CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Pharmacy technicians typically help pharmacists prepare and dispense prescription medications to patients.
Career Level
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Salary
National average, per year
$31,750
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
30,259
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticcs.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Pharmacy Technician Job Description
Pharmacy technicians (pharmacy techs) play a vital role in keeping a pharmacy running smoothly. They are usually the first person a patient interacts with when visiting the pharmacy. They keep the pharmacy organized and they maintain inventory. They ensure prescriptions are packaged and labeled correctly. They verify insurance information and process claims.
One of the most important jobs of the pharmacy tech is receiving and confirming prescription orders. They must ensure all of the information is accurate. A mistake can have detrimental effects to the patient.
Pharmacy Technician Job Responsibilities
Pharmacy technicians may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Collect information needed to fill prescriptions
- Measure the quantity of medications
- Package and label prescriptions
- Organize inventory
- Verify patient’s insurance and process insurance claims
- Accept payments from patients for prescriptions
- Answer and direct phone calls
- Follow safety protocols
Pharmacy Techncian Salary
The actual salary of the pharmacy technician can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $31,750*
National average per hour: $15.26*
- $33,488 per year, $16.10 per hour**
- $32,097 per year, $15.43 per hour***
- $30,862 to $38,179 per year****
- $29,276 per year, $14.08 per hour*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Pharmacy Technician Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a pharmacy technician? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Flexible hours
- Steady employment
- Minimal education and training needed to start
- Pleasant work environment
- Learn new medical information for free
Cons
- Dealing with rude customers
- Daily job can be stressful
- Most work time is spent standing
- Low pay
- Little career advancement opportunities without further education
- Work can be repetitive
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Pharmacy Technician?
If you are considering a career as a pharmacy technician, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Obtain your high school diploma/GED.
- Enroll in a certificate program (1 year or less to complete) or an associate’s degree program (2 years to complete).
- Pass an exam to obtain certification from The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Certification is not required in all states but is highly recommended.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the pharmacy technician is in the beginning of the medical career pathway, but can be preceded by other entry-level jobs. A sample career path could look like this:
Patient Service Representative > Pharmacy Technician > Pharmacist
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma/GED
- Certificate program (1 year or less) or associate’s degree program (2 years)
Typical Work Experience Required
No work experience required to start.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by job and location.
- Excellent customer service skills
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Listening skills
- Strong math skills
- Dependability and reliability
- Stress management skills
- Continual learning
- Strong communication skills
Pharmacy Technician Certifications
Although certification is not mandatory in all states, most employers prefer certified pharmacy technicians.
- CPhT, Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCB)
- CPHT, Certified Pharmacy Technician (NHA)
Click on the certifications to find out more.
Pharmacy Technician Licenses
None
Pharmacy Technician Training and Preparation
Once you have completed the certificate program or associate’s degree program, it is time to prepare for the certification exam through the PTCB or the NHA. These certifications are not required in all states, but are highly recommended. Most employers prefer pharmacy technicians who hold certifications. Certification widens employment opportunities and shows that you are skilled and up-to-date with the latest medical innovations.
Preparing for the exams can be done in many ways. Flashcards and exam prep books are great tools to help you organize and prepare. The PTCB and NHA websites have study guides and practice exams available. A little self-confidence and some strategic studying and preparation can help ensure your success.
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