Are you interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare industry? Becoming a pharmacy technician might be the perfect fit for you! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a pharmacy technician, from education and training to job responsibilities and career outlook. Read on to learn more!
What is a Pharmacy Technician?
A pharmacy technician plays a vital role in a pharmacy setting by assisting pharmacists in dispensing medications to patients. They work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist and are responsible for various tasks, such as processing prescriptions, maintaining inventory, and providing excellent customer service.
Education and Training
In order to become a pharmacy technician, you will need to complete a formal training program. This can be done through a vocational school, community college, or online program. These programs typically take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete and cover topics such as pharmacy law, pharmacology, and drug interactions.
After completing your training, you may also need to pass a certification exam, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT), in order to become a certified pharmacy technician.
Job Responsibilities
As a pharmacy technician, you will have a variety of responsibilities, including:
- Processing prescriptions
- Counting and measuring medications
- Maintaining patient records
- Assisting customers with medication inquiries
Career Outlook
The demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow in the coming years, as the healthcare industry continues to expand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $33,950 in May 2020. Additionally, there are opportunities for advancement in this field, such as becoming a specialized pharmacy technician or pursuing further education to become a pharmacist.
As you can see, becoming a pharmacy technician can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. Whether you are just starting out in the healthcare industry or are looking to make a career change, becoming a pharmacy technician is a great option to consider. If you have any questions or would like to share your own experience as a pharmacy technician, feel free to leave a comment below!