Have you ever considered a career in the medical arena? How about one that involves a unique blend of patient interaction, medical knowledge, and technical skills? That’s right – I’m referring to a pharmacy technician.
This position is the backbone of any pharmacy. Why? Because this person serves as a critical liaison between pharmacists, healthcare providers, and patients.
There are several specialized roles in this profession, an achievable career path, and more accessible than you might suspect.
Let’s explore this one with a bit more depth so you understand fully what it entails. I will be touching upon the following:
- Roles and responsibilities
- The working environment
- Benefits of the role
- Varied programs
- Certifications
- Useful skills
- Career start-up
- Continual learning
- Types of pharmacy tech jobs
- Salary and job outlook
- Career progression
- Alternatives
What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?
As a pharmacy technician, you play a vital role in helping pharmacists run the pharmacy smoothly by dispensing prescription medication accurately and managing inventory.
Be Familiar With Generic Drugs and Their Brand Equivalents
Pharmacists and patients will need the generic equivalent of prescription drugs. When an antidepressant such as Prozac is prescribed, you should know that its generic version is Fluoxetine.
Role Interacting with Customers
Engaging with customers happens often. This may involve explaining how to take medicines, answering basic questions, or referring an issue to the pharmacist when the question is beyond your scope.
Billing and Insurance Tasks
The duties of this position may include assigning drug codes, preparing insurance claims, coordinating prescription payments, and billing insurance companies.
Essentially, a pharmacy technician’s position demands multitasking within a fast-paced work environment, necessitating a keen focus on precision, productivity, and top-notch customer service.
Steps to Becoming a Pharmacy Technician
- Educational Requirements
- High school diploma
- Post-secondary education in pharmacy technology – provides a deeper understanding of pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy law and ethics, and medication identification
- Receive secondary education from vocational schools, community colleges, and sometimes online, takes one year to complete
- Certification Process
(A high school diploma and an accredited training program are typically required.)
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Not all states require certification, but it is highly recommended. Certification is an indication of your competence and could enhance job prospects.
- Gaining Experience
(Gaining practical experience is crucial in this field.)
- Externships – offered by pharmacy tech programs
- Entry-level position at a pharmacy
Choosing the Right Pharmacy Technician Program
You can find pharmacy technician programs at community colleges, vocational schools, and even hospitals and pharmacies. These programs provide the knowledge and skills you need to excel in this job. Choosing the right program depends on your career goals, learning preferences, and life circumstances.
Certificate/ Diploma Programs
Shorter and more focused. A clear, direct path into the field, making them a great choice if you’re eager to begin working.
- Pharmacy Technician certification program at Penn Foster – an online, self-paced course that can be completed in nine months. It covers the fundamentals of pharmacy practice and law.
- Associate Degree Program – A two-year course that goes into the sciences and provides a broader educational base. Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in the Pharmacy Technician program at Houston Community College – includes pharmacy techniques and operations AND courses in English, Math, and Humanities.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Program
Accreditation
Students who enroll in accredited programs are adequately prepared for their careers per education standards.
Success rate
Take a look at the graduation rate and the number of certifications and jobs that the program has helped its graduates obtain.
Cost
The cost of the program, including tuition and textbooks, should also be taken into account.
Flexibility
Taking part-time, evening, or online courses may be an ideal solution if you have a busy schedule.
Career support
Find out whether the program offers internships, job placement assistance, and resume and interview preparation.
Certification Process
You become more attractive to potential employers after certification, which validates your skills and knowledge in the field.
Two Primary Organizations
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT) are recognized and respected in the industry by these organizations.
Prerequisites
Certain prerequisites apply:
- PTCB certification – High school diploma and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
- The PTCE – 90 multiple-choice questions cover pharmacology, pharmacy law and regulations, medication safety, and quality assurance
Preparing for the Exams
You can prepare for these tests by reading books, taking online practice tests, and training courses. You can also obtain comprehensive PTCE study guides and practice tests from third-party companies.
