How much does a pharmacy tech get paid?
These charts show the average hourly wage (core compensation), as well as the average total hourly cash compensation for the job of Pharmacy Technician I in the United States. The average hourly rate for Pharmacy Technician I ranges from $16 to $20 with the average hourly pay of $18.
How much should a pharmacy tech make?
A pharmacy technician’s work is invaluable. It helps the pharmacist work more effectively which helps keep patients safe. As a result, pharm techs receive a solid compensation, with a national median annual salary of $33,950 in 2019 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Is being a pharmacy tech worth it?
Well, being a Pharm Tech is a good career to go into but you will definitely want to learn the ropes, get certified nationally and then go into a specialty. I say that because I worked in a retail pharmacy as a tech and it is a thankless job there. Too much is expected of you by too many people and you are only one person and can only do so much.
What is it like to be a pharmacy tech?
What does a Pharmacy Technician do?
- Greeting and welcoming health care providers and patients
- Interacting with patients and answering any questions in person, over the phone, and over email.
- Maintaining pharmacy inventory
- Organizing medications for pharmacists to dispense
- Preparing and filling prescriptions
- Maintaining and filing physicians’ orders and prescriptions
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What are the benefits of pharmacy technician?
We identified seven of the main benefits so you can be confident this is the career for you!Healthcare is adding pharm tech jobs. ... You can become certified in less than a year. ... Your work helps people. ... You have lots of options in your work environment. ... You get to work with your hands. ... You'll have a variety of roles.More items...•
What are the disadvantages of being a pharmacy technician?
TOP CONS OF BEING A PHARMACY TECHNICIANYou will have to meet the specific education requirements to be a pharmacy technician. ... You're training to become a pharmacy technician will not be free. ... You may need to earn a license to practice. ... You may need to earn certification. ... You will need to keep recertifying.More items...
What pharmacy pays techs the most?
High Paying Pharmacy Technician JobsPharmacist Specialist. Salary range: $55,500-$132,500 per year. ... Clinical Pharmacy Specialist. ... Pharmacy Informatics Specialist. ... Pharmacy Technician Program Director. ... Pharmacist Assistant. ... Senior Pharmacy Technician. ... Hospital Pharmacy Technician. ... Lead Pharmacy Technician.More items...
Is it worth it to be a pharmacy tech?
A pharmacy technician career is also a stable one with ample employment opportunities and increasing demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for pharmacy technicians is bright with an above-average growth rate.
How stressful is a pharmacy technician job?
Pharmacy technician work can be emotionally stressful as well. Accuracy is vital to the job because incorrectly filled prescriptions, wrong dosages or mislabeled bottles can pose health risks. Customers occasionally get frustrated waiting in lines or for prescriptions, and you have to deal with some anger and rudeness.
Is pharmacy technician exam hard?
The PTCB exam can be tough and being prepared is the key to success. As with any other important exam, studying before the big day can make a big difference in your final score. Follow these study tips to make sure you feel confident once exam day arrives. Yes, there might be some obscure questions on the test.
What is the difference between pharmacy technician 1 and 2?
1. Work requires the level of knowledge normally acquired through completion of a high school education and previous experience. Tier II requires six (6) months previous Pharm Tech experience; Tier III requires six (6) months of IV and Chemo experience. 2.
How can pharmacy technicians make more money?
How can pharmacy technicians make more money? Some ways in which pharmacy technicians can make more money include continued education to gain certification, working extra hours for overtime pay and working for a new employer.
What technicians make the most money?
Highest-paying trade careersLicensed practical nurse. National average salary: $32.19 per hour. ... HVAC technician. National average salary: $25.02 per hour. ... Home inspector. National average salary: $26.19 per hour. ... Plumber. National average salary: $26.16 per hour. ... Electrician. ... Landscape designer. ... Boilermaker. ... Respiratory therapist.More items...
What are the four different levels of pharmacy technicians?
It should be noted that, while we refer to them as level I pharmacy technician, level II pharmacy technician, and level III pharmacy technician, these three levels are also sometimes referred to with the numbers after the title (pharmacy technician I, pharmacy technician II, and pharmacy technician III).
What are 10 things that a pharmacy technician can not do in the pharmacy?
10 Common Mistakes Pharmacy Technicians Commit on the Job and How To Avoid1) Error: Dispensing the Wrong Medication. ... 2) Error: Patient not given accurate instructions. ... 4) Error: Drug interactions caused due to other medications the patient is taking. ... 5) Error: Incorrect drugs (look-alike or sound-alike) used.More items...
What kind of math does a pharmacy tech use?
There are many math concepts that are used in this career role such as addition and subtraction, fractions, determining percentages, weights, and even measurements. It is vital that you are skilled in math computation and have a strong background in math to ensure patients are receiving the correct dosage of medicine.
