and seeking a stable and gratifying professional path. Individuals can pursue a successful and happy career as pharmacy technicians with the proper education and training.
FAQs
Q1) Is pharmacy technician a good career choice?
Yes, it is one of the best job roles in today’s healthcare industry because it comes with job stability, competitive salary and many more things.
Q2) What are the main reasons to become a pharmacy technician?
Becoming a pharmacy technician gives an individual job stability, competitive salary, career advancement, rewarding work, and flexibility in work settings and hours.
Q3) What are the skill sets needed to become a pharmacy technician?
Skills required to become a pharmacy technician include attention to detail, organizational skills, customer service, strong communication, and the aptitude to work in a fast-paced environment.
Q4) How much can a pharmacy technician make?
In the year 2021, the Bureau of Labour statistics stated that the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in the USA was around 36,740 dollars.
Q5) How to become a pharmacy technician?
To become a professional pharmacy technician, one needs a formal high school diploma or equivalent, complete a precise pharmacy technician training program, and pass a certification examination.
Q6) What is the education requirement to become a pharmacy technician?
A high school diploma or equivalent is needed to become a pharmacy technician. Some employers may also necessitate the proper completion of a pharmacy technician training program.
Q7) Why should I choose pharmacy technician?
You should better become a pharmacy technician if you are interested in a stable and fulfilling career in the healthcare industry with opportunities for career advancement and flexibility.
Q8) What is the best part of being a pharmacy technician?
The best parts of being a pharmacy technician include job stability, competitive salary, opportunities for career advancement, rewarding work, and flexibility in work settings and hours.
Q9) What is the most crucial aspect of being a pharmacy technician?
The most important aspect of being a pharmacy technician is ensuring patients receive safe and effective medication therapy while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Q10) What is your greatest strength as a pharmacy technician?
The greatest strength of a pharmacy technician has required excellent communication and interpersonal skills so you can communicate with customers and explain to them the requirement to perform your job role successfully.
Q11) What are the benefits of becoming a pharmacy technician?
The key advantages of becoming a pharmacy technician include the following:
- Job stability
- Reasonable salary compensation
- Better future job opportunities
- Fulfilling work
- Flexibility in work settings and hours
