Becoming a Pharmacy Technician

 data entry pharmacy technician job description If you’ve ever considered a career as a pharmacy technician, there are a few things you need to know. Proper training and education are key components to a successful pharmacy technician career, but there are also other factors to consider like future job growth, employment availability, and advancement opportunities.

To help you decide if a pharmacy technician career is right for you, here are 10 facts about the pharmacy technician career path and how to get started.

1. Why Becoming a Pharmacy Technician Is a Good Career

Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists to complete a wide range of administrative tasks, from communicating with patients to filling prescriptions. This is a well-paying job with flexible work hours and minimal educational requirements (ranging from four months to two years) which makes it a great choice for a career change later in life or a starting point for ambitious college students.

A pharmacy technician career is also a stable one with ample employment opportunities and increasing demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for pharmacy technicians is bright with an above-average growth rate. As such, there are plenty of job opportunities nationwide, which is a bonus for those who relocate often.

2. What is the Pharmacy Technician Career Path?

The pharmacy technician career path is diverse and full of advancement opportunities. Individuals may begin in a technician position, but they can always advance up the pharmacy technician career ladder or branch out into a different field.

Pharmacy technicians can earn a number of specialty certifications to qualify for higher-paying positions, they can continue their education to earn their doctoral degree and become a pharmacist, or they can transition to a different path in pharmaceutical sales, management, or compounding.

3. How Long Does it Take to Become a Pharmacy Technician?

The time it takes to become a pharmacy technician will vary according to which program you choose to enroll in. Traditional schooling on campus typically takes about two years to complete. Career Step offers a pharmacy technician training program online that our learners can complete in as little as four months.

In addition to the expedited time frame, Career Step’s program is designed for flexibility and practicality, allowing learners to earn their certification around their busy schedules without feeling overwhelmed or easily discouraged. You can complete the program on your own terms, whether that includes a few hours after you put your kiddos to sleep, or after you get home from your current day job.Once you have completed the training program of your choice, the next step is to earn your certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) with a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

4. What are the Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician?

In order to be eligible for a certification through the PTCB, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, comply with PTCB policies, and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.But these requirements don’t fully encompass what it takes to become a pharmacy technician. Candidates will also need to complete an accredited pharmacy tech training program, acquire on-the-job experience, and apply for an internship or externship.

Career Step provides additional support and resources to help you reach your career goals and succeed as a pharmacy technician. Our professional career advisors are with you every step of the way, from your first lesson to your first official job in your new career.

Begin your pharmacy technician career path today with Career Step.

5. What Is a Pharmacy Technician Salary?

The average salary for a pharmacy technician ranges between $26,000 and $39,000. Broken down into hourly pay, the position averages at about $13.09 – $15.00 per hour — and this is just starting out. The pharmacy technician career ladder is full of opportunities to increase your pay and your title. A lead pharmacy technician in a hospital setting can earn anywhere from $14 to $18 per hour. 

While these estimates are a good baseline to go off of, keep in mind that the average pay does vary depending on where you live. A recent report on ZipRecruiter revealed the highest and lowest-paying states in America for pharmacy technicians.New York, Massachusetts, and Maryland were among the highest with an average hourly rate of around $15. North Carolina, Florida, and Missouri ranked at the very bottom with an average hourly wage of less than $13.

Regardless of where you live or what your starting base pay is, pharmacy technician career advancement is promising. Pharmacy techs can advance by way of internal promotions, additional specialty certifications, or more advanced positions like a nuclear pharmacy technician.