Pharmacy Technician

Imagine finding a job that is still in high demand in our current economy.  Imagine working in a stable, organized, low-stress environment where you can constantly learn and increase your position.  Imagine the satisfaction of improving others’ health and meeting their needs, while being able to afford the needs and wants of your family.  Now imagine training for a job like this in as little as a year. 

Becoming a pharmacy technician means being part of a successful field that has grown more than 32% in the last year.  In a 2008-2009 U.S. Department of Labor survey, pharmacy technicians made up more than 71% of the jobs—these statistics in a struggling economy.  Can’t imagine how a career field this large could still use people?  Think again.  Due to the constant appearance of pharmacies in fast-growing grocery and retail chains, pharmacy technicians are in great need.  Hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living centers also are seeking out pharmacy technicians, all offering benefits and sufficient salaries.
           
Not only are there many jobs being offered for pharmacy technicians appealing, the satisfaction of working as a pharmacy technician is there as well.  Working as a pharmacy technician is appealing because it’s is not a high-stress job but yet it’s one that can still be challenging.  Technicians work in a clean, organized environment that encourages independence and initiative.  Responsibilities of most pharmacy technicians at a retail or grocery store involve receiving prescriptions, labeling bottles, counting tablets and speaking with customers and meeting their needs.  Another great aspect of working as a pharmacy technician is that there is always room to move up.  Pharmacy technicians can obtain administrative positions as well, gaining them more control over their tasks and hours.  There are few other fields where you can train, become certified, and be promoted in equal or less time.
           
Once you’ve decided to become a pharmacy technician, it’s important to decide how you’re going to get your training.  There are many options, all affordable.  Specialists in the field suggest starting with a medical terminology class and then moving on to a program at your local vocational or technical school.  Community college is also a great way to get your pharmacy technician education.  Whatever you decide--vocational school, technical school, or community college-- all pharmacy technician programs are for a one year period.  Another great factor of pharmacy technician training is that it is possible to maintain your current job while attending school, as most classes held at technical or vocational schools are held at night to enable students to work and attend school. Whether you decide to pursue this education at a vocational, it is important to obtain this one year training, as most employers will not consider hiring those who have not finished the one year program.
           
Experts also advise working in a pharmacy while attending school.  Not only does this give you on-the-site training, but working in a pharmacy also looks great to your future employer.  Most employers looking to hire new pharmacy technicians prefer those who have work experience as well as formal training. It’s also fairly easy to get a part-time job at a pharmacy to get some on-site training.  With as many in-store pharmacies present as there are these days, there is no lack of opportunity.  It’s merely a matter of choosing which one you’d like to work at.
           
Now that you’ve received your training and had a little bit of work experience, certification is an appealing option.  Obtaining your certificate can bolster your salary and give you greater seniority at your pharmacy job.  Certification can also get you a job at a nursing home, assisted living center, or hospital, meaning higher wages and greater benefits.  Getting certified involves taking the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.  Passing the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam earns you the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician.  To employers, this certification plus on the job experience and formal training, makes you highly marketable, thus enabling you to negotiate your own salary and hours.
           
So now that you know the basics of becoming a pharmacy technician, what’s holding you back?  Call your local technical or vocational school to get a list of their course offerings. Start with a medical terminology class. Research which pharmacies you’d like to get a part-time job at to gain some experience.  Don’t let an opportunity like this pass you by.  Choosing to become a pharmacy technician can put you on a secure, challenging, and exciting career path—one that could change your life.