Cost of Certification
The fee for the PTCE is $129, and study materials or courses may be an additional expense.
Continuing Education Credits
Once you pass the exam and become certified, that’s not the end of the journey to maintain your certification; you’ll need to complete continuing education credits every two years. This ensures you keep up to date with the latest developments and changes in the pharmacy industry.
Useful Skills for a Pharmacy Technician
Attention to Detail
Patient medication administration requires meticulousness to ensure that the correct medication, dosage, and directions are given to the patient.
Customer Service Skills
To ensure that everyone leaves the pharmacy with a satisfied experience, pharmacists must provide clear explanations, answer inquiries, and handle complaints.
Basic Math
Calculating dosages, understanding prescriptions, and inventory management are all tasks that require basic math skills.
Tech Savvy
Knowing how to use technology will simplify your job and make you more employable, whether you are dealing with databases or medicine-dispensing equipment.
Multitasking
A pharmacy can be a fast-paced and high-stress environment. You might have to handle multiple tasks, like answering the phone, dealing with customers, and filling prescriptions simultaneously.
Ethical and Empathetic Behavior
It is essential to be trustworthy and understand and empathize with patients’ needs and circumstances if you work as a pharmacy technician.
Starting a Career as a Pharmacy Tech
- Prepare a Professional Resume
Your resume needs to be professional. The highlights should include your education, certification, and relevant internships or work experience. Tailor your resume for each specific job requirement, like customer service, pharmaceutical processes, or proficiency in maintaining patient records.
- The Job Hunt
An entry-level position should be your first step in finding a job. Online platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, or even dedicated pharmaceutical job boards can be great resources.
Also, going directly to pharmacies and asking about job opportunities has been done with success for years. And if they don’t have any vacancies, they may keep your information on file for future openings.
- Networking
By networking, you can establish and maintain relationships with other professionals in your field, which are invaluable to your career development. If you have done an externship, contact any contacts you made there.
It never hurts to ask – perhaps they can help you get your first job as a pharmacy technician or offer advice and guidance that can help you grow as a technician.
Continued Education
Stay Updated
As new drugs are developed, healthcare laws are updated, and pharmaceutical technology advances, our approach to patient care is constantly changing. Therefore, it is crucial for you to stay up-to-date.
Continuing Education Hours
Most states in the U.S. require pharmacy technicians to complete a certain number of continuing education (CE) hours every two years as part of their license renewal.
You may take a course or attend a workshop related to pharmacy management or advanced pharmacology.
Taking classes in fields like oncology or pediatrics can broaden your knowledge, as can attending webinars about new drug approvals.
Expanding Your Career Prospects
A more specialized pharmacy setting or leadership role awaits you if you gain more knowledge and specialized training.
Renewing Passion and Dedication to Your Career
Learning new aspects of your chosen career path through Continuing Education can enrich your career and make it more interesting in the short and long term.
Different Types of Pharmacy Technicians
Retail Pharmacy Technician
A common type of technician works in a drug or grocery store pharmacy. You will be on the front lines by assisting customers with their medicines. You may also handle insurance claims and ensure efficient service.
Hospital Pharmacy Technician
In this capacity, you’ll work closely with healthcare professionals, preparing more complex medications such as IVs.
Compounding Pharmacy Technician
In this position, you’d prepare customized medications that aren’t available commercially, such as creating specific doses or changing how a medication is administered. It is highly specialized work and requires a great deal of attention to detail.
Nuclear Pharmacy Technician
Nuclear pharmacy technicians prepare radioactive medications for diagnosis or treatment. These pharmacists must acquire additional training and safety certifications.
Chemotherapy Pharmacy Technician
Since chemotherapy drugs are extremely dangerous, this role requires a high level of accuracy and adherence to safety protocols.
