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It’s no secret that the healthcare industry is booming. If you’re looking for a career in healthcare, becoming a pharmacy technician is a great option. Check out this blog post to learn how to work as a pharmacy tech in 2020.
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Introduction
In order to become a pharmacy technician, you will need to undergo on-the-job training or complete a certification program. Most pharmacy technicians work in retail pharmacies, but there are other options as well. You can work in a hospital, mail-order pharmacy, or long-term care facility. The duties of a pharmacy technician include receiving and processing prescriptions, prepares medications for dispensing, maintaining records, and providing customer service.
The Roles of a Pharmacy Technician
A pharmacy technician is an individual who works in a pharmacy and is responsible for various tasks related to the operation of the pharmacy. A typical day for a pharmacy technician may involve filling prescriptions, preparing medications for dispensation, checking inventory, and answering customer questions.
The roles of a pharmacy technician can be divided into three main categories:
· Administrative tasks – these tasks involve maintaining the operations of the pharmacy and may include tasks such as ordering supplies, updating patient records, and dealing with insurance companies.
· Clinical tasks – these tasks involve directly assisting pharmacists in activities such as compound preparations and checking prescriptions for accuracy.
· Customer service tasks – these tasks involve interacting with customers and patients in order to provide them with information about their medications or answer any questions they may have.
Education and Certification
To work as a pharmacy technician, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer candidates who have some postsecondary education, but it is not typically required.
Most pharmacy technicians complete a formal training program, which can last from several months to two years. These programs are offered by vocational schools, community colleges, and private career schools. Some states require pharmacy techs to complete a formal training program before they can work.
After completing a formal training program, you will need to earn certification from a professional organization such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT). To earn certification, you will need to pass an exam. Once you are certified, you will need to renew your certification every two years by completing continuing education credits.
The Job Market for Pharmacy Techs
There are several reasons why you might want to become a pharmacy technician. Maybe you’re interested in the healthcare field and want to start working in a hospital or pharmacy. Or, perhaps you’re looking for a stable job with good pay and benefits.
Whatever your reason for wanting to become a pharmacy tech, there’s no doubt that it’s a good career choice. The demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow by 12% from 2018 to 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s faster than the average growth rate for all occupations!
If you’re thinking about becoming a pharmacy tech, here’s what you need to know about the job market in 2020.
1. The Demand for Pharmacy Techs is Growing
As we mentioned, the demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow by 12% from 2018 to 2028. This growth is being driven by several factors, including an aging population that needs more medications and an increase in the number of people with insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
2. There are Many Job Opportunities Available
There were about 414,000 pharmacy technician jobs in 2018, and that number is only expected to grow in the coming years. You should have no problem finding a job as a pharmacy tech if you have the right skills and qualifications.
3. You Can Work in Various Settings
Pharmacy technicians can work in many different settings, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, and home healthcare services. You can even work as a pharmacy technician online! This flexibility is one of the many reasons why becoming a pharmacy tech is such a popular career choice.
4. You Need a High School Diploma (or Equivalent) to Get Started
One of the great things about becoming a pharmacy tech is that you don’t need any fancy degrees or certificates to get started in the field. As long as you have a high school diploma (or equivalent), you should be eligible for most entry-level positions.
5.”You Can Earn Good Money as a Pharmacy Tech”
Working as a pharmacy technician can be very rewarding, both financially and emotionally. The median annual salary for pharmacy technicians was $32,700 in 2018, according to the BLS.”
The Future of Pharmacy Technician Work
The pharmacy technician field is expected to grow by 7% from 2018 to 2028, adding about 31,700 jobs. The aging population is one of the main drivers of this growth, as older adults use more prescription medications than any other age group. In addition, an increasing number of middle-aged adults are also chronic disease sufferers who require regular medication.
