If you think you might like to get involved in the medical profession but you’re not sure whether being a doctor or nurse is for you, consider taking on one of the many available pharmacy technician jobs. A pharmacy technician job needs significantly less education than other medical professions, but still means you are involved in the medical profession and work with patients on a one-to-one basis.
In general, if you want to be a pharmacy technician, employers prefer that you have some previous experience, although this isn’t always absolutely necessary, depending on the state you work in. Many states, however, are increasingly requiring that those applying for pharmacy technician jobs have received certification. Check with your area to determine whether or not you need to be certified to become a pharmacy technician. If you do, this is generally a course of study that takes the form of an associate’s degree, a diploma, or certificate. Certification is provided through two organizations, those of which are the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians, and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Many pharmacy technicians began their careers, for example, with simple certification and then go on to pursue an associate’s degree or to earn a diploma. The more education you have, the better your chances for advancement will generally be.
What are pharmacy technician jobs like?
As a pharmacy technician, you’ll be dealing one-on-one with patients, dispensing medication, answering the phone, doing inventory (especially for over-the-counter medications), and preparing insurance claims. Pharmacy technician jobs involve working in a variety of locations, from nursing homes and hospitals to standalone retail pharmacies or assisted living facilities. You work closely with the pharmacist helping patients.
Because the outlook for pharmacy technicians is quite good, full-time employment is often available. Part-time employment in retail locations is especially prevalent at the moment, even in a tough economic environment. Many of these businesses, for example, are open 24 hours a day, which means pharmacy technicians can work “around-the-clock” under the supervision of pharmacists. More experienced pharmacy technicians usually get better hours.
What can you expect to be paid for pharmacy technician jobs?
Although pharmacy technicians with the least experience and the least education make relatively low salaries, about $19,000 a year, pharmacy technicians with the most education and experience can make as much as $40,000 year. In addition, because the face of the medical field is changing and costs must be controlled, pharmacy technicians may be taking over many of the more rudimentary job duties of the pharmacist. This makes the job outlook for pharmacy technicians, especially experienced pharmacy technicians, especially good.
Improving your chances for advancement as a pharmacy technician
Although starting out as a pharmacy technician can be done with just a simple certification course, furthering your education and getting an associate’s degree and/or a college diploma is likely to make job prospects even better for you. This also increases your chances of better pay, since you can take on more responsibility with more education and experience.
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