Considering a career as a pharmacy technician? Great! We are right behind you. As a potential pharm tech student, we understand that you want to know all the facts. We wouldn’t expect any different from a detail oriented medical student.
With that in mind, consider our 7 most popular reasons to become a pharmacy technician and decide if it’s right for you!
Vocational Education is Faster
You’ll get your certification in less than a year! You can set your mind to attaining this goal and within 12 months you will likely become a certified pharmacy technician with a job in a big box store.
A well-respected pharmacy technician school will give you the tools to not only pass your courses the first time, but to also find a job after graduation. Consider a pharm tech certification if you want to make more and advance up the ladder!
Trades Are in Demand
Finding a job as a pharmacy technician can be easy for first timers. Consider that you can get hired by a chain store pharmacy that you will find across the U.S. including places like Walgreen, CVS, Target, and Walmart. But that’s just a stepping stone on a long career once you become a pharmacy technician.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for pharm techs is over $30,000 and high earners can expect to bring home $47,000.1 The BLS also predicts “11.8 percent employment growth for pharmacy technicians between 2016 and 2026. In that period, an estimated 47,600 jobs should open up.” 2
You Can Work Anywhere
Thanks to the increased demand for pharmacy technicians and the consistent need for the distribution of life saving medication, there are jobs in the field available across the U.S. The same big box stores mentioned above can be found in every state which makes moving easy for pharm techs.
Flexible Schedules
You can continue your education or take care of family or kids based on your schedule. Unlike a standard 9 – 5 office job, pharmacy technicians benefit from working somewhere with a flexible schedule. You can work night shifts if you have other priorities during the day. This is one of the great reasons to become a pharmacy technician but also a great reason to consider the medical field in general. Nurses often have flexible schedules as well.
More Advancement Opportunities
You can use your time as a pharmacy technician to consider other opportunities in the medical field. However, there are lots of opportunities as a pharmacy technician including:
- Chain pharmacy – Walgreens, CVS, Target, and Walmart.
- Independent pharmacy – your local pharmacists needs just as much assistance as the chain stores!
- Hospital pharmacy – work at a hospital ordering and distributing medicine.
- Managed care – work directly with health insurance providers.
- Nuclear pharmacy – handle and administer radioactive medications.
- Pharma industry – create the standard operating procedures for your pharma company.
- Government agency – work with local, state, and federal agencies that require the knowledge and expertise of a pharm tech.
And remember, you can use this to eventually become a pharmacist.
Work in a Safe & Familiar Environment
Pharmacies are nothing if not safe and familiar. If you are risk averse and prefer structure, numbers and details, then you really should become a pharmacy technician!
Make A Difference in People’s Lives
Sure, it may sound a little cliché, but that doesn’t mean it’s not the truth. It may not be the reason you become a pharmacy technician, but the simple fact is that you are making a difference. You are contributing to the mission of helping the sick and that’s something to be proud of; something to remember every day!
Sources:
[1]: Bureau of Labor Statistics – Pharmacy Technicians
[2]: U.S. News – What is a Pharmacy Technician?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
