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Pharmacy technicians are one of the professions that provide job security and stability. They are currently on demand in various health care settings since they can start working even without certification as opposed to pharmacists. For the next five years, pharmacy tech jobs are expected to rise for about 32% according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Pharmacy tech programs can be finished for a short period of less than a year. Hereafter, they can immediately find employment. In the United States, there isn’t an existing law yet that prevents fresh pharmacy tech graduates from getting employed. Because of this, pharmacy technicians can start receiving income straightaway. It is different in the case of pharmacists in which they need to pass a board exam (PTCE) to acquire certification before they can practice.
Entry-level pharmacy techs can earn for as much as $19,000 a year, ranging from $10 to $17 an hour. As they gain experience, their pay can amount to as much as $25,000 to $35,000 a year depending on the industry and the years of experience. Senior pharmacy techs, usually those who have been in the industry for around 10 years and have reached supervisory positions, can earn as much as $40,000 a year.
The salary typically increases by taking continuing education programs and acquiring credentials such as a license and other significant certifications. Becoming a certified pharmacy technician does improves the pay although it may not be that much higher than before. In the end, it is left to the discretion of the pharmacist or the employer.
The pay also varies depending on the type and size of the pharmacy. Pharmacies associated with prestigious hospitals and clinics and for pharmacy technicians working in pharmaceutical companies often receive better pay. They can earn up to $20 to $40 an hour, though these employment opportunities are rather rare for most.
Pharmacy technicians work in odd hours depending on the establishment. Usually in hospitals which run 24 hours a day, they work rotating shifts and can even be placed on night duties and weekends, even holidays. However, this could also work for the benefit of pharmacy techs who do not mind working for extended periods just to earn more.
The role of pharmacy technicians involves assisting licensed pharmacist in the dealings of the everyday workload. They are typically responsible for handling duties such as answering phones, entertaining customers and their prescription orders and input them into the pharmacy computer, keep pharmacy records, and deal with insurance companies. They also count tablets, update drug inventories, put labels on boxes and containers, and sometimes assist the pharmacists in compounding, or they can mix the medicines themselves.
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