If you’ve ever thought about becoming a pharmacy technician, there’s never been a better time to get started. With thousands of programs both off and online, plenty of resources available to get you placed in a position after you graduate, and a growing career field, becoming a pharmacy technician is both a practical and rewarding decision.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the pharmacy tech field is expected to grow by about 7% in the next few years, which is faster than the national average! As of 2018, there were around 420,000 jobs available in the US, and the numbers are steadily rising throughout the country.
If you’re interested in becoming a pharmacy tech, take a look at our list of four reasons why you should consider it as a possible career choice.
1. You’ll Help People
If you’re a compassionate person, this is the perfect job opportunity for you. Millions of Americans depend on their prescription medications in order to survive or manage complications associated with diseases and ailments. You’ll play an important role in helping these people get the medication they need, and they’ll likely show plenty of appreciation!
It’s estimated that around 48% of Americans use at least one prescription drug on a daily basis. That’s around 157 million Americans that depend on pharmacies and the people that run them every day. By helping the pharmacist fill prescriptions, organize and take orders, file paperwork, and interact with the customers, you’ll be fulfilling an essential part of our society.
Helping other people offers a kind of reward of its own. You’ll get the satisfaction of knowing that you’re taking part in something bigger than yourself, and that your efforts might be helping to keep someone’s mother, father, brother, sister, husband, or wife alive for another day. That’s a pretty great feeling!
2. It’s Affordable
One of the best things about becoming a pharmacy technician is that you won’t have to leave your program with a massive amount of debt. Some programs cost as little as $1,000-$3,000 for the entire program! With the average cost of a four-year degree somewhere in the “new three-bedroom house” range, it’s become a priority for students to save as much as possible on their education.
That being said, in order to find a pharmacy technician training program, you’ll want to start with your specific goals. There are hundreds of programs to choose from. You can choose programs that work at your pace, that can get your certified in as little as 10 months, or that fall somewhere in between.
It’s important to ensure the program you choose is accredited, as well. You wouldn’t want to get your education from a school that doesn’t have the right credentials, otherwise, you might be unable to validate your education when you’re applying for a job.
3. You Can Make A Living From It
With an average salary of about $30,000 per year, pharmacy technicians can make a decent living. The salary, of course, will depend on the state you’re in as well as your experience level. An experienced pharmacy technician can make up to $16 per hour, and you’ll likely get benefits if you’re working at a hospital or retail pharmacy.
Most pharmacy technicians go on to work at retail pharmacy locations, but that’s not the extent of your job opportunities. You can work in a hospital, hospice care center, nursing home, compounding pharmacies, or even mail-order pharmacies.
Additionally, there’s plenty of room to advance in your career once you take this crucial first step. You could continue your education and become a pharmacist later down the road. Your experience as a pharmacy tech will prove invaluable during your training.
4. Jobs Are Growing
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, the job market for pharmacy technicians is growing faster than the national average. That’s pretty exciting news for someone jumping into the career field. It means that there will be more jobs available in the future, so you shouldn’t have to worry about spending months of job searching!
If the current pandemic keeps going the way it is, there could be a great demand for new healthcare professionals as it takes a toll on our fragile healthcare system.
The Bottom Line
Pursing a career as a pharmacy technician is a rewarding, practical, and affordable route to a permanent career you’ll enjoy. With job growth, options for employment, flexibility in training programs, and a price tag that won’t keep you in debt for decades after you graduate, this can be the perfect option for anyone looking for a quick and painless career route. Get started today by choosing an online program that fits your schedule and budget. There are plenty to choose from!
