The truth about Pharmacy Tech: How difficult is it?

Pharmacy technician is a great career for those looking to help people and work in a medical environment. The pharmacy tech field is growing rapidly, and there are many opportunities available for those who want to enter the pharmacy tech industry.

However, some people may wonder if being a pharmacy technician is challenging. In this blog post, we will explore the truth about pharmacy technicians: how difficult it is and what you can expect from the career.

What is a pharmacy technician?

Pharmacy technicians are responsible for preparing and dispensing medications prescribed by doctors. They also assist with administrative tasks such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, or processing insurance claims.

What qualifications do you need to become a pharmacy technician?

There are no specific qualifications required to become a pharmacy technician. However, many employers prefer candidates who have completed a formal training program and have obtained certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

How difficult is it to become a pharmacy technician?

Becoming a pharmacy technician is not particularly difficult. There are several ways to obtain the necessary training and certification, including online programs and apprenticeship programs. The PTCB offers an assessment exam that can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center.

What are the duties of a pharmacy technician?

The duties of a pharmacy technician vary depending on their level of experience and the type of employer they work for. However, some common duties include:

• Receiving and verifying prescriptions
• Filling prescriptions
• Packaging and labeling medications
• Checking for drug interactions
• Preparing intravenous (IV) medications
• Handle insurance claim issues
• Manage inventory and restock shelves

How much does a pharmacy technician earn?

The average salary for a pharmacy technician varies depending on their level of experience, the type of employer they work for, and the state or region where they live. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2024, the median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $40,300, with top earners making up to $55,000 or more depending on experience and location..

Is there room for advancement as a pharmacy technician?

Yes! Pharmacy technicians can advance their careers by becoming certified pharmacy technicians (CPhTs). This certification demonstrates that they have the knowledge and skills needed to work in various pharmacy settings. Pharmacy techs can also specialize in different areas of pharmacy, such as chemotherapy or nuclear pharmacy.

What are the benefits of being a pharmacy technician?

There are many benefits of being a pharmacy technician! Some of these include:

• Flexible hours
• Good pay and job security
• Opportunities for advancement
• Variety in the workday

How difficult is it to be a pharmacy tech?

Being a pharmacy technician is not easy work. There are many responsibilities that come with being in this field of work; however, they are all necessary parts of the job description that make up much less than 50% of what you do each day!

For example, some days you might have to fill over 200 prescriptions. This involves standing at the computer system/counter area, filling out labels while verifying patient information (such as name, address & phone number) as needed, and ensuring sufficient time for each script to be picked up before closing time on days with high customer traffic.

It’s important not only to keep track of things but also to make sure people get what they need while being courteous and friendly!

Other times, you may have an opportunity to work with patients who are suffering from chronic pain or other ailments that require them to take medication regularly.

Pharmacy technicians help these individuals by assisting with filling prescriptions and checking insurance coverage eligibility so they can receive their medications quickly without any delays due to paperwork issues.

This could otherwise result in unnecessary stress levels increasing even higher than what is already happening inside their bodies due to illness/pain symptoms themselves!

The pharmacy tech position requires a lot more responsibility than just filling prescriptions and handing out medication.

Pharmacy technicians must be able to understand prescription orders, know how to compound medications, counsel patients on their medications, manage inventory, and work with insurance companies.

They may also need to perform other pharmacy-related duties as assigned by a pharmacist.

The bottom line is that the pharmacy technician position can be difficult, but it is also very rewarding! The opportunity to help others in their time of need makes all the difference in the world!

Start your new career as a Pharmacy Technician now!

Northwest Career College is one of the premier pharmacy technician schools in Las Vegas. Our course equips students with the skills and training needed to capitalize on the growing demand for pharmacy technicians.

Our experienced instructors offer online and on-campus classes to accommodate your Las Vegas work and family schedule. 

Once you’ve graduated, we continue to support you, and the commitment of our Career Services Team has led to us having a 100% job placement rate for our pharmacy technician graduates. Call us today at (702) 403-1592 to speak to one of our enrollment specialists.