Have you ever considered becoming a pharmacy technician? It can be a challenging but rewarding career path, and one that many people find fulfilling. However, you may be wondering if it is worth the time, money, and effort required to become a pharmacy technician. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of pursuing this career path, and help you decide if it is the right choice for you.
One of the biggest pain points related to becoming a pharmacy technician is the cost of education and training. While it is possible to become a pharmacy technician with just a high school diploma or GED, many employers prefer candidates who have completed a pharmacy technician training program or certification course. These programs can be expensive, and may require you to take time off work or juggle other responsibilities in order to complete them.
However, despite these challenges, many people feel that becoming a pharmacy technician is worth it. For one thing, pharmacy technicians are in high demand, and the field is projected to grow by 4% over the next ten years. This means that there will likely be plenty of job opportunities available for qualified pharmacy technicians in the years to come.
Additionally, pharmacy technicians enjoy a relatively high salary compared to other entry-level healthcare positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians is $34,020, which is higher than the median annual salary for medical assistants, nursing assistants, and other healthcare support workers.
The Pros of Becoming a Pharmacy Technician
As someone who has worked as a pharmacy technician for several years, I can attest to the many benefits of this career path. For one thing, working in a pharmacy can be incredibly rewarding. You have the opportunity to help patients every day by filling their prescriptions, answering their questions, and providing them with advice and guidance on how to manage their medications.
Additionally, working as a pharmacy technician can be a great way to gain experience in the healthcare field. Many pharmacy technicians go on to pursue careers as pharmacists, nurses, or other healthcare professionals, and the experience they gain as a pharmacy technician can be invaluable in these roles.
The Cons of Becoming a Pharmacy Technician
Of course, there are also some downsides to becoming a pharmacy technician. For one thing, the job can be physically demanding, as you may be required to stand for long periods and lift heavy boxes of medication. Additionally, working in a pharmacy can be stressful, especially during busy periods when you may be under pressure to fill prescriptions quickly and accurately.
Furthermore, the job can be emotionally demanding, as you may be dealing with patients who are anxious, upset, or in pain. It is important to have good communication skills and the ability to empathize with patients in order to succeed as a pharmacy technician.
Salary and Job Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians
As mentioned earlier, pharmacy technicians enjoy a relatively high salary compared to other entry-level healthcare positions. However, it is important to note that salaries can vary depending on a number of factors, including your level of experience, the state you work in, and the type of employer you work for.
In terms of job outlook, the field of pharmacy technician is expected to grow by 4% over the next ten years, which is about average for all occupations. This means that there will likely be plenty of job opportunities available for qualified pharmacy technicians in the years to come.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
If you are interested in becoming a pharmacy technician, there are several steps you will need to take. First, you will need to earn a high school diploma or GED. From there, you can choose to complete a pharmacy technician training program or certification course, which can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete.
Once you have completed your education and training, you will need to pass a certification exam in order to become a licensed pharmacy technician. This exam is typically administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the National Healthcareer Association.
Question and Answer
Q: Is becoming a pharmacy technician a good career choice?
A: It can be a great career choice for those who are interested in healthcare and enjoy helping others. However, it is important to be aware of the physical, emotional, and financial demands of the job.
Q: How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician?
A: The length of time it takes to become a pharmacy technician depends on the program you choose. Some programs can be completed in as little as six months, while others may take up to two years.
Q: How much do pharmacy technicians make?
A: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians is $34,020.
Q: What is the job outlook for pharmacy technicians?
A: The field of pharmacy technician is expected to grow by 4% over the next ten years, which is about average for all occupations.
Conclusion of Is Pharmacy Technician Worth It?
Becoming a pharmacy technician can be a challenging but rewarding career path. While there are certainly some downsides to the job, such as the physical and emotional demands, many people find the work to be fulfilling and enjoy the high salary and job security that comes with it. Ultimately, whether or not becoming a pharmacy technician is worth it will depend on your own goals, interests, and priorities.
