Are you considering a career as a pharmacy technician? If so, you would be employed by pharmacies or hospitals to assist licensed pharmacists in dispensing medications and other duties. To help you decide if pharmacy technician is the right career choice for you, here are seven facts about the profession you should know.
1. Education
To become a pharmacy technician, students need a high school diploma and must pass a training program. According to Chron.com, students will need to know basic math, the metric system, calculations such as measurement conversions, and business math. In states that require licenses and regulations, they will also need to pass an exam.
2. Responsibilities
Apart from dispensing prescription orders, pharmacy technicians are responsible for collecting patient information, processing insurance claims, managing inventory supplies, measuring medicine dosages, and appropriately packaging/labeling medicine, among other duties.
3. Employment
Pharmacy technicians are, for the most part, employed in pharmacies, hospitals, and drug stores. However, they aren’t limited to those areas. They could work in a variety of settings, such as hospital ambulatory services and government agencies like the Department of Defense.
4. Growth Opportunities
With experience, pharmacy technicians can be promoted into managerial or instructional roles. In addition, with more schooling, they can go to become licensed pharmacists, nurses or find a career in other healthcare roles.
5. Demand
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth outlook for pharmacy technicians through 2024 is 9%, which is faster than the average for all jobs. Continued demand for prescription medications should lead to higher demand for pharmacy technicians.
6. Pay
The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics also indicates the median pay for pharmacy technicians in 2015 was $14.62 per hour, which is equivalent to $30,410 per year.
7. Valuable Experience
Careerstep.com says a career as a pharmacy technician is one that benefits your everyday life. Knowledge about pharmacology can lead to a better understanding of your own or your family’s health, as well as knowing how best to handle insurance coverage and healthcare providers.
If you are looking to start a career as a Pharmacy Technician, Fortis offers a pharmacy training program at campuses in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. Learn more by visiting our pharmacy programs pages site or calling today!
