Whether you have already decided that a career as a pharmacy technician sounds interesting or you are just beginning your research on a potential new career— we are here to help you sort it out. We are sharing some reasons why considering a career as a pharmacy technician might be right for you.
First, it is important to know what a pharmacy technician does. Pharmacy technicians are the liaisons between medical professionals, doctors, pharmacists, insurance companies and patients. They are crucial in pharmacy settings because they have the knowledge needed to work with patients regarding their medications while also performing administrative tasks when needed. As a pharmacy technician, you can do everything from mixing intravenous solutions, counting tablets and labeling bottles to receiving written prescription requests and completing patient purchase transactions.
In addition to playing an integral role on the healthcare team, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is also predicting more careers in the field, which means more opportunities for graduates upon completion of their program. The BLS predicts that because of the aging baby-boomer population, combined with advancements in pharmaceutical research, more patients and more potential treatments could be on the horizon. In addition, the BLS also predicts that pharmacy technicians could begin filling a larger role in pharmacy operations as pharmacists take on more patient care responsibilities. The shift could mean more duties for pharmacy technicians as the industry evolves.
A career as a pharmacy technician also brings the opportunity for a variety of roles and workplace options. If working at a retail pharmacy location doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, no problem. Career opportunities are as diverse as those who are interested in the career. With your certification (and in most states, the passing of the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (CPhT), you could find work in hospitals, assisted-living facilities, in-home health environments, mail-in and specialty pharmacies and more.
At Pima Medical Institute, you could earn your pharmacy technician certificate and be in the workforce in less than a year, and our program will prepare you for the national exam mentioned earlier. More states and employers require certification as the need for pharmacy technicians and an increase in responsibilities continue to grow.
So, if you are considering a career as a pharmacy technician, take the first step now. We’re here to help you throughout the process.