Are you considering a career as a pharmacy technician? With the healthcare industry constantly growing and evolving, this field offers stable job growth and endless opportunities for advancement. But before diving into this fulfilling profession, it’s important to understand what being a pharmacy technician truly entails.
From education and training requirements to job responsibilities and salary expectations, our ultimate guide will provide everything you need to know about becoming a successful pharmacy technician. If you’re ready to embark on an exciting journey in the world of medicine, keep reading!
Table of Contents
Enroll in a College or Vocational School Program
The first step in becoming a pharmacy technician is to enroll in an accredited college or vocational school program. Many people in the area ask themselves: “How much do pharmacy techs make in Illinois and why are there so many schools to choose from?” The answer is simple: each state has different requirements for pharmacy technicians, and it’s important to choose a program that meets your state’s specific criteria.
In general, these programs can range from 6 months to 2 years in length and include coursework in pharmacology, medical terminology, pharmacy law and ethics, and pharmaceutical calculations. Some programs also offer hands-on experience through internships or externships, which can be beneficial when seeking employment after graduation.
Gain Certification
For most states and employers, certification is a requirement in a field as important as pharmacy. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) are the two main exams recognized nationwide. Preparing for these exams typically involves reviewing material covered in your coursework and possibly enrolling in additional study programs or review classes.
Achieving certification confirms your knowledge and skills in pharmacy technology, making you a more competitive candidate in the job market. Furthermore, it demonstrates your commitment to the profession and ensures that you’re up-to-date with the latest pharmacy practices and regulations. Certification can open doors to higher-paying positions and more advanced roles within the field.
Acquire a License
In most states, a pharmacy technician must also acquire a state license to legally work. The licensing process generally requires submitting an application to your state’s pharmacy board, paying a fee, and passing a background check. Some states may also require proof of your certification and completion of an accredited educational program.
The specifics can vary widely from state to state, so it’s crucial to research the requirements in your area. This licensing step ensures that all pharmacy technicians meet a standard level of professionalism and knowledge, ultimately aiming to protect public health.
Gain Experience
Securing a position, whether through internships during your educational program or entry-level jobs post-certification, provides invaluable hands-on learning. In these roles, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting, from managing inventory and processing prescriptions to interacting with patients and healthcare professionals.
Beyond honing your technical skills, experience mostly develops your communication and customer service abilities. Communication is a critical aspect of any healthcare profession, and as a pharmacy technician, you’ll need to effectively communicate with pharmacists, patients, and insurance companies. The more experience you gain, the better positioned you’ll be to advance in your career, potentially leading to roles with greater responsibility and higher pay.
Continue Education
One of the most important aspects of keeping your professional skills sharp is to update and advance your knowledge base consistently. To stay current, many professions require their members to complete continuing education credits. Professionals can keep their certifications up to date and stay competitive in their field.
Continuing education is a great way to ensure that you are staying on top of the latest advancements in your industry, and can bolster your resume with new skills and knowledge. Even if you already hold a pharmacy technician certification, ongoing education can open up new opportunities for growth and advancement in your career.
Job Responsibilities
Pharmacy technicians are responsible for an array of duties that ensure the smooth operation of a pharmacy. Some of these tasks include:
- Receiving and processing prescriptions: Pharmacy technicians are responsible for reviewing and processing prescriptions accurately and efficiently, ensuring that the correct medication and dosage are dispensed.
- Assisting pharmacists: Technicians assist pharmacists with tasks such as counting pills, labeling bottles, and organizing inventory. This allows the pharmacist to focus on more complex duties.
- Patient care: Technicians may interact with patients by answering questions about medications, providing instructions on how to take medications, and referring them to the pharmacist for more in-depth consultations.
- Inventory management: Technicians are responsible for managing inventory levels, ordering supplies, and monitoring the expiration dates of medications.
- Insurance claims: Some technicians may be responsible for processing insurance claims and ensuring patients have access to their prescribed medication.
- Maintaining a clean and organized workspace: As with any healthcare profession, maintaining a sanitary and well-organized work environment is crucial to ensure patient safety.
The blend of technical responsibilities and patient interaction makes this profession both challenging and rewarding.
Salary Expectations
When you delve into a new career field, one of the most common questions is “How much will I make?” Many factors can influence a pharmacy technician’s salary, including location, experience level, and employer type. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a pharmacy technician in the US earns a median salary of $37,790 every year.
With experience and advancement, technicians can earn upwards of $50,000 per year. Factors such as working in a hospital versus retail pharmacy or achieving specialized certifications can also impact salary potential. The continuous growth of the healthcare industry and the increasing demand for skilled pharmacy technicians make this field an excellent choice for long-term career prospects.
Choosing a career as a pharmacy technician opens the door to a world of opportunities within the healthcare sector. By following the pathways of education, certification, licensing, gaining practical experience, and engaging in continuous learning, you can build a fulfilling and resilient career that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
This profession offers the chance to work at the forefront of patient care while also providing a platform for continuous growth and specialization. With the healthcare industry’s expansion and the vital role pharmacy technicians play in the community, your decision to enter this field promises not only a stable and rewarding career but also the opportunity to positively impact health outcomes. Embarking on this career path is the first step towards a future where your skills and dedication contribute significantly to the well-being of society.