As a Pharmacy Tech, you will have a variety of choices when it comes to the environment that you wish to work within. In all settings, your responsibilities may be similar, such as, answering the phone, conducting the inventory of drugs and medical supply products, receiving prescription requests, handling health insurance issues, and occasionally, if your state allows, you may participate in dispensing medications, while under the close supervision of the Pharmacist on duty.
The Pharmacy Technician’s job rate is expected to increase by 12% between now and 2026. As the demand for prescription medicines increase, so will the need for qualified technicians to assist in filling the requests. Several factors will contribute to this increase. For example, in today’s world of technology and advancement, more and more medications are being developed to help in the cure or prevention of illnesses and diseases. In addition, the elderly is living longer, although, they may require more medication to do so. Unfortunately, even the younger generations are requiring medications to control diabetes and heart disease.
The salary of a Pharmacy Technician can range from between $21,370 to $45,710 annually, with an average of $30,920 per year in 2016, according to the BLS. The federal government and outpatient care center sectors will provide you with the best salary.
So, as a Pharmacy Tech, where would you like to work? What sort of environment would you prefer? Do you enjoy the hustle and bustle of a big box store chain pharmacy or would you prefer the intimacy of the corner drugstore? If you prefer, you may choose to work in an internet-based pharmacy which provides medications through the mail. In this field, you can choose a work setting that fits your personality. We will look at a few options to consider.
As previously mentioned, the chain pharmacy accounts for about 70% of the Pharmacy Techs in the U.S. In this setting, you may work in a large retail store, grocery store or smaller discount chain store.
Perhaps, the locally owned independent pharmacy would be more to your liking. In this setting, you will personally get to know your customers and enjoy the interaction to create a truly personal connection with them. They will learn to trust you and your associates for their healthcare pharmaceutical needs.
Pharmacy Technicians are also employed by managed care programs. They supply medications to those in programs such as Medicaid or Medicare. Outpatient care centers provide medications for patients in nursing homes, assisted living and rehab facilities. They often have in-house pharmacies to dispense drugs for their residents.
Technicians in the hospital setting fill requests by doctors while a patient is checked in to a hospital, as well as, provides the convenience of filling prescriptions in-house upon discharge. Some medical clinics also offer pharmacy services.
If you choose to work within the local, state or federal government agency sector, you may be employed by the Veterans Administration, a branch of the military or a federal prison system.
The nuclear Pharm Tech is specially trained to handle and prepare radioactive medications. They must also be familiar with the proper way to transport and dispose of radiopharmaceuticals.
There are several similar occupations that you may want to consider, as well. The Medical Assistant, Medical Transcriptionist, Dental Assistant or Medical Records and Health Information Technician, just to name a few, also require postsecondary training. However, if you enjoy your position as a Pharmacy Technician, you may be inspired to continue your education and become a licensed Pharmacist.
If you would like to learn more about this field, please see our list of the Best Online Pharmacy Technology Certificate Programs that we have compiled for your review.