More Information About Pharmacy Technician

What should I know when considering a degree in Pharmacy Technician?

• Job opportunities are expected to be good, especially for those with certification or previous work experience.
• Many technicians work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• About 7 out of 10 jobs are in retail pharmacies, grocery stores, department stores, or mass retailers.

What does a pharmacy assistant/technician do?

Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists provide medication and other health care products to patients. A technician is not to be confused with a pharmacy aide. Pharmacy technicians usually perform more complex tasks than pharmacy aides. Technicians receive written prescriptions or requests for prescription refills from patients. They must verify that the information on the prescription is complete and accurate and then prepare the prescription. Technicians refer any questions regarding prescriptions, drug information, or health matters to a pharmacist.

What is the job outlook for a pharmacy assistant/technician?

Good job opportunities are expected for technicians with formal training or previous experience. More and more, pharmacy technicians are able to take on more responsibility within a pharmacy.

How much money will a pharmacy assistant/technician make?

Most pharmacy technicians are paid on an hourly wage between $9.40 and $16.85. The average yearly salary for a pharmacy assistant is $25,000, with a range from $15,000 to $29,000, depending on experience and location. Health and retirement benefits vary by workplace.

How does one become a pharmacy assistant/technician?

Although some pharmacy technicians receive informal, on-the-job training, employers tend to favor those who have completed formal training and certification. Some pharmacy technician education programs offer diplomas while others offer certificates, or associate's degrees. A background in chemistry, English, and health education is helpful in gaining acceptance into a training program. After completing an accredited program, a pharmacy technician or assistant can become certified by taking the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination. In most states this exam is voluntary, but it is becoming more common for states and employers to ask for technicians to become certified.

What are the leading schools offering programs in Pharmacy Technician?

Kaplan University - Healthcare Certificates : Kaplan University Online offers accredited certificate programs in Medical Coding and Pharmacy Technician. These programs enable you with the knowledge and the credentials for a career in Healthcare and Human Services fields. (More Info) ICS Canada : ICS Canada offers career training in Business, Design, Education, Vocational, Healthcare, Legal Studies, and Information Technology fields through flexible distance learning. (More Info) Penn Foster Career School : Penn Foster Career School is the world's largest and most respected distance learning institution offers Career Diploma programs in the fields of Business, Healthcare, Education, Paralegal, Technology, Mechanics and more. (More Info) Penn Foster Career School - Healthcare : Penn Foster Career School is one of the world's largest distance learning institutions, offers Diploma programs in the fields of Health Information Management, Dental Assisting, Medical Office Administration, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing & Coding, Occupational Therapy Aid, Pharmacy Tech and Veterinary Tech. (More Info)