Intro
Discover pharmacy tech jobs near you! Learn about the roles, responsibilities, and requirements of pharmacy technicians. Explore local job opportunities, salary ranges, and growth prospects in the pharmaceutical industry. Find out how to get certified and advance your career as a pharmacy tech in your area.
Are you looking for a career in the healthcare industry that's in high demand and offers a sense of fulfillment? Pharmacy technician jobs may be the perfect fit for you. As a pharmacy technician, you'll play a vital role in assisting licensed pharmacists with dispensing medication, handling patient data, and performing various administrative tasks.
Pharmacy technicians are in high demand due to the increasing need for healthcare services and the growing number of pharmacies in retail and clinical settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 4% from 2020 to 2030, which is as fast as the average for all occupations.
What Do Pharmacy Technicians Do?
Pharmacy technicians perform a variety of tasks to support the work of licensed pharmacists. Some of their key responsibilities include:
- Receiving and processing prescriptions from patients and healthcare providers
- Dispensing medication and other healthcare products
- Handling patient data and maintaining confidential records
- Assisting with inventory management and ordering supplies
- Performing administrative tasks, such as answering phone calls and responding to patient inquiries
- Maintaining a clean and organized workspace
Pharmacy technicians work in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They may also work in mail-order pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
To become a pharmacy technician, you'll typically need to complete a post-secondary training program in pharmacy technology. These programs are usually offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and universities, and can take several months to two years to complete.
Some common requirements for pharmacy technician programs include:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of a pharmacy technician training program
- Passing a certification exam, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- Obtaining state licensure or registration, if required
Pharmacy Technician Certification
Certification is not always required to work as a pharmacy technician, but it can be beneficial in several ways. Certified pharmacy technicians may have an advantage when applying for jobs, and may also be eligible for higher pay and benefits.
The PTCB and NHA offer certification exams for pharmacy technicians. To become certified, you'll need to meet the eligibility requirements, which typically include completing a training program and passing a certification exam.
Pharmacy Technician Salary and Benefits
The salary and benefits for pharmacy technicians can vary depending on factors such as location, employer, and level of experience.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians was $34,860 in May 2020. However, salaries can range from around $25,000 to over $50,000 per year, depending on the specific job and employer.
In addition to salary, pharmacy technicians may also receive benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.
Pharmacy Technician Jobs Near Me
If you're looking for pharmacy technician jobs near you, there are several ways to search. Here are a few options:
- Online job boards, such as Indeed or LinkedIn
- Company websites, such as CVS or Walgreens
- Professional associations, such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- Local pharmacies or healthcare organizations
You can also search for pharmacy technician jobs by location, using keywords such as "pharmacy technician jobs near me" or "pharmacy technician jobs in [city/state]".
Conclusion
Pharmacy technician jobs can be a rewarding and challenging career path for those who are interested in healthcare and want to make a difference in their community. With the increasing demand for healthcare services, pharmacy technicians are in high demand, and can find job opportunities in a variety of settings.
If you're interested in becoming a pharmacy technician, be sure to research the requirements for your state and employer, and consider obtaining certification to advance your career.
What is the average salary for a pharmacy technician?
+The average salary for a pharmacy technician can vary depending on factors such as location, employer, and level of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians was $34,860 in May 2020.
Do I need to be certified to work as a pharmacy technician?
+Certification is not always required to work as a pharmacy technician, but it can be beneficial in several ways. Certified pharmacy technicians may have an advantage when applying for jobs, and may also be eligible for higher pay and benefits.
How do I find pharmacy technician jobs near me?
+You can search for pharmacy technician jobs near you by using online job boards, company websites, professional associations, and local pharmacies or healthcare organizations. You can also search by location, using keywords such as "pharmacy technician jobs near me" or "pharmacy technician jobs in [city/state]".