Pharmacy technicians have the opportunity to work in a booming industry with a long future. But if you’re interested in this very important job, you'll want to be serious about pursuing the appropriate training and education for pharmacy tehnician positions.
With the right skills and dedication to developing your own natural talents for interacting with the public, you can have a long, secure career as a pharmacy technician.
Job Growth for Pharmacy Technicians
Job growth for pharmacy technicians is extremely high. In fact, the pharmaceutical industry is predicted to be one of the strongest industries in the coming years.
Because of the high demand for pharmaceutical drugs, pharmacists need help serving all their customers and processing the many prescriptions they receive in a day. This high demand is due to an emphasis on chemical therapy by the medical industry. Chemical therapy, or pharmaceuticals, is a more economical way to manage chronic, as well as acute, conditions that many Americans face today. Even in a poor economic climate, the demand for pharmaceutical drugs remains relatively strong. Medication is a need that many Americans cannot go without.
As a result of this ever-growing industry, pharmacy technicians benefit from numerous job opportunities. With pharmacies opening and flourishing often right across the street from one another, there is an almost endless job supply for pharmacy techs.
Pharmacy Technician Salaries
Although job growth may be high, salary predictions for pharmacy techs remain relatively low compared to pharmacists. Pharmacy technicians do not have the training and entrepreneurial opportunities that pharmacists do. Rather, pharmacy techs handle the more administrative tasks involved with running a pharmacy rather than the evaluation of prescriptions and dosages. As a result, pharmacy technicians command less pay than pharmacists and lower pay than professionals in other industries.
On the other hand, the path to becoming a pharmacy tech is a relatively short road. Instead of spending years completing a pharmacist’s training, you can complete a shorter program to gain all the training you need to work as a pharmacy tech. Some pharmacy technicians don’t pursue formal training at all. For all of these reasons, a career as a pharmacy technician could be the perfect job for you.
Pharmacy Technician Education
So the question is, "how to become a pharmacy tech?" You'll find that pharmacy technician training and education are somewhat fluid and unstructured. For example, many pharmacy technicians have no formal training or education as it pertains to their position. Instead, they receive on-the-job training from the employers. Also, there are no federal requirements for pharmacy technician certification and training. However, it is still recommended that you pursue formal training if you are considering a career as pharmacy tech.
Many pharmacists don’t have the time or the resources to train their staff. As a result, formally trained and experienced pharmacy technicians are in high demand among their peers. Employers greatly value a pharmacy technician that can successfully complete their duties without having to go through an onsite training process.
Pharmacy technician programs can be found at local community colleges, tech schools, and online colleges. Many professionals find that it is fast and convenient to complete this formal training and the benefits are tremendous.
However, there are other ways to expand your pharmacy technician education. While certifications are not required to work as a pharmacy tech in most states, the continuing education necessary to complete the certification process is very beneficial to your career. In fact, if you don’t have formal training, completing the certification process is highly recommended. Some employers may even ask that you complete your certification within a certain amount of time after being hired.
The certification process requires continuing education hours and a final exam. Once you pass the exam, your certification is valid for two years. There are two organizations that offer pharmacy technician certification: The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians. A high school diploma or GED is required to complete the certification exam.
Finding Pharmacy Technician Schools
How do you find pharmacy technician schools? Finding the right pharmacy tech school for you should be based on several factors:
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Your schedule
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Your budget
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Quality of the program
When considering pharmacy tech schools, it’s always important to keep your schedule and finances in mind. Some schools will be more practical because they offer night or online classes. Some are more affordable than others. These are things to think about when selecting a program.
However, it’s also important to consider the skills you will learn in the program. Choose a program that focuses on the abilities that are most valuable to your potential employers, such as computer skills, measuring dosages and counting tablets, and managing inventories. Programs that offer internships where you can gain hands-on experience are ideal.
Also, focus on your individual talents and qualities that will be valuable to an employer. Hone your communication, customer service, and organizational skills.Remember, too, that it is very important to be precise as a pharmacy technician. These qualities will only add to your formal training and increase your success as a pharmacy technician.
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