Ever look beyond the counter at your local pharmacy and are intrigued by the technicians and pharmacists behind the desk? You may want to consider obtaining a degree or certificate in pharmacy technology (otherwise known as pharm tech, or pharmacy tech).
Pharmacy technicians work directly with licensed pharmacists in hospitals, clinics, and retail or even mail-order pharmacies receiving prescription requests; counting tablets, labeling bottles, providing customer service and performing other clerical duties. Your work as a pharmacy technician serves as an important role in healthcare as they provide assistance to people in need of prescribed drugs.
Job Outlook as a Pharmacy Technician
The sophistication of new medications and the aging baby boomer population provide a strong outlook for the pharmacy industry. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to increase by 32% though 2016—providing a steady and fruitful career path for many.
Degree Paths for a Pharmacy Technician
Jobs in pharmacy tech are expected to be favorable, especially for those with certification. With that being said, there is multiple educational programs one can take to obtain the proper certification for a successful career in pharmacy tech. Individuals can obtain a pharmacy technician certificate online or on-campus; or if they are seeking a more robust course load, can obtain an Associate’s degree, which takes around two years to achieve.
Courses in the Pharmacy Tech Degree Program
Students pursuing a pharmacy technician certificate or degree can expect to take courses including:
- Introduction to Pharmacy; where you will learn about career opportunities available as a pharmacy technician.
- Pharmacology; a class that teaches typical drugs used for the most common diseases and how the drugs affect the body.
- Pharmacy Technician Capstone; an upper-level class that helps students prepare for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam.
This program in the growing field of pharmacy technician offers you the flexibility and convenience of online learning with the instruction you’ll need to handle medications and understand the chemistry of drug interactions.
Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Pharmacy Technicians and Aides, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos325.htm (visited February 06, 2011)
About the Author: This article was written by Rasmussen College - School of Health Sciences. Founded in 1900, Rasmussen College is a premier provider of educational experiences, dedicated to the growth and development of its students, employees, and the communities it serves. Rasmussen College offers Bachelor’s and Associate’s degrees in fields with the greatest occupation opportunities to more than 15,000 students both online and through its campus locations.
Comments (2)
http://www.pharmacy-tech-schools.net - Gerry
"The sophistication of new medications and the aging baby boomer population provide a strong outlook for the pharmacy industry"
Let's hope the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians also has a "strong look" as for now it doesn't seem the wages are very high.
difference in schools - Thomas Byers
I am interested in going to school to become a pharmacy tech... I was wondering if there is a difference between schools that I often see on commercials or what? I am just wanting to know if there is something I should be looking for in a school for actual training....?
