Where Can a Pharmacy Technician Work? Find Out What Benefits and Opportunities Await You!

Pharmacy technicians are healthcare professionals who assist licensed pharmacists. They work in various settings, including retail pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies, hospitals, and nursing homes.

Pharmacy technicians are in high demand, with statistics projecting employment to grow in the future. This makes it an excellent and secure career choice.

Types of Workplaces for Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies and other healthcare settings. Their responsibilities differ according to their place of work. Below are some of the places pharmacy technicians work:

Retail Pharmacies

Retail pharmacies are the most common place where pharmacy technicians work. A retail pharmacy is also known as a community pharmacy. This includes chain stores like Walgreens or CVS. And mass merchandisers like Target and Walmart.

Pharmacy technicians who work in retail pharmacies assist licensed pharmacists with day-to-day duties. This includes preparing and filling prescriptions, maintaining medication inventories, and providing customer service.

Working hours are usually flexible and work according to a rotation schedule. This means working shifts during the day, at night, and on weekends.

Compounding Pharmacies

Compounding pharmacies are smaller pharmacies with independent owners. These pharmacies create custom, compounded medications.

Pharmacy technicians working in a compounding pharmacy usually need certifications. Some may need specialized certifications to work with compounding medications. Employers require pharmacy technicians in compounding pharmacies to be proficient in compounding techniques and have strong math skills.

Compounding pharmacy technicians who have these skills are in high demand. They often receive higher wages compared to general pharmacy technicians.

Hospitals

Pharmacy technicians also work in hospitals. In these settings, pharmacy technicians spend most of their time preparing prescriptions. Doing this in a hospital is different from how it’s done in a retail pharmacy.

The main difference is a hospital pharmacy technician prepares individual doses of prescription medications. They may also prepare syringes or IV solutions. This is for both short and long-term patients and emergency room patients. Pharmacy technicians may also use these solutions for testing.

Hospitals generally prefer to hire certified pharmacy technicians. Some teaching hospitals provide training programs to help technicians prepare for certification.

Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

Pharmacy technicians in nursing homes and assisted living facilities prepare medication for residents. They need to make sure that they give the correct medications at the correct times and in the correct dosage.

Their day-to-day duties are almost like those of pharmacy technicians in hospital settings. These facilities do not have emergency departments and do not run tests or x-rays. This means that filling prescriptions is the most routine task.

This can be a full-time or part-time job, depending on the size of the facility. Pharmacy technicians in these facilities are in need every day of the year, as patients often need their medications on weekends and holidays.

Mail-Order Pharmacies

Pharmacy technicians who work in mail-order pharmacies process prescription orders. They also prepare and package medication. Another task is to communicate with patients about payment, insurance, and delivery. They also need to know how to work a dispensing machine and oversee the machine.

Some pharmacy technicians in a mail-order pharmacy may also work as insurance specialists. This includes verifying patient coverage and benefits and processing insurance claims. They may also have to communicate with insurance providers to ensure patients have funds to cover their medication.

Working Conditions

Pharmacy technicians can expect to have busy and varied days. A wide range of their tasks is related to the handling and dispensing of prescription medications. The work environment can be fast-paced and busy, especially during peak hours. They may also need to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Most pharmacy technicians work on their feet for most of their day. This involves counting pills, measuring out liquids, and labeling bottles. The technician will also be responsible for preparing and packaging the medications and making sure that the correct dosage and instructions are included.

They may also spend a lot of time in front of a computer. They are responsible for maintaining accurate records of the medications that are dispensed, including updating computer databases, tracking inventory, and processing payments. Pharm techs may also be responsible for receiving and processing prescription requests from patients or healthcare providers.

Another important task daily task is to communicate with patients and healthcare providers. They may answer questions about medications, provide information about dosage and side effects, and address any concerns or problems that may arise. Pharm techs may also be responsible for providing counseling to patients on the proper use of their medications.

In addition to these specific tasks, pharmacy technicians need to maintain a clean and organized work environment. This may include stocking shelves, keeping the pharmacy clean, and ensuring that all necessary supplies are on hand.

Requirements For a Pharmacy Technician Job

The specific requirements for a pharmacy technician job can vary. They depend on the employer and the state.