Basic pharmacy technician salary information
One of the biggest, if not most important, deciding factors in helping us choose a career is the salary. It can make or break when it comes to whether or not we take the job. It doesn’t matter what job you get. You can be a nurse, doctor, engineer, or a pharmacy technician and you still will not accept a position that pays less.
The demand rationalizes the salary
Like most salaries from any career, from a janitor’s salary to a CEO’s salary, the demand for the said profession will more likely play a crucial role in how much an individual will be paid at an hourly wage.
What Are The Distinct Educational Requirements For Pharmacy Technicians?
So if a pharmacy technician is paid top money for his pharmacy technicians wage, what does he need to secure a good-paying job in the healthcare industry? Education is a very big factor that will make or break his career because candidates for a good or exceptional pharmacy technicians wage must be able to have attended certified courses or programs, like an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or even graduate studies.
What Are the Details Revolving Around the Pharmacy Technician Salary?
We now know that a pharmacy technicians wage is dependent on the location of the workplace and the individual’s background. Normally, an individual with a certification and a graduate degree will have a higher pharmacy technicians wage than another individual with a certification but no graduate degree.
Earning the best possible Pharmacy technician pay
So how does a technician earn the best possible pharmacy technicians salaries?
Registered Pharmacy Technician
In the USA and in some European countries, registered or certified pharmacy technicians earn higher pharmacy technician salaries because of their work experience, requirements, and registration testing. They are able to get into specialized positions including those outside a hospital or retail setting.
Non-Certified Pharmacy Technician
Non-certified pharmacy technicians may or may not get the same pharmacy technician employment salary as those who’re certified.
What is it like to be a pharmacy tech?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Pharmacy Technician is that you can see the impact your work has on helping improve others’ lives. You’ll assist the pharmacist by maintaining medication safety of the patients. You’ll also complete many tasks traditionally held by pharmacists.
What is the job market for pharmacy techs?
The pharmacy technician job market is expected to grow 12% in the coming years. The average population is getting older, leading to an increased demand for prescriptions. Advances in science will result in better medications all around. Pharmacists are getting more patient care requirements, like administering the flu shot.
How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician?
You can become certified in as little as 9 months with CBD College’s pharmacy technician program. And that even includes your externship at an actual pharmacy. Many careers require a new, 4-year college degree to make a change, but you can get started in this career path in less than a year.
What is the job outlook for pharmacy technicians?
The job outlook for pharmacy technicians is looking good. 2. You’ll Have Plenty of Work Environment Options. Many think when you become a Pharmacy Technician that a community pharmacy is the only job option. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
What do you learn as a pharmacy technician?
As a Pharmacy Technician, you’ll learn skills that extend beyond the workplace. In Pharmacy Technician training programs, you’ll learn how various medications affect the human body in ways they don’t describe on the label . You’ll also learn about how medications can interact with one another.
What is PTCB certification?
The PTCB certification opens the doors for you to work and practice in different states. The certification is often also accompanied with an increase in pay. The certification exam scheduled dates are flexible. You will have the opportunity to pick a scheduled date that can fit to your current lifestyle.
What is a pharm tech?
A pharm tech helps mostly with filling prescriptions. But they also provide customer service and perform other tasks required from pharmacists. You can either make the role your career or easily use it as a stepping stone to other medical careers.
What is the role of a pharmaceutical technician?
A pharmaceutical technician role also provides fulfillment in that you get to do hands-on work rather than sit at a computer all day.
Does CVS have a pharmacy tech program?
Popular chains like CVS, Kroger, and Rite Aid have their own pharm tech training programs that you can complete as part of your job requirements. That way, you get experience throughout your whole education process! If you’d rather have some preparation before seeking a job, you’ve got plenty of options too.
Can you identify medication shortages in the pharmacy?
You may identify medication shortages in the pharmacy and process claims for medications. You can also expect to process payments, direct customers to the pharmacist for medical advice, and manage the pharmacy’s inventory. Your state requirements may allow you to do even more.
What is a Pharmacy Technician?
A pharmacy technician is a person who works with a pharmacist to ensure that all the necessary steps have been taken to fill a prescription from start to finish. The responsibilities of a pharmacy technician also include working directly with patients and doctors to understand their prescription requirements and medical history.
The Bottom Line
So, what are the pros and cons of being a pharmacy technician? As you have probably figured out by now from the information in this article, there are a lot of pros and cons to being a pharmacy technician. The career of a pharmacy technician is a growing and rewarding industry to get into. With that said, it is not without its drawbacks.
What is a pharmacy tech?
Pharmacy technicians (also known as pharmacy techs) are an integral part of any pharmacy team. You’ve probably already seen these allied healthcare professionals working alongside pharmacists in retail locations, but they can also be found in hospitals and long-term care facility pharmacies. Pharmacy techs are responsible for filling prescriptions, ...
