9 Excellent Reasons To Become A Pharmacy Tech
Are you great in chemistry, interested in science in general and looking for a worthwhile career? If the above describes you, it’s time to think about being a pharmacist. Here are 9 excellent reasons why you might want to become a pharmacy tech.
Are you nearing the end of high school or considering a career change?
If so, why not become a pharmacy tech?
The healthcare industry is booming–and the world pharmaceuticals is no exception. In fact, the job demand for qualified pharmacy techs is expected to grow 12% by 2026.
What is it like working in a pharmacy? Why become a pharmacist (or pharmacy tech) in the first place?
Read on for 9 compelling reasons why you should become a pharmacy technician.
1. Fantastic Job Security
We’ve already touched on it, but let’s reiterate: You will never have trouble finding work as a pharmacy tech.
By the year 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be retirement age (65 or older). By 2035, experts predict there will be more senior citizens in America than children under 18.
What does this mean for you? Simply put, an aging population ensures the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry will thrive.
2. A Short (And Affordable) Education
Many jobs in the healthcare industry require years of education and multiple degrees.
What if you’re interested in healthcare but don’t have the time or resources for a long education? Becoming a pharmacy tech is the perfect solution.
Although some pharmacies provide on-the-job training, most require a specialized certification.
Courses for becoming a pharmacy tech are affordable and flexible, with most lasting 6-9 months.
Interested in an online pharmacy technician program? You can check it out here.
3. Good Salary
No, you’re unlikely to get rich if you become a pharmacy tech. But the good news is most positions offer a very livable wage.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (cited earlier) lists the average annual salary of pharmacy technicians at $31,750.
That works out to $15.26 per hour–more than double the current minimum wage of $7.25.
4. Variety of Work Settings
As a pharmacy tech, you’ll have an array of work environments to choose from.
Yes, there are the big retail pharmacies like Wal-Mart, Walgreens, and CVS. But those certainly aren’t the only places you can land a job.
You might also find work in a large medical clinic or hospital. Pharmaceutical companies hire technicians, as do mail-order prescriptions companies.
Whatever your interests or personal circumstances, there’s a pharmacy tech position that’s perfect for you.
5. Opportunities for Advancement
If your long-term goal is to become a pharmacist, that’s terrific! What better way could you prepare than by working first as a pharmacy technician?
Even if your end-goal is different, you’ll learn so much valuable information from working in a pharmacy. With the medical knowledge you gain, you may in time move into another field like:
- Nursing (LPN or RN)
- Nursing assistant
- Medical assistant
- Home health aide
- Health information technician
- Patient service representative
- Medical laboratory technician
- Medical secretary
No education is wasted, and the same is true of the things you’ll learn as a pharmacy technician. Think of it as the next step in your own journey of personal growth.
6. Pleasant Working Conditions
Have your previous jobs been in less than ideal conditions? Were you stuck working odd hours, commuting long distances, or working in extreme temperatures?
As a pharmacy tech, those will soon become distant memories. Most pharmacies are open during normal daytime hours, which means you can kiss those graveyard shifts goodbye.
You also don’t have to worry about sweating in the summertime heat or bundling up on a cold winter’s day. Your work environment will be in a clean, comfortable, climate-controlled building.
Best of all, you’ll work in a pleasant and professional atmosphere. Technicians play a vital role in every pharmacy, so you’re sure to be treated with the respect and courtesy you deserve.
7. Make a Real Difference
Do you enjoy helping other people? Does it bring you satisfaction to know you’re making a real difference in someone’s life?
As a pharmacy tech, that’s exactly what you’ll do each and every day. Your job will revolve around taking care of people, whether it’s counting their medications, manning a cash register, or discussing insurance details.
Although you’ll be working under the supervision of a pharmacist, your job is still very much hands-on. Don’t expect to sit in a cubicle and be bored all day–or at all!
Instead, you’ll be interacting with customers almost nonstop, making sure they have the medication they need to stay healthy.
8. You Can Work Anywhere
Because there’s so much demand for pharmacy techs, that means you’re not tied down to one city or state.
Did your spouse just receive a job offer a few towns–or a few states–away? Are you tired of the long, cold winters up north? Do you need to move closer to your aging parents or another ailing family member?
Whatever your circumstances, it won’t be a problem. Being a pharmacy technician is a transferable skill. If you’re employed with a major national company, you might even be able to transfer and have a new job waiting when you arrive.
Even if that’s not possible, there are sure to be plenty of pharmacies in the city you’re moving to.
9. Employee Discounts
This is an often overlooked perk of becoming a pharmacy technician. If you work in a pharmacy connected to a retail store, chances are you’ll receive an employee discount when you shop there.
You and your family members might also be eligible to receive a discount on any prescription medications you need.
Making money while saving money–that’s a win-win scenario.
Ready to Become a Pharmacy Tech?
As you can see, there are many compelling reasons why you should become a pharmacy tech.
Whether you’re just entering the working world or you’re ready for a career change, this is one path you’re sure to love.
For more great life advice, check out our latest motivation posts.
