Becoming a Pharmacy Technician Is a Good Step Towards Becoming a Pharmacist

Due to increasing healthcare demands the pharmaceutical industry is rapidly growing and changing. In the past, it was not necessary for pharmacy technicians to obtain any type of certification. However, because it is becoming significantly more competitive in obtaining industry related jobs, certification has been one way potential pharmacy techs can stand out from the other job applicants. In addition, many certified pharmacy techs are finding that their jobs are excellent stepping-stones towards becoming a pharmacist.

Pharmacy tech education programs usually require an individual to attend six months to two years of educational training. These programs are offered through a variety of organizations, like vocational schools, community colleges, hospitals, and even the military. A good pharmacy tech educational program will have areas of study that include:

- Medical and Pharmaceutical Terminology
- Pharmacy Record Keeping
- Pharmaceutical Calculations
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics

Pharmacy Technician Salary Advice

Several factors, such as the level of qualification, the area in the US where the job is based, and the type of industry all determine the rate at which a pharmacy technician salary is set. But the salary rate is not the only thing you should consider when choosing between which jobs to accept; the additional benefits that a particular job can offer are quite crucial too. Take heed, for a pharmacy technician salary can also include additional benefits that the technician can take advantage of. However, these additional benefits are not standard and may vary depending on the employer.

Aside from their regular pay, benefits might include paid leaves, health care, and even a retirement plan. A share in company profits, sales commissions, and performance bonuses are just some more examples of additional benefits. Of course, these benefits still depend on the decision of the employer. If you're hired in an entry level-position, expect to take home an annual compensation of $28,500- that's according to government reports. If you stay on the job for three consecutive years, your salary may increase up to $32,000. Larger institutions, though, can pay their hardworking pharmacy technicians in an entry-level position as high as $38,000 in annual pay.

If you have pharmacy technician certification, you will most likely receive a little better pay than non-certified pharmacy technicians. This is an advantage if you are considering taking one. But in some instances, a certification may not make a huge difference. On the prerogative of the pharmacist, increases in pharmacy tech salary may be given on a yearly basis only.