Pursuing a career in the healthcare industry can be rewarding, especially if you have a genuine heart for public service. It offers job stability and competitive salaries while positively changing people’s lives. Working in the healthcare sector also allows you to discover new treatments and technologies.
While becoming a doctor or nurse is an honorable career, you can be unique by enrolling in your nearest pharmacy technician programs. This career path lets you earn while you learn and ensure the safety of people’s medications.
This article will tackle the responsibilities of a pharmacy technician and differentiate degree and certificate programs. Return for part two of our blog series, where we’ll explain why you should pursue this career path and what subjects you’ll take in university and graduate school.
What Are the Main Responsibilities of a Pharmacy Technician?
Pharmacy technicians are skilled workers who assist licensed pharmacists. They usually distribute prescription medications properly. When people visit the pharmacy, they may ask about their medicines, and it’s your responsibility as a pharmacy technician to clearly and effectively communicate these concerns to the pharmacist in charge.
You must also be comfortable communicating with different types of people because you’ll be interacting with many patients daily. Remember that your training can cover the job’s technical aspects but not your communication skills. Your main job is to fill prescriptions by measuring, counting, weighing, pouring, or mixing medications. Moreover, you’ll prepare labels and complete insurance forms while maintaining accurate patient records.
Where Do Pharmacy Technicians Work?
When you become a pharmacy technician, you can work in various settings where professionals distribute medications, especially since there’s a high demand for these qualified employees. You can work in retail pharmacies like Walgreens and Walmart or opt for critical care facilities with an in-house pharmacy service for their patients.
How Much Does This Professional Make Yearly?
A pharmacy technician will usually earn $35,000 annually.
Do I Need a Degree to Be a Pharmacy Technician?
Not all pharmacy technicians need to complete a specific degree program to qualify for this job. In some states, a high school diploma is sufficient for employment as a pharmacy technician. However, having a degree can increase your chances of getting hired and show dedication and commitment to your field. Also, obtaining a degree can open up more opportunities for education and career growth, allowing you to enjoy a higher income.
What’s the Difference between Pharmacy Technician Degrees and Certificate Programs?
It’s understandable if you believe a degree and certificate have similar meanings, especially if it’s your first time hearing about these programs. However, this assumption is incorrect. After discussing a technician’s primary responsibilities, yearly income, and the significance of degrees, this section will differentiate certificate programs from pharmacy technician degrees.
1. Degree Programs
Getting a pharmacy degree helps employers see that you comprehensively understand the job, including the legal, mathematical, medical, and pharmaceutical necessities. It also provides a rounded knowledge of social sciences and communication skills. Moreover, while you can complete an associate’s degree in two years, employers still prefer candidates with a full degree because it provides critical thinking skills and a range of modules to prepare for the job.
2. Certificate Programs
On the other hand, certificate programs are more straightforward and faster than degrees because they usually take less than a year to finish. While it may be ideal for those who want to be pharmacy technicians but don’t have the time or financial resources to enter university, certificate programs don’t offer the same level of education as a degree program.
Conclusion
Becoming a pharmacy technician is an ideal career path for those with a genuine heart for public service and excellent communication skills. You can pursue this job by finding relevant programs near you. Return for part two of this blog series, where we’ll explain why you should take this career path and what subjects you’ll take in university and graduate school.
If you’re looking for pharmacy technician programs near Schaumburg, IL, enroll at Northwest Suburban College! We’re a health sciences college committed to offering quality education and training for aspiring medical professionals. Call us now!
