How Much Does a Pharmacy Tech Make?
Pharmacy techs work in a variety of environments. Some work in retail pharmacies and drug stores, while others are in hospitals or pharmaceutical companies.
The pay of pharmacy technicians varies, depending on many factors. The BLS reports that pharmacy techs working in large cities make more than those in small rural locations.
Job description
Pharmacy techs play a vital role in helping people get their prescription medications. This includes taking prescriptions called in by doctors and filling them so that patients can pick them up quickly and easily.
Customer service skills are essential to this job, as you’ll be dealing with people who may have questions or concerns about their prescriptions or insurance coverage. That’s why customer-service training is a must for any pharmacy technician, Barthels says.
Inventory management is another important part of this job, and it requires a lot of attention to detail. This can include performing regularly scheduled inventory counts on specific medications, checking for expired drugs and removing outdated supplies.
The best way to get a job as a pharmacy tech is to complete an accredited training program. This is a great way to learn the ins and outs of this career and start earning a salary as soon as possible.
Education requirements
The education requirements for pharmacy technicians vary depending on where you work. Some can get started with a high school diploma or GED certificate, while others may need a degree.
Some programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) or the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. These programs are designed to prepare students for careers as pharmacy techs by integrating classroom learning with hands-on experience in actual pharmacies.
Pharmacy technicians work in many settings, including retail pharmacies, online pharmacies and medical facilities like hospitals and nursing homes. These positions require a variety of skills and knowledge, such as inventory management and the ability to identify medications.
Most pharmacy technicians have a good understanding of medical terminology and are familiar with the proper way to measure, dose and dispense prescription medication. They also have the necessary communication skills to answer customer questions and relay them to pharmacists for correct answers.
Salary
Pharmacy technicians are among the top paid in their field. However, their salary may vary by state and employer.
Many technicians earn a starting salary of around $30,000, which can rise up to $50,000 over the course of a career. The best-paid pharmacy techs are those with experience and a high level of education.
A technician with national certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) often makes more money than a non-certified tech. It costs about $129 to become certified, and many employers will pay it for you.
Some states also offer higher salaries for hospital technicians than retail techs. This is especially true in long-term care settings, where there’s an emphasis on pharmacy knowledge rather than patient interactions.
A pharmacy technician may also increase their pay by relocating to a different state. This is especially true in highly populated areas like California and Alaska, where the cost of living can be higher.
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Work environment
A pharmacy technician is a vital healthcare worker who helps ensure patients receive their medication in the correct dosage. They also keep accurate records, which are important for regulatory compliance and patient safety.
They can work in retail pharmacies, hospitals and long-term care facilities. They may also be found at mail-order pharmacies, research laboratories and pharmaceutical companies.
In these environments, they take prescription orders over the phone or through computer, fill them and prepare bottle labels. They also check inventory to determine when it is time to restock supplies.
For hospital pharmacy technicians, their daily duties include preparing and dispensing medications for surgery, restocking anesthesia carts and assisting with clinical trials. They also ensure that crash carts are stocked for emergencies, and they follow storage requirements for controlled substances.
They can also work in private pharmacies, serving specialized groups like prisons, online medication companies and hospice care units. These jobs require more detailed knowledge of medicines than pharmacy technicians working for general customers.
