You should know a few things if you’ve ever contemplated working as a pharmacy technician. A successful pharmacy technician profession requires proper training and education, but other things to consider, such as future job development, employment availability, and progression chances.
Here are important facts about the pharmacy technician job path, how to get started to help you determine if it’s the correct option for you, and where to find pharmacy technician classes.
Why Is It a Great Idea to Become a Pharmacy Technician?
Pharmacy technicians perform various administrative activities under the supervision of certified pharmacists, including talking with patients and writing prescriptions. This is well-paying employment with flexible work hours and low educational requirements (from four months to two years), making it an excellent alternative for a later-in-life career move or a stepping stone for ambitious college students.
A career as a pharmacy technician is also a steady one, with plenty of job prospects and rising demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that the job future for pharmacy technicians is bright, with an above-average growth rate. As a result, there are many employment openings around the country, which is a plus for people who move frequently.
What Does It Take to Become a Pharmacy Technician?
The path to becoming a pharmacy technician is varied and full of prospects for progress. Individuals can start as technicians, but they can always move up the pharmacy technician job ladder or branch out into another sector.
Pharmacy technicians can get a variety of specialist certifications to qualify for higher-paying employment, continue their study to receive a doctorate and become a pharmacist, or change careers to pharmaceutical sales, management, or compounding.
What Is the Time Commitment to Becoming a Pharmacy Technician?
The length of time it takes to become a pharmacy technician varies depending on whatever school you enroll in. On average, traditional campus schooling takes two years to finish.
Aside from the shortened time frame, pharmacy tech programs are built for flexibility and practicality, allowing students to complete their certification around their hectic schedules without feeling overwhelmed or disheartened.
You can finish the program whenever you choose, whether a few hours after your kids have gone to bed or after you come home from your current day’s work.
What Are the Qualifications for a Pharmacy Technician?
Applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, follow PTCB standards, and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam to qualify for certification via the PTCB.
However, these standards scratch the surface of what it takes to work as a pharmacy technician. In addition, candidates must finish a pharmacy technician training program from a recognized pharmacy tech school, get on-the-job experience, and apply for an internship or externship.
How Much Does a Pharmacy Technician Make?
A pharmacy technician’s typical compensation is between $26,000 and $39,000. In terms of hourly income, the employment pays between $13.09 and $15.00 per hour—and this is only from the beginning.
There are numerous ways to advance your career as a pharmacy technician, both money and title. A lead pharmacy technician can make between $14 and $18 per hour in a hospital environment.
While these figures provide an excellent starting point, bear in mind that the typical wage varies based on where you reside. ZipRecruiter revealed the states with the highest and lowest pay for pharmacy technicians in the United States.
Conclusion
Pharmacy technician job progression is possible regardless of your initial base salary or where you reside. Internal promotions, extra specialized certifications, or more advanced professions such as nuclear pharmacy technician are all options for pharmacy technicians.
Northwest Suburban College is a community college located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Call today for information about our pharmacy tech programs at Healthcare Career Training, a health sciences institution near Schaumburg, IL.
