Pharmacy Technician

Your Fit

Income

$46K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

5.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Pharmacy Technician?

A Pharmacy Technician assists pharmacists in dispensing prescription medication to customers or health professionals. They work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist and play a key role in the operation of a pharmacy.

Sample job titles:

Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), Chemotherapy Pharmacy Technician (Chemo Pharmacy Technician), OR Pharmacy Tech (Operating Room Pharmacy Tech), RPhT (Registered Pharmacy Technician)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Pharmacy Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Pharmacy Technician earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Pharmacy Technician.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$33K per year	$37K per year	$46K per year	$59K per year	$69K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $19K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Pharmacy Technician do?

Work environment

Pharmacy Technicians are found in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. Their work environment is typically indoors and involves significant interaction with pharmacists and customers. They may also work in laboratories or pharmaceutical companies.

Quick task list

Assists pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications.
Takes prescription orders and verifies patient information.
Manages inventory and orders pharmacy supplies.
Processes insurance claims and handles customer transactions.
Complies with drug laws and regulations.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Hospital Pharmacy Technician: Focusing on medication management in hospital settings.
Compounding Pharmacy Technician: Specializing in preparing customized medication mixtures.
Chemotherapy Technician: Working with oncology medications in cancer treatment centers.
Retail Pharmacy Technician: Primarily serving in a community or retail pharmacy environment.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician: Working in the production of pharmaceuticals.

Description

Pharmacy Technicians play a crucial role in healthcare by assisting pharmacists in the dispensing of medication. They need to be meticulous in handling prescriptions, ensuring the right medication is given in the correct dosage. These professionals must also be knowledgeable about various medications and their potential interactions.

Communication skills are vital, as Pharmacy Technicians often serve as a bridge between the pharmacist and the patient. They answer patient questions, manage insurance claims, and explain medication use and precautions.

In a fast-paced healthcare environment, they must be efficient and organized, handling multiple tasks simultaneously. The role requires strict adherence to legal and ethical standards, ensuring patient safety and privacy.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to patient health and wellness.
Working in a dynamic healthcare environment.
Continuous learning about medications and healthcare.

You might make a good Pharmacy Technician if you are...

Detail-oriented, ensuring accuracy in medication dispensing.
A strong communicator, capable of interacting effectively with patients and healthcare professionals.
Organized, able to manage inventory and multitask effectively.
Interested in healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
Committed to upholding ethical standards and patient confidentiality.

Pros:

Direct impact on patient care and health outcomes.
Opportunities in various healthcare settings.
Growing demand in the healthcare sector.

Cons:

Requires standing for long periods.
Can be stressful due to the critical nature of the work.
Must stay updated with changing pharmaceutical products and laws.

How to become a Pharmacy Technician

Typical education

Most Pharmacy Technicians require a postsecondary non-degree award or certificate, which typically takes about a year to complete. Some states also require a licensure or certification process.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry to understand the basics of medication and human biology.
Mathematics for handling dosages and measurements.
Health Science to get an introductory understanding of healthcare.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at healthcare facilities or community pharmacies.
Joining health science clubs or organizations.
Participating in science fairs or projects.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in a pharmacy technician training program, which may be offered at community colleges or technical schools.
Seek internships or job shadowing opportunities in pharmacies.
Prepare for and obtain certification if required in your state.

More resources

American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT) - Offers resources and information on certification.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) - Provides certification and exam preparation resources.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Detailed information about the Pharmacy Technician role.
National Healthcareer Association (NHA) - Offers certification and educational resources for healthcare professionals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.