A pharmacy tech is an individual who performs a variety of duties in a pharmacy and collaborates with a licensed pharmacist. The educational and training requirements for this role vary globally and regionally. In addition, licensing requirements will vary depending on the employer. However, there are many benefits to this position, including high salaries and a stable job outlook.
Salary
A pharmacy tech’s salary can vary based on location and education. They may work in a hospital or retail pharmacy. The former type of pharmacy usually focuses on providing prescription medications to patients. Retail pharmacies, on the other hand, focus on filling prescriptions for pain, maintenance, and short-term antibiotics.
The average salary for a pharmacy tech is $36,000 per year, though some earn as much as $50,000 per year or $24 per hour. As a whole, pharmacy technicians earn less than their healthcare colleagues. In fact, BLS’s 2020 report on healthcare practitioners and technical occupations indicates that many healthcare professionals make more money than pharmacy technicians.
As a pharmacy technician, you may have the opportunity to earn a higher salary if you continue to learn and improve. Taking on more job duties may also help you negotiate a higher salary. If you’re a recent graduate, your salary may be lower than if you had completed college. However, if you have more experience than the next pharmacy technician, you’re more likely to negotiate a pay increase.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a pharmacy technician in New York earns an average salary of $37,100 per year. This is 1.78% higher than the national average. The average bonus is $526. However, if you work in a smaller city, you may be able to find lower salaries.
As the elderly population grows, the demand for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians will increase. It is projected that by 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 or older. This means that by then, older people will outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history. This means that there will be more need for pharmacists and technicians to distribute prescription medications. Therefore, a pharmacy tech’s salary will continue to rise.
If you want to have more flexible hours than a hospital pharmacy tech, consider a career in retail. While you may start with a lower hourly wage, working in retail will help you gain experience, training, and certification. In addition, you’ll have the flexibility to work around your family.
Job outlook
A pharmacy tech performs a variety of functions in pharmacies, working together with a licensed pharmacist. Their training, certification and licensure vary globally, regionally and from employer to employer. As a result, the job outlook for pharmacy technicians can be quite varied. However, there are some common traits among all pharmacy technicians.
First of all, the job outlook for pharmacy technicians is much better than that for other occupations. During the next few years, pharmacy techs will have an excellent job outlook. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth in this field will be more than 7%, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. In addition, the increased number of people with chronic conditions and the rise in the number of seniors will continue to create plenty of job opportunities for pharmacy technicians.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of pharmacy technicians will increase by 12 percent by 2026. This is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations, and represents a large number of new job openings. This growth is largely due to the increasing number of prescription medications used by middle-aged and elderly adults. In addition, advances in pharmaceutical research mean that more people will require prescription medication over the next few years.
Because of the need for medications, many grocery stores now include pharmacy departments. This makes it convenient for people to fill their prescriptions. There are also some pharmacy chains that employ pharmacy technicians, including Walgreen’s, CVS, and Rite-Aid. These positions are ideal for those seeking a stable and satisfying career.
While the job outlook for pharmacy techs is good, education and experience are necessary to get the job. Some employers prefer applicants with experience counting tablets, using computers. An education in chemistry, English or health education is also beneficial. While New York doesn’t require licenses to practice, the state is considering regulations for pharmacy technicians.
The salary of pharmacy technicians can increase as they gain experience. However, in order to achieve this, a pharmacy tech must be dedicated to learning and showing value to the employer. With experience, salary increases can be substantial and can even lead to bonuses and hourly increments.
Education required
A pharmacy tech is a health care professional who performs functions in a pharmacy in cooperation with a licensed pharmacist. There are various educational requirements for pharmacy technicians, depending on the employer and region. Certification and licensing requirements vary globally. In the US, a degree in pharmacy technology is often required to practice as a pharmacy technician.
The educational requirements for a pharmacy technician are somewhat flexible, as the requirements for many jobs vary. Some positions require only a high school diploma or GED, but some require an associate’s degree. However, many technicians learn on the job. Most states require certification or licensing for pharmacy technicians. There are also several certification programs for pharmacy technicians.
Once a pharmacy tech is qualified, he or she can work in any state. There are many benefits to becoming a pharmacist’s assistant, and these jobs offer a flexible schedule. Additionally, pharmacy techs with a degree will be seen as committed professionals by potential employers and enjoy greater success in their career.
Pharmacy technicians are required to know the metric system and basic accounting. Additionally, a pharm tech must have basic communication skills. This is because they will be working with patients who may be suffering from mental illness. In addition, pharm techs are required to be knowledgeable of medical terminology and legal aspects of the profession.
A formal education for pharmacy techs includes a minimum of 600 hours of classroom instruction. Many pharmacy technician programs are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. For example, Texarkana College offers four pathways to national certification. After completing a program, aspiring pharmacy techs can take a national exam to get a license to practice in the United States.
Getting a diploma in pharmacy technology is an important part of becoming a pharmacy technician. Although the minimum requirement is a high school diploma, many technicians choose to complete a postsecondary education program to enhance their skills. Some certificate programs are offered online and can be completed in as little as nine months. Some programs even include a hands-on learning component.
Programs offered
There are many options available for those seeking to become a pharmacy technician. These programs range from certificate/diploma programs to associate degree programs. Some schools also offer online classes. These programs are typically ten months or two years long. You can apply for financial aid through your school, but be prepared to deal with a lot of paperwork.
To be successful in this field, you must have a strong attention to detail. This is important as a pharmacy technician will have to measure and dispense prescription medications according to prescription orders. Pharmacy technicians should also have excellent communication skills. They will interact with pharmacists, medical professionals, and patients.
In addition to your education, there are many certification and licensing requirements to become a pharmacy technician. Some states require that you have a high school diploma or GED. Some programs also require that you have completed an associate’s degree. Be sure to choose a program that is accredited. This is very important as you can’t receive federal financial aid unless your school is accredited. Also, you can’t transfer your credits to a different school if your program isn’t accredited.
There are several online programs available. In New York City, you can earn your associate’s degree in pharmacy technology while working. You can even choose to pursue certification with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The certification exam covers topics such as human anatomy, pharmacology, and pharmacy law. You will also learn about the types of drugs available and the effects of certain medications. The program is typically completed in 25 sessions.
The role of a pharmacy technician has grown significantly in recent years. In addition to dispensing prescriptions, pharmacy technicians perform other tasks including maintaining patient records, handling insurance claims, and operating pharmacy automation systems. They can even specialize in sterile products and compounding medications. These roles are essential in pharmacy administration and can lead to a number of different career paths.
Almost all states have requirements for pharmacy technicians, and many states have specific requirements for certification. As a result, it is essential to understand the requirements in your state before applying for certification. For example, if you want to work in a state where PTCB certification is not required, you will need to complete an ASHP-accredited pharmacy technician training program. The AHSP has established standards for pharmacy technician education. You can also find state-by-state information on the Pharmacy Technician Career Guide website.