A pharmacy technician is a professional who works under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist to dispense medication and provide customer service in a pharmacy setting. Pharmacy technicians play an essential role in the healthcare system by providing vital support to pharmacists and patients.
If you’re wondering if it’s worth pursuing a career as a pharmacy tech, here are some reasons that might convince you.
-
Pharmacy Technicians Have a Strong and Growing Job Market
Pharmacy technicians are in high demand, and the job market for these professionals is expected to grow in the coming years.
With an aging population and an increase in the number of people with chronic conditions, the demand for prescription medications is expected to continue to rise. This means that more pharmacy technicians will be needed to help pharmacists dispense medications and provide other services to patients.
-
Pharmacy Technicians Work with All Types of People
As a pharmacy technician, you will work with all types of people. You will interact with patients, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. You will also work with insurance companies and pharmaceutical representatives. Each of these groups has its own unique needs and goals.
You will need to communicate effectively with all of these groups. You will need to be able to understand their needs and help them to achieve their goals. You will also need to work well under pressure and handle a fast-paced environment.
-
Pharmacy Technicians Have Fast Certification Opportunities
A pharmacy technician certification can be obtained relatively quickly, which can be a great option for those interested in a healthcare career. There are several different ways to become certified, and the process can vary depending on the state in which you live. However, in general, the process is not overly complicated or time-consuming.
There are a few different organizations that offer certification for pharmacy technicians. The two main organizations are the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcare Association (NHA). Both of these organizations offer certification exams that can be taken to become a certified pharmacy technician.
-
Pharmacy Technicians Have Plenty of Advancement Opportunities
There are many options for continuing education and training for pharmacy technicians. For example, technicians can become certified by completing a program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Certification demonstrates to employers that technicians have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job safely and effectively.
In addition to ASHP-accredited programs, many community colleges and vocational schools offer training programs for pharmacy technicians. These programs typically take one to two years to complete. They often include an externship component, which allows students to gain hands-on experience in a natural pharmacy setting.
Once they have completed their education and training, pharmacy technicians can take their careers in any number of directions. With the right experience, they can move into management positions or start their pharmacies. There are also opportunities to work in research or to teach pharmacy technician courses at community colleges.
Final Thoughts
If you are interested in a career in healthcare, consider becoming a pharmacy technician. It is a great way to get started in the field and gain the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career as a pharmacist.
Northwest Suburban College offers a pharmacy technician training program to help people build a career in healthcare. Call today for more on the classes and courses we offer.
