With the increasing numbers of baby-boomers entering their golden years, the need for pharmacy technicians continues to grow. For professionals looking for a steady job in a healthcare field that requires a two-year instead of a four-year degree, becoming a pharmacy technician offers opportunity and solid career growth.
Day to Day Responsibilities
Pharmacy technicians generally support the work of pharmacists by counting pills, pulling medicine from shelves, stocking and ordering supplies, answering phones, taking information from clients and processing payment.
Pharmacist technicians can also compound medicine for creams and ointments and mix liquid medicines; they always work under the supervision of a pharmacist.
While many pharmacy technicians work in retail pharmacies, other work settings include: long-term care facilities, hospitals and privately-run specialty pharmacies.
Education and Training
While some professionals enter the field after completing high school and then acquire on the job training, others complete formal training through an online or traditional college.
Formal training for a pharmacy technician certification generally requires less than a year of education. Many states have additional requirements including certification and licensure exams. Career advancement will vary with regional needs, personal competency, years of experience, ongoing education and healthcare setting.
Outlook and Growth
Although job opportunities will vary based on competition, regional need and other economic factors related to geographic location, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates sustained growth throughout the decade.
With an expected growth rate of over 30% and a median annual salary of $35,000, becoming a pharmacy technician is a promising career move for professionals seeking to enter a healthcare field.
Because pharmacist technicians gain valuable patient interaction, as well as experience related to medicines and treatment, this career can segway into a wider range of health care professions. Coursework in drug interactions and other areas such as anatomy and physiology are widely applicable to a variety of health care jobs.
Other Considerations
While training will provide the basics for competency in this field, other skills are vital for longevity in the profession.
For example, accuracy, attention to detail and impeccable record keeping is important to excel as a pharmacy technician. In addition to these skills, displaying calm, compassionate and reassuring customer service qualities can help professionals in this field leverage the competitive edge, especially in fast-paced commercial settings.
As the aging population accounts for a larger portion of patients, pharmacists need to have technicians help them meet the needs of older patients who often require more time at the counter for patient education to avoid harmful drug interactions.
Pharmacy technicians provide a vital role in healthcare to free up more time for pharmacists to meet the educational needs of today’s aging population.