How many hours does a pharmacy tech work?
If a pharmacy is open 24 hours per day , a pharmacy tech’s schedule can range from mornings to third shift to weekends. Usually, a standard schedule will be given by store management. Pharmacy technicians can be part-time or full-time (depending on the needs of the location), but you count on a fairly dependable time sheet.
How do pharmacy techs develop their skills?
Pharmacy techs often develop their skills via a clinical internship – and may even receive job offers from those same clinical sites. If the timing works out and you’re a competent and professional pharmacy technician, you may have a job waiting for you immediately after graduation.
How much does it cost to become a pharmacy tech?
A pharmacy tech program costs far less than a two-year or four-year degree. If finances are tight (or you’re not comfortable taking out a lot of student loans), pharmacy technician certification might be a perfect fit for your needs.
What is the benefit of working in a pharmacy?
Working in a pharmacy has a great benefit that’s often overlooked: store-wide discounts. Is there any better way to end a shift than by saving money on items you already need?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a pharmacy tech?
Like any other occupation, there are advantages and disadvantages to being a Pharmacy Technician. Starting a career straight out of school, flexible work schedules and an ever increasing job market are some of the pros associated with this career. However, repetitive nature ...
What is a pharmacy tech?
You will usually work as part of a healthcare team, including pharmacy aides, pharmacists, doctors and nurses. Being part of a team, enables learning and forging of bonds amongst team members. As a pharmacy tech, you will come in contact with patients from different walks of life and cultural backgrounds. The opportunity to interact and help ...
What is PTCB certification?
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), the agency which administers the national examination for pharmacy technicians, awards the certification which is recognized nationally. Hence relocating to a new place can be a smooth transition.
How much does a pharmacy technician make?
An experienced pharmacy technician can earn an average wage of $21 per hour. The average salary is $33,034, with entry level candidates earning 22,000 and experienced ones earning $46,980.
How often do you have to recertify a pharmacy technician?
However even after earning a certification you will have to recertify every two years, regardless of whether you are working part time or full time. There are new medicines being developed every day.
How much will pharmacy tech jobs increase in 2026?
Pharmacy technician jobs are expected to increase by 11.83 percent from 2016 to 2026, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. The health care industry is recession proof.
How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician?
It will take you 10 months for a certificate program, whereas an associate program will take two years to complete, the pre-requisite being just a high school diploma or GED.
What is the role of pharmacy technicians?
As they are increasingly responsible for the bulk of patient interaction pharmacy technicians have a very big role to play in customer care , and according to lots of experienced pharmacy technicians being able to help people in real, meaningful ways is one of the best things about what they do.
How much does a pharmacy technician make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the average salary for a pharmacy technician nationwide in the US in 2019 was $33,950 per year.
How often do you need to recertify a pharmacy technician?
Other ongoing education requirements vary from state to state but to maintain your PTCB or NHCA pharmacy technician certification you will need to recertify every two years, calling for additional time to be spent training.
How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician?
Most pharmacy technician certification programs, those required to take the PTCE to become a certified pharmacy technician, can be completed in less than a year, and, in some cases, as little as six to eight months. Morton College. Location: Chicago, IL 60804. School Code: morton. Request Info.
What are the challenges of being a pharmacy technician?
Difficult patients come with the territory for medical professionals, but as they are often the first contact in a pharmacy for patients, and also the ones who work with insurance companies and may have to deliver unwanted news about coverage problems, or copays, difficult patients can be a particular problem for pharmacy technicians.#N#Most of these people do not mean to ruin your day, but are ill, injured and often frustrated, so the news that a medication may not be covered by their health insurance, or a copay might be very high, or even that they might be facing a longer wait to receive their prescription can lead the nicest people to be unpleasant. That’s where great customer service skills come in.#N#Most pharmacy technician training courses do offer soft skills modules that help teach students how to deal with difficult patients. These are very helpful but running into – and having to stay calm and helpful with – difficult, often angry people is a downside of the job.
Why is pharmacy important?
For some people their pharmacy - and its staff - is as important to their health and well-being as their doctor and her staff. For others getting a medication they have been prescribed can make a huge difference to their short-term health and turn a bad day into a better one.#N#As they are increasingly responsible for the bulk of patient interaction pharmacy technicians have a very big role to play in customer care, and according to lots of experienced pharmacy technicians being able to help people in real, meaningful ways is one of the best things about what they do.
Is pharmacy technician in demand?
Speaking of growth, pharmacy technicians are in demand across the country and, again according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics that demand will only continue to grow. Growth is good, but so are career options. If you choose to become a certified pharmacy technician, you have a lot of those open to you.