Salary and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for pharmacy technicians as of September 25, 2023, was around $38,648 annually.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% increase in jobs for pharmacy technicians through 2032, which is faster than the average. Several factors contribute to this growth, including an aging population, increased prescription medication demand, and the growing role of pharmacy technicians.
Your individual experience will depend on factors such as your location, specific experience, and the unique set of skills you bring to the table. For instance, pharmacy technicians working in hospitals earn more than those working in pharmacies or drug stores.
Benefits of Being a Pharmacy Technician
Stability
The healthcare sector is commonly regarded as a ‘recession-resistant’ field, owing to the perpetual demand for medical services, irrespective of economic conditions. This results in a stable job market with ample employment prospects, encompassing roles such as pharmacy technicians.
Opportunity for Career Growth
You may start as a pharmacy technician dispensing medication and assisting customers. Still, as you gain experience and additional certifications, you can move up the career ladder and specialize in compounding or chemotherapy.
Rewarding Work Environment
In many cases, you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with other healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, which will provide you with valuable learning experiences.
Directly Contributing to the Larger Healthcare Field
It is your responsibility to ensure medications are accurately dispensed, which can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of patients. Knowing your work makes a positive difference in people’s lives, whether you work behind a desk or a counter, is satisfying.
Flexibility
In many pharmacies, hours can be flexible, with many open 24/7, offering standard hours and more flexible scheduling options.
Career Path of Pharmacy Technicians
Entry-Level to Supervisory Role Growth
You can look forward to numerous advancement opportunities in pharmacy technician careers if you have solid skills and experience in retail or community pharmacies.
Eventually, you might advance into supervisory or management roles, such as Lead Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacy Manager, where you supervise the work of other technicians and manage the daily operations.
Earning Additional Certifications leads to More Specialized Roles
By earning a certification, you may be able to work as a Compounding Pharmacy Technician—manually mixing medication ingredients to create personalized prescriptions—or as a Sterile Products Technician—preparing medications in a clinical setting, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or bedside prescriptions.
Potential to Transition into Related Healthcare Roles
As someone with medication knowledge, you would be a good candidate to become a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, utilizing your skills to educate other healthcare professionals about the benefits of new drugs.
There are also opportunities to use expertise in pharmaceutical data in a new way by transitioning to the Health Information Technology field.
Career Alternatives to being a Pharmacy Technician
Medical Assistant
Medical assistant careers can be enriched by pharmacy technician skills such as attention to detail, medication knowledge, and patient interaction. In addition to recording patient histories, preparing patients for exams, drawing blood, and administering medications, medical assistants work directly under the supervision of physicians.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
As a pharmaceutical sales representative, you’d act as a sales representative to healthcare facilities and pharmacies, not preparing medication.
Pharmacist
Being a pharmacy tech interested in chemistry and drug interactions could naturally lead to becoming a pharmacist. If you are passionate about healthcare and medication management, this may be a fulfilling career choice. However, pursuing the required Doctor of Pharmacy degree would take considerable time, energy, and resources.
Healthcare Administration/ Management
An opportunity like a health service manager or practice manager could be a great fit for someone passionate about the field but who prefers a more managerial or strategic role. It typically involves overseeing the daily operations of a healthcare facility and coordinating services, and business knowledge is often required along with healthcare knowledge.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a pharmacy technician is a rewarding journey that opens doors to a dynamic and essential healthcare career. With the right training and dedication, you can play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of patients and the smooth operation of a pharmacy.
If you’re passionate about healthcare, enjoy helping others, and seek a stable and fulfilling profession, consider becoming a pharmacy technician today. Your future in this field is brimming with possibilities and the chance to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
Next Steps
We would be delighted to help you navigate this exciting journey if you’re contemplating a rewarding career as a pharmacy technician. Our career coaches offer customized advice tailored to your unique skills and career goals.
Work with us to pave your path to a thriving career in pharmacy tech, tailored just for you!