Have you ever wondered what a pharmacy technician does? If you're interested in a career in healthcare, but don't want to go to medical school, becoming a pharmacy technician could be a great option for you. Pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies and assist pharmacists in dispensing medication, managing inventory, and providing customer service.
One pain point that many people have when considering a career as a pharmacy technician is not knowing what jobs they can do. It can be difficult to decide whether this career path is right for you if you don't know what you'll be doing on a day-to-day basis.
So, what jobs can a pharmacy technician do?
Pharmacy technicians can work in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Some of the main tasks that a pharmacy technician might be responsible for include:
Retail Pharmacy Technician
As a retail pharmacy technician, you'll be working in a drugstore or grocery store pharmacy. You'll be responsible for filling prescriptions, managing inventory, and providing customer service. This can be a great option if you enjoy working with people and want a job that's fast-paced and varied.
Hospital Pharmacy Technician
As a hospital pharmacy technician, you'll be working in a hospital or other healthcare facility. Your main job duties will include filling medication orders, compounding medications, and managing inventory. This can be a great option if you're interested in working in a more clinical environment and want to be part of a larger healthcare team.
Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician
As a long-term care pharmacy technician, you'll be working in a facility that provides care to patients who cannot live independently. Your main job duties will include filling prescriptions, managing inventory, and working with patients and their families to ensure that they receive the medications they need. This can be a great option if you're interested in working with older adults or patients with chronic illnesses.
Compounding Pharmacy Technician
As a compounding pharmacy technician, you'll be working in a pharmacy that specializes in creating customized medications. Your main job duties will include preparing medications according to specific formulas and working with healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive the right medication in the right dosage. This can be a great option if you're interested in the science behind medication and want a job that's focused on precision and accuracy.
Personal Experience
As a pharmacy technician, I've worked in both hospital and retail settings. I enjoy the fast-paced environment of working in a retail pharmacy, but I also appreciate the clinical knowledge required to work in a hospital setting. Being a pharmacy technician has allowed me to work in a variety of settings and has provided me with a great foundation for a career in healthcare.
FAQs About What Jobs Can a Pharmacy Technician Do
Q: Do pharmacy technicians need to be licensed?
A: In most states, pharmacy technicians are required to be licensed or registered with the state board of pharmacy. Requirements for licensure or registration vary by state, but typically include completing a training program and passing an exam.
Q: Can pharmacy technicians become pharmacists?
A: While pharmacy technicians cannot become pharmacists without completing additional education and training, many pharmacy technicians use their experience as a stepping stone to a career as a pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians often work with pharmacists and can learn a great deal about medication and patient care.
Q: What skills do pharmacy technicians need?
A: Pharmacy technicians need to have strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to work well as part of a team. They also need to have knowledge of medication and pharmacy operations.
Q: Is there a demand for pharmacy technicians?
A: Yes, there is a high demand for pharmacy technicians, particularly in retail settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
Conclusion of What Jobs Can a Pharmacy Technician Do
If you're interested in a career in healthcare, becoming a pharmacy technician could be a great option for you. Pharmacy technicians can work in a variety of settings and have a range of job duties. Whether you're interested in working in a retail pharmacy, hospital, or long-term care facility, there's a job for you as a pharmacy technician.
