Ten Reasons to become a Pharmacy Technician

So, you've been in the job market or plan to hit it soon and are looking for promising professions to join. While one solid reason often suffices to start a career in a particular field, we can give you ten reasons for becoming a pharmacy tech.

But before that, let's try and understand what exactly is it that a pharmacy technician does.Pharmacy technicians are allied healthcare professionals trained in performing administrative, clerical and pharmacy-related tasks under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

You could call them the eyes and ears of a pharmacist as they provide a range of support services that help pharmacists fulfill their primary responsibilities. Here are top ten reasons why becoming a pharmacy technician may be a smart career move:

Reason to become a pharmacy tech #1

Positive job outlook: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a much faster than average growth in the employment of pharmacy technicians over the next decade. According to the bureau, the growing number of older people requiring medication and advances in pharmaceutical research are expected to cause a 32 percent increase in the employment of pharmacy techs in the 2010-20 period.*

Reason to become a pharmacy tech #2

Minimal training requirement: Although pharmacy technicians do not have any formal educational requirements and can be trained on the job, but judging by the current employment trends, it's best to complete a post secondary pharmacy technician training program and get professional certification to enjoy maximum opportunities. Career training in the field is available at vocational schools as well as community colleges. The training, depending on the program you choose, can last from a few months to a year.

Reason to become a pharmacy tech #3

Attractive remuneration: Pharmacy technicians enjoy attractive compensation, especially considering the fact that the educational prerequisites for the job are rudimentary at best compared to some of the other healthcare professions like nursing. According to the latest payscale.com data, pharmacy technicians make an average of $8.04 - $15.56 per hour or $16,773 - $35,199 per year in total pay, which includes annual salary, hourly wages, bonuses, overtime, tips, commissions, profit sharing, and other types of cash earnings.**

Reason to become a pharmacy tech #4

Online career training: Many schools offer online pharmacy technician training courses that are not just a flexible and convenient alte ative to classroom training, but also accepted by employers as valid educational programs.

Reason to become a pharmacy tech #5

Flexibility in work schedule: Since a lot of pharmacies, especially the ones in hospitals, function round the clock, pharmacy techs may enjoy the flexibility to pick a work schedule that suits them. If you have other commitments during the day, you can request your employer for a late work shift. Many pharmacy techs also work part-time.

Reason to become a pharmacy tech #6

Many work opportunities are available: Pharmacy technicians work in a variety of settings including hospital-based pharmacies, retail pharmacies, local drug stores, grocery and departmental stores, insurance companies, pharmaceutical research facilities, etc.

Reason to become a pharmacy tech #7

Opportunity to develop career skills: The job of a pharmacy technician can be a platform to develop important career skills that are also transferable from one job to another. Since a lot of pharmacy techs spend their time interacting with customers, they learn customer support and interpersonal skills. Their job also requires them to have the ability to multi-task and be highly organized.

Reason to become a pharmacy tech #8

Work in clean environment: Pharmacy technicians usually work in extremely clean and pleasant environment. In fact, part of their job is to keep the space they work in uncluttered and sanitized, so patients and/or their families can get their prescriptions filled without having to worry about contracting infections.

Reason to become a pharmacy tech #9

Potential to grow: With experience and further training, pharmacy techs can rise up the ranks to supervisory roles. The work also provides an excellent training ground for pursuing advanced education in the field.

Reason to become a pharmacy tech #10

Become a part of the healthcare vertical: Becoming a pharmacy technician will provide you a chance to be a part of the flourishing healthcare sector and enjoy the prestige, stability, and gratification it offers. Not only will you receive the perks that come with being a healthcare professional, but you will also return home each day satisfied and content with having helped people at their time of need.

Sources:

*bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Pharmacy-technicians.htm#tab-6

**payscale.com/research/US/Job=Pharmacy_Technician/Hourly_Rate