Looking for an interesting entry-level profession that is as close as you can get to recession-proof? Then consider training as a pharmacy technician.
Pharmacy technicians work in drug stores, supermarkets, hospitals or mail-order facilities helping licensed pharmacists prepare and dispense prescription medications and other health care products. They also often perform administrative duties such as greeting customers, answering phones, filling out labels and running cash registers.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that more than 285,000 professional pharmacy technicians currently work full- or part-time. The field is expected to grow far faster than the national average, and those just entering the field should enjoy excellent job prospects.
So why is this such a popular career choice? Why be a pharmacy technician?
Here are some key reasons for choosing this career path:
• Working Conditions. Pharmacy technicians have a wide choice of facilities to choose from, including traditional drug stores, supermarket pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, assisted-living facilities and mail-order facilities. All of these tend to be clean, well-organized and very professional.
• A Range of Responsibilities. Most pharmacy technicians perform a variety of duties. These can include receiving and verifying prescriptions; counting, pouring, weighing, measuring and sometimes mixing medications; preparing prescription labels; filing prescriptions; stocking shelves; greeting customers; and running cash registers.
• Qualifications. Most states have no licensing or certification requirements for pharmacy technicians. Professional training in this field can usually be completed in less than a year.
• Income Potential. According to the BLS’ most recent data (May 2008), the median hourly income for pharmacy technicians nationwide is approximately $12.32, with half making more than that and half making less. Nationally, the middle 50% earned between $10.10 and $14.92 per hour. The lowest 10% earned less than $8.56 per hour while the highest 10 percent earned more than $17.65 per hour. Note that income potential varies significantly from state to state and from city to city depending on local economic and employment conditions, as well as your years of experience and the type of facility where you choose to practice. For more information, please consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics and your local state labor department Web site.
• Job Prospects. Again, according to the BLS, employment opportunities for pharmacy technicians are expected to be far better than average in the years ahead. On a national level, employment for pharmacy technicians is expected to have increased 32 percent between 2006 and 2016, according to the BLS. Projected statewide 2006-2016 growth projections in the pharmacy technician field currently ranges from a low of 12% in New York state to a high of 57% in Arizona and Tennessee. (Occupational growth rates are projections only, and will vary from community to community.)
Professional Pharmacy Technician Training Courses Offered at Everest College
Everest College is one of America’s leading providers of professional pharmacy technician training.
Because Everest has dozens of urban campuses conveniently located throughout the United States, men and women interested in pursuing this exciting and rewarding career can likely find a campus conveniently close to their home or work. Everest pharmacy technician career training courses can be completed in less than a year, and graduates are supported by Everest’s Career Placement Teams to help them get the kind of job they want, where they want it. All Everest campuses provide financial aid services for those who qualify.
People interested in pharmacy technician training should contact Everest today for information on class schedules.