Here are some general requirements for pharmacy technician jobs:

High school diploma: Most pharmacy tech jobs need a high school diploma. An equal level of education is also accepted.
Certification: Many states and employers want certified pharmacy technicians. Accredited pharmacy technician programs offer a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. Students must write and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) to receive their certification.
State registration: Some pharmacy technicians must register with the state board of pharmacy. The requirements for registration vary by state. Most need you to pass a criminal background check. They also want to check that you have passed the exam and have met the education requirements.
Experience: Some employers need pharmacy techs to have previous training experience. Sometimes employers may hire someone without experience. In this case, they will provide on-the-job training.
Knowledge: Pharmacy technicians should have a good understanding of pharmacology. This includes medication dispensing and pharmacy calculations. They should also have good communication, organizational, and customer service skills.
Physical requirements: Pharmacy techs may need to stand for long periods of time. They may also need to lift heavy boxes of medication.

Benefits of a Pharmacy Technician Job

Being a pharmacy technician offers a variety of benefits. One of the biggest advantages of being a pharmacy tech is the job stability that comes with it. The field of pharmacy is expected to grow at a fast pace in the coming years. This means that pharmacy technicians will be in high demand, making it a secure career choice.

Another advantage of being a pharmacy tech is the flexibility that it offers. Pharmacy techs can work in a variety of settings, which means they can find a job that best suits their needs and preferences. Additionally, pharmacy techs can choose to work part-time or full-time, which can be beneficial for those who want to balance work and other commitments.

Pharmacy technicians earn competitive salaries and often have the opportunity for advancement. This can be especially beneficial for those who are looking to build a long-term career in the field of pharmacy. Additionally, many pharmacy techs have the opportunity to earn benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a pharmacy technician is the ability to help others. Pharmacy techs play a vital role in ensuring that patients receive the right medications in a timely manner and receive the best possible care. Providing this care can lead to a sense of fulfillment.

Finally, being a pharmacy technician offers opportunities for continued learning and professional development. Pharmacy techs must stay current with new medications and regulations. Doing this can provide opportunities for learning and growth throughout their careers.

Where to Find Pharmacy Technician Jobs

Pharmacy tech jobs are in high demand. Statistics predict employment to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For this reason, this is a good career choice for those interested in healthcare.

Here are a few ways to find pharmacy tech jobs:

Retail pharmacies: Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid have job listings on their websites.

Job search websites: Search for pharmacy technician jobs on LinkedIn and Indeed. Job hunters can search for jobs by location, keyword, and company. Applicants can also upload their resumes and apply for jobs online.
Professional organizations: Many professional organizations offer job listings on their websites. The National Healthcare Association (NHA) and The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) are two examples.
Boards of pharmacy websites: Boards of pharmacy provide job listings on their websites.
Local hospitals and clinics: Many local hospitals and clinics have job listings. They post these on their websites. It’s also a good idea to reach out to the Human Resources departments.
Recruitment agencies: Healthcare staffing recruitment agencies can help you find pharmacy technician jobs. Robert Half Health Care is a good example.

Networking and building professional relationships can also lead to job opportunities. Joining professional organizations also keeps job hunters informed about job openings.

Statistics show that the demand for pharmacy technicians is growing. This means that finding a job shouldn’t be too hard.

FAQs

What qualifications do I need to become a pharmacy technician?

To become a pharmacy tech, you need to have a high school diploma. Some states need you to complete a pharmacy tech training program. On-the-job training is usually offered when previous experience is not required.

What is a pharmacy technician program?

Pharmacy technician programs offer education and training to aspiring pharmacy technicians. The program covers medication dispensing, pharmacy calculations, and pharmacy law and ethics. Some programs may also include supervised practice in a real-world setting.

What are the duties of a pharmacy technician?

Pharmacy technicians spend their day performing a wide range of tasks. This includes preparing and dispensing medication, maintaining medication inventories, and interacting with patients. They also help licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medication in various settings.

What is the job outlook for pharmacy technicians?

The job outlook for pharmacy technicians is very positive. Statistics predict employment to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. The increasing demand for healthcare services is driving the need for pharmacy technicians.

Conclusion

Pharmacy technicians are in high demand in various types of workplaces, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and mail-order pharmacies. Their days mainly consist of assisting with the handling of prescription medications. But they also have various administrative, organizational, and customer service-related tasks too.

Pharmacy technician programs offer the knowledge, training, and certification that employers look for. Pharmacy technicians can look for jobs on the job listings pages. They can also connect with healthcare recruitment agencies.