Pharmacy Technician Jobs On the Rise

By AJ Fanter
ajfanter@careerschoolguide.com
Career School Guide Columnist

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for pharmacy technicians are on the rise. Pharmaceutical use is at an all time high, and pharmacies are looking to reduce expenses by diverting more responsibility to pharmacy technicians. As a result, pharmacy technician jobs are expected to grow by 27 percent or more through 2014.

A Pharmacy Technician’s Job Description

Pharmacy technicians work closely with pharmacists, providing medications to patients. In addition to helping prepare prescribed medications by labeling bottles and counting out tablets, a pharmacy technician’s job responsibilities may include establishing and maintaining patient files, preparing insurance claims, and keeping an inventory of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.

While the majority of pharmacy technicians currently work in retail settings and hospitals, pharmacy technician jobs are also available in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. Pharmacy technician pay varies based on job responsibilities, location, training, and experience. The median pay for a pharmacy technician is $13 per hour in a hospital setting, $11 per hour in retail.

Pharmacy Technician Training

According to the BLS, employers prefer to hire technicians who have completed a formal education program. Most programs require both laboratory and classroom work studying pharmaceutical terminology and techniques, record-keeping, calculations, and law and ethics. Depending upon the program you attend, you may receive a diploma, a certificate, or an associate’s degree.

If you are strong in reading, math, and spelling, a pharmacy technician program could put you on the path to a career with excellent job prospects.

About the Author

AJ Fanter is a freelance writer based in Reno, NV.