Intro
Unlock a rewarding career as a pharmacy technician with our comprehensive guide to pharmacy technician jobs and training near you. Discover local programs, certification requirements, and job opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry. Get started on a path to a stable and in-demand profession with our expert advice and resources.
The demand for skilled pharmacy technicians is on the rise, driven by the growing need for healthcare services and the increasing complexity of pharmaceutical treatments. As a result, pharmacy technician jobs and training programs are becoming more accessible and in-demand. In this article, we will explore the world of pharmacy technician jobs, training, and certification, and provide guidance on how to find programs near you.
What is a Pharmacy Technician?
A pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional who assists licensed pharmacists with dispensing medication, processing prescriptions, and performing administrative tasks. Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of pharmaceutical care to patients. Their responsibilities may include:
- Filling prescriptions and preparing medication for patients
- Maintaining patient records and updating medical histories
- Processing insurance claims and handling billing inquiries
- Assisting pharmacists with clinical tasks and research projects
- Providing patient education and counseling on medication use
Pharmacy Technician Jobs: Career Outlook and Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment of pharmacy technicians will grow 4% from 2020 to 2030, which is slower than the average for all occupations. However, the demand for skilled pharmacy technicians remains high, driven by the growing need for healthcare services and the increasing complexity of pharmaceutical treatments.
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians was $34,860 in May 2020. However, salaries can vary depending on location, employer, and level of experience. Here are some average salary ranges for pharmacy technicians in different industries:
- Retail pharmacies: $29,000 - $45,000 per year
- Hospital pharmacies: $35,000 - $55,000 per year
- Clinical pharmacies: $40,000 - $65,000 per year
Pharmacy Technician Training and Certification
To become a pharmacy technician, you typically need to complete a post-secondary training program and obtain certification. Here are some common types of training programs and certifications:
- Certificate programs: These programs are usually 6-12 months long and provide basic training in pharmacy operations, medication safety, and patient care.
- Diploma programs: These programs are usually 12-18 months long and provide more comprehensive training in pharmacy operations, clinical pharmacy, and patient care.
- Associate's degree programs: These programs are usually 2 years long and provide advanced training in pharmacy operations, clinical pharmacy, and patient care.
- Certification programs: These programs are usually 1-2 years long and provide specialized training in areas such as sterile compounding, chemotherapy, or informatics.
Some common certifications for pharmacy technicians include:
- Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
- Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPhT)
- Certified Clinical Pharmacy Technician (CCPhT)
- Certified Sterile Compounding Technician (CSCT)
Pharmacy Technician Training Near Me
To find pharmacy technician training programs near you, you can:
- Search online for "pharmacy technician training near me" or "pharmacy technician schools near me"
- Contact local community colleges, vocational schools, or universities to inquire about pharmacy technician programs
- Check with state boards of pharmacy or professional organizations such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) for accredited programs in your area
Some popular pharmacy technician training programs near you may include:
- CVS Health Pharmacy Technician Training Program
- Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Training Program
- Rite Aid Pharmacy Technician Training Program
- American Red Cross Pharmacy Technician Training Program
Pharmacy Technician Jobs Near Me
To find pharmacy technician jobs near you, you can:
- Search online for "pharmacy technician jobs near me" or "pharmacy technician jobs in [your city/state]"
- Check job boards such as Indeed, LinkedIn, or Glassdoor for pharmacy technician job listings
- Contact local pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics to inquire about job openings
- Network with professional organizations such as the ASHP or PTCB to connect with potential employers
Some popular pharmacy technician job listings near you may include:
- CVS Health Pharmacy Technician
- Walgreens Pharmacy Technician
- Rite Aid Pharmacy Technician
- Hospital Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Job Requirements
To become a pharmacy technician, you typically need to meet the following requirements:
- Age: 18 years or older
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Training: Completion of a post-secondary training program in pharmacy technology
- Certification: Certification as a pharmacy technician (CPhT or RPhT)
- Background check: Pass a background check and obtain any necessary licenses or certifications
Conclusion
Pharmacy technician jobs and training programs are becoming more accessible and in-demand, driven by the growing need for healthcare services and the increasing complexity of pharmaceutical treatments. By completing a post-secondary training program and obtaining certification, you can launch a rewarding career as a pharmacy technician and make a difference in the lives of patients.
We encourage you to share your experiences and questions about pharmacy technician jobs and training programs in the comments below. Don't forget to share this article with your friends and colleagues who may be interested in pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician!
What is the average salary for a pharmacy technician?
+The average salary for a pharmacy technician is around $34,860 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What are the typical duties of a pharmacy technician?
+Pharmacy technicians typically assist licensed pharmacists with dispensing medication, processing prescriptions, and performing administrative tasks.
How do I become a certified pharmacy technician?
+To become a certified pharmacy technician, you typically need to complete a post-secondary training program and pass a certification exam, such as the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) or Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPhT) exam.