What Pharmacy Technicians Do and How to Become One
Pharmacy technicians are essential in healthcare. They assist pharmacists in doing tasks for safe and efficient medicine delivery. Being a pharmacy technician might be an excellent job if you like healthcare and a busy setting. In this post, we’ll talk about what they do, how much they earn, how to become one, and what job opportunities are like.
What does a pharmacy technician do?
Pharmacy technicians help a pharmacy run smoothly by doing different jobs. Here are some things they usually do:
- Helping pharmacists: They work with pharmacists to give out the right medicines. They count pills, measure medicines, and put labels on them.
- Taking care of medicines: Pharmacy technicians ensure enough medicine and supplies in the pharmacy. They order more medicine, check how much is left, and organize where the medicines are.
- Helping customers: They talk to people, answer medication questions, and say how many pills to take. If customers have problems or questions, the pharmacy technician helps them.
- Dealing with insurance: They might help ensure insurance pays for the medicine. This helps people get their medicine without spending too much.
- Making particular medicines: They sometimes make certain medicines per the doctor’s instructions.
- Keeping records: They write and keep important information about prescriptions, patients, and other things in the pharmacy.
How much do pharmacy techs make?
Pharmacy technicians earn different amounts based on where they work, their experience, and the kind of pharmacy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says, on average, pharmacy techs make about $33,950 per year as of May 2020. But remember, this can be more or less for each person based on their situation.
How do you become a pharmacy technician?
To become a pharmacy technician, you must complete a formal education program and obtain certification. Here are the steps to becoming a pharmacy technician:
- Education: Go to a school or community college to learn about medicines and pharmacy rules. This usually comes in a certificate or diploma program.
- Training: Get some hands-on training while working with experienced pharmacists. They’ll show you how things work in an actual pharmacy.
- Certification: Take a test to become certified. It’s not required but can make getting a job easier and show you know your stuff. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offer certification exams. If you pass the exam, it will enhance your job targets.
- State Licensure: Depending on where you live, you might need a license from the state. Each state has its own rules, so make sure you know what’s required where you are.
What is the job outlook for pharmacy techs?
More jobs for pharmacy technicians are coming. The government predicts a 4 percent growth from 2019 to 2029, the average speed. People are getting older and need more medicine, and more pharmacies are opening. Also, because of COVID-19, pharmacy technicians are even more critical in the health system. If you become a pharmacy technician, there should be many job opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Being a pharmacy tech can be fulfilling, especially if you like helping people and working in a busy place. To get into this, you must learn the necessary things, get trained, and get certified. CCI Training Center has good programs that can teach you what you need to know.
Remember, being a pharmacy technician means you can have a stable job, chances to grow, and you get to help people stay healthy. If you’re interested, start your journey to becoming a pharmacy technician with CCI Training Center today!
