What Is the Market Like for Pharmacy Technician Jobs?

Thinking of a career as a pharmacy technician? See the market for pharmacy technician jobs.

Are you interested in working in the healthcare industry? Do you want the security that comes with a healthcare job? Do you want to enjoy it without having to worry about working directly with patients and dealing with their germs?

Working as a pharmacy technician is one of the best options for folks who are looking for a hands-off healthcare job. In fact, the position ranks 16th on the list of best healthcare support jobs! 

If you're interested in becoming a pharmacy technician and getting hired for pharmacy technician jobs, keep reading.

Explained below is everything you need to know about what pharmacy technicians do in a day. You'll also learn what the job market is like and how to increase your chances of getting hired.

What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?

If you've never considered this career path before, you might be wondering what it's like being a pharmacy technician.

It's a pharmacy technician's job to perform a variety of tasks under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Some of the tasks a pharmacy technician is responsible for carrying out include:

• Supplying medications to patients (both prescription medications and over-the-counter medications)
• Assembling medications and filling prescriptions
• Communicating with customers and healthcare professionals to fill prescriptions and address issues in a timely manner

Pharmacy technicians communicate with customers and healthcare professionals on a daily basis. However, they are not allowed, legally, to provide any kind of healthcare advice or advice regarding the use of their prescriptions.

What is the Market Like for Pharmacy Technicians?

The current job market for pharmacy technicians is very positive. The field is growing at a rapid rate -- much faster than other career fields in the U.S. 

The need for pharmacy technicians is growing, in part, because of the increased need for all kinds of healthcare professionals in the U.S.

The country's population is aging. There's also been a significant rise in the number of people (of all ages) who are dealing with chronic illnesses. Many of these people require long-term (sometimes lifelong) use of prescription medications.

Since more people need the help of prescription medications to feel well, pharmacies need more technicians working behind the counter to fill and supply those prescriptions.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician

If you're looking for a high level of job security, a career as a pharmacy technician is a great option to consider. The field is expanding at a rapid rate, so you'll be able to rest easy knowing that your job is safe and that you're needed to keep pharmacies running smoothly.

Another great thing about working as a pharmacy technician is the fact that it doesn't take very long to become one. The training process is quite short, so you can start your career and enjoy the perks of working in a pharmacy much sooner.

In order to become a pharmacy technician, you'll need to take the following steps:

Complete Required Education

This step might be optional depending on the state in which you live.

Some states (Wisconsin, Hawaii, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and New York, specifically) do not require any kind of education outside