Certified Pharmacy Technicians: Breaking the Glass Ceiling with High-Paying Jobs
Pharmacy technicians play a critical role in the healthcare sector, helping pharmacists dispense medications and provide essential support to patients. With the increasing demand for healthcare services, the role of pharmacy technicians has become more important than ever. In recent years, career opportunities for certified pharmacy technicians have expanded, and many are breaking the glass ceiling to achieve high-paying careers in the field.
What is a certified pharmacy technician?
A certified pharmacy technician is a trained professional who assists pharmacists in dispensing medications, managing inventory, and providing customer service. These individuals have completed a formal educational program and passed a certification exam to prove their knowledge and competence in the field. Certified pharmacy technicians work in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and mail-order pharmacies.
Growing demand for certified pharmacy technicians
As the population continues to age and new medications are developed, the demand for prescription drugs is on the rise. This has increased the need for qualified pharmacy technicians to support pharmacists in filling these prescriptions and providing high-quality patient care. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, which is roughly the average for all occupations.
The path to becoming a certified pharmacy technician
Individuals interested in pursuing a career as a certified pharmacy technician may do so by completing a formal education program at a vocational school, community college, or online institution. These programs typically cover topics such as pharmacy law and ethics, pharmacy accounting, drug dispensing, and drug safety. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE) or the Examination for Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) to become certified.
Benefits of certification
Becoming certified as a pharmacy technician offers a variety of benefits, including increased employment opportunities, increased earning potential, and professional recognition. Certified Pharmacy Technicians are often preferred by employers due to their demonstrated knowledge and commitment to the profession. Additionally, many states require pharmacy technicians to be certified, making them a necessary qualification to work in the field.
High paying jobs for certified pharmacy technicians
With the increasing demand for healthcare services, certified pharmacy technicians find themselves in high demand and are able to command higher salaries than ever before. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $33,950 in May 2020, with the top 10% earning more than $49,130. Certified pharmacy technicians who work in hospitals tend to have the highest salaries, followed by those working in outpatient care centers and retail pharmacies.
Opportunities for advancement
For certified pharmacy technicians looking to advance their career and increase their earning potential, there are many opportunities for growth. Some may choose to earn additional certifications, such as becoming a Certified Compound Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) or Certified Nuclear Pharmacy Technician (CNPT), which may lead to higher-paying specialized roles. Others may choose to continue their education and become a licensed pharmacist, utilizing their experience and knowledge to take on a more advanced role in the pharmacy industry.
Conclusion
Certified pharmacy technicians play a vital role in the healthcare industry and are well-positioned to break the glass ceiling and achieve high-paying careers. As the demand for healthcare services and prescription medications increases, opportunities for certified pharmacy technicians are expanding, and many are realizing their potential in the field. By completing a formal education program, earning certification, and seeking opportunities for advancement, certified pharmacy technicians can secure lucrative and rewarding careers in this growing industry.