Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technician Overview

A pharmacy technician, sometimes called a pharmacy assistant, provides invaluable support to licensed pharmacists. Pharmacy techs assist pharmacists in filling prescriptions, reviewing drug orders, checking for drug allergies, dosage, interactions, and incompatibilities. These tasks are crucial to ensuring that patients get the right amount of the correct medication. Pharmacy technicians may also be responsible for calling doctors' offices for prescription refills, as well as cleaning and sterilizing bottles and equipment. If you are considering becoming a pharmacy technician, now is an excellent time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for this field is very promising.

Pharmacy techs earn around $12 to $13 per hour. However, these wages can increase if you become certified. Becoming certified also opens up many more opportunities for employment. To become certified you must attend a training program and pass an exam.

Pharmacy Technician Training & Education

You can find a pharmacist school or program through vocational, technical, and community colleges. The length of each training program may vary, but most last between six months and one year. You will learn about medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy record keeping, pharmaceutical techniques, and pharmacy law and ethics. Some training programs even contain an internship or clinical component.

Your next step should be to become certified. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board administers the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination. This exam is voluntary. By passing it, you will show potential employers in no uncertain terms that you are prepared to perform the duties of a pharmacy technician. Once you pass the exam you will earn the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).

Pharmacy technician training programs and the certification exam are offered at many locations in every state, as well as online.

Pharmacy Technician Career & Salary Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2006 the median hourly earnings of pharmacy technicians was $12.32. The highest 10% earned above $17.65 per hour, while the lowest 10% earned less than $8.56 per hour. The middle 50% earned between $10.10 and $14.92 per hour.

Wages varied slightly by industry. A pharmacy tech working in general medical centers and surgical hospitals had the highest earnings per hour of $13.86. Meanwhile, pharmacy techs working in grocery stores earned $12.78 per hour, while those working in pharmacies and drug stores earned $11.50 per hour on average.

Obtaining a pharmacy technician certification slightly increased earnings for workers, as did taking weekend or evening shifts.

Where a Degree Will Take You

You can become a pharmacy technician without earning a degree or certification, because some employers offer informal, on-the-job training. However, your job prospects will be much narrower than if you were to receive training from one of a number of pharmacy schools and obtain your certification. In today's particularly stagnant job market, your education can give you the competitive edge needed to find and seize many coveted opportunities.

Characteristics of Successful Pharmacy Techs

To be a successful pharmacy technician you will need to posses strong mathematics, spelling, and reading skills. A background in chemistry, English, and health education are also considered assets. Those entering the field with previous clinical or patient-care experience, perhaps from working as an aide or volunteering in a hospital, will likely have an advantage. Employers also look for candidates with good customer service skills.

Pharmacy techs are sometimes required to work long hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Pharmacy techs must also be able to spend a long time on their feet and enjoy working in a meticulously well-organized workspace.