A pharmacy technician is a person who works within a pharmacy and is trained mainly to help pharmacists fill prescriptions and dispense medications. They are also tasked with keeping the pharmacy safe and sanitary and maintaining records of the inventory and other tasks necessary to run a pharmacy.
Most pharmacy technicians are also trained in anatomy, biology, and chemistry to ensure they are able to dispense and mix medications correctly. If you’re interested in this career but can’t seem to grasp what lies ahead, we’ve prepared a list of different career paths you could take from here.
1. Working at a Hospital Pharmacy
If you love the rush of working in a hectic environment, then a hospital pharmacy is the place for you. Here, you will be tasked with helping patients who are in the hospital or in-patient care facility. It’s a fast-paced environment, so you will have to be able to prepare medications quickly and efficiently. Proper certification will give you a competitive advantage in gaining employment as a hospital pharmacy technician.
2. Working at a Retail Pharmacy
This is the most common type of career if you major in Pharmacy Tech. Working at a retail pharmacy can be very rewarding, but it’s also very competitive. Retail pharmacies are constantly growing, so the competition is steep whether you’re looking at big box stores or small mom-and-pop shops. If you’re looking to enter a retail pharmacy, you will need to make sure you have your certification, a thorough knowledge of the different types of pharmaceuticals, and a good understanding of hospital pharmacy procedures.
3. Working at Government Agencies
Government agencies are always looking for qualified professionals. Many state and federal agencies have their own pharmacies that need to be run. Working at a government agency will give you the security of being a government employee, along with the benefits that come with that. If you have the certifications and experience to make the cut, you will have a job for life with a long-term career path that is certainly lucrative.
4. Working in the Military
The United States Military is one of the largest employers for pharmacists, technicians, and other healthcare specialists. If you’re looking for a challenge, and a chance to pursue an education at the same time, you might want to look at the opportunities available with the Army, Navy, or Air Force. There are pharmacists and technicians stationed around the world, so the opportunities are endless.
5. Working at an Outpatient Care Facility
If you love being around people, then taking a job at an outpatient care facility might be just the thing for you. Many people are referred to outpatient care facilities after they have been discharged from a hospital. Here, you would work with a team of healthcare professionals to make sure patients are happy and healthy. It’s a very social environment, so if you want to work in a place where you can build relationships with your patients and other team members, this is the place for you.
Conclusion
Now that you have a better understanding of what pharmacy technician training entails, you may feel more confident about this career choice. A career in the healthcare field can be very rewarding, and at the beginning of your career, it’s important to take into consideration where you want to end up. Always remember that the way to a successful career in this field is to keep abreast of technological and medical advancements and constantly learn more about the industry.
If you feel like you’ve found the career for yourself, enroll in our pharmacy technician course! We’ll help equip you with the proper knowledge and skills to traverse this rewarding career.
