Pharmacy Technician Career

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What You Do in This Career

Pharmacists may get the glory, but pharmacy technicians do the real work: preparing prescription medications (counting pills), speaking with customers, taking prescription orders, stocking shelves, and doing administrative work. Some work in mail order pharmacies, which reduces the customer service aspect. If you liked measuring things out in high school chemistry, or even if you’ve always been good at baking which also requires accurate weights and measures, this might be the career for you. What they don’t do is answer questions about prescriptions, drug information or health matters; that is the pharmacist’s job. The work is simple, the pay rate is good, and the hours are regular.

Salary and Career Path

Hourly wages for pharmacy technicians average around $13.32, although the highest 10% earn over $19 per hour. Certified technicians earn more than non-certified technicians. The increasing numbers of middle-aged people who use more prescription drugs than other age groups ensures that this career will be in demand for a while, so job security is another plus for this career. Unfortunately, since the job is so simple, opportunities for advancement are few unless you want to go into managerial or supervisory roles.

What Kind of Degree or Coursework You Need

There are no formal training requirements for pharmacy technicians, but job seekers will find that having formal training, certification and experience will be to their advantages. Most pharmacy technicians receive on the job training from between 3-12 months, but for those who want more education to boost their resumes, community colleges, vocational schools and the military offer programs from 6-12 months long. Classes include medical and pharmaceutical terminology, medical technology, pharmaceutical calculations, recordkeeping, pharmacy law and ethics. Technicians also have to learn the names of each drug and what each drug does, along with dosages. Because technicians are often required to do office work as well, taking courses in Excel might also be useful.

Top Online Health Services Programs

There are multiple educational paths that students can take to become an ultrasound technician or diagnostic medical sonographer. The schools below do not offer ultrasound-specific training, but they do offer medical assisting and other healthcare programs that are closely related. You can request information by clicking on any of the links below.

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AS in Health IT	DeVry University — For over 80 years, DeVry University has focused on relevant areas of study, offering associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs and specializations that cover 34 different career fields. Earn your associate degree in Health Information Technology from DeVry University, and prepare to be an HIT leader in contemporary hospitals, physicians' offices, medical clinics, and more. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
AS in Medical Assisting	Herzing University — With a 45 year history, Herzing University is an accredited university that offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees as well as diplomas in over 45 different programs. The AS in Medical Assisting program builds on the online diploma program by incorporating the general education requirements required for this level of degree. Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
BS in Health Services Mgmt	Virginia College — Founded in 1983, Virginia College is a private institution of higher education committed to offering associate degrees, diploma courses, and baccalaureate degrees at over 20 different campuses. The BS in Health Services Management program prepares you for mid-level management positions in health care organizations including hospitals, physician practices, and home health agencies. Virginia is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.
AS in Health Info Mgmt AS in Health Admin	Hodges University — Founded in 1990, Hodges University is one the premier private universities in the State of Florida. The AS in Health Information Management and AS in Health Administration programs, while not ultrasound training programs, do teach students how to use information technology to meet the needs of the healthcare industry. Hodges University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
AAS in Health IT	Lincoln College — For over 40 years, Lincoln College offers associate and bachelor's degree programs designed for busy, motivated adults. The AAS in Health Information Technology program prepares students for operate computerized health information systems and other related procedures. Lincoln College of New England is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.