P harmacy Technician
Becoming a pharmacy technician means entering into a growing field that isn’t slowing down. Your career will be fast-paced and hands-on, no matter if you work in a pharmacy or a hospital setting. As a pharmacy technician, you’ll enjoy a flexible setting, numerous advancement opportunities, and ultimately, the chance to help others each day.
T he Perks
Pharmacy technicians help meet the growing population’s health concerns. By assisting pharmacists, pharmacy technicians get to work in the healthcare industry while maintaining job security, consistent hours and competitive pay.
24
Months
It takes roughly 7 months to 2 years of job training to become a pharmacy technician.
12
Growth
Pharmacy technician jobs will grow by approximately 12% between 2016 and 2026.
32,700
Salary
The average annual salary for a pharmacy technician is $32,700.
Steve Jones
Pharmacy Technician
Being a pharmacy technician allows me to have a flexible and fulfilling career — all while knowing I’m impacting the health of the patients that come in.
W hat Do I Need?
If the following skills, traits and training sound appealing to you, a career as a pharmacy technician may be right up your alley.
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Additional Training
Depending on the job, pharmacy technicians may complete a certificate or other diploma program or receive training on the job.
Communication Skills
Being able to communicate well and with empathy — both with patients and team members — is key to success as a pharmacy technician.
Organizational Skills
Pharmacy technicians have to be detail oriented during tasks such as filling prescriptions, maintaining notes and taking inventory.
Accuracy
While dealing with things as sensitive and tedious as medications, pharmacy technicians have to be acutely aware of the task at hand.
Mathematical Proficiency
Pharmacy technicians frequently use math in their position while filling prescriptions, measuring pharmaceuticals and related projects.
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Most pharmacy technicians have completed high school (or an equivalent degree) prior to starting their position.
Additional Training
Depending on the job, pharmacy technicians may complete a certificate or other diploma program or receive training on the job.
Communication Skills
Being able to communicate well and with empathy — both with patients and team members — is key to success as a pharmacy technician.
Organizational Skills
Pharmacy technicians have to be detail oriented during tasks such as filling prescriptions, maintaining notes and taking inventory.
Accuracy
While dealing with things as sensitive and tedious as medications, pharmacy technicians have to be acutely aware of the task at hand.
Mathematical Proficiency
Pharmacy technicians frequently use math in their position while filling prescriptions, measuring pharmaceuticals and related projects.
Y our Resources
If you’re intrigued by the job description of a pharmacy technician, check out more resources on this career path.
BJC HealthCare Careers
Are you determined to provide excellent care with your talent, ambition, skills, and experience? Join the team at BJC HealthCare. Positions are available for nurses, CNAs, medical assistants, customer support representatives, and other health care professionals.
SSM Health Careers
SSM Health is one of the largest integrated health care delivery systems in the nation, with over 40,000 employees in four states. Nurses, medical assistants, CNAs and other health care professionals can find excellent employment opportunities at the SSM Health Careers website.
BESt Pharmacy Summer Institute
This 6-week summer program exposes and prepares local multicultural high school students for future careers in healthcare (emphasis in pharmacy). Program combines academics, exposure, and professional development. Academics focus on improving mathematics, science, language arts, and ACT/SAT skills.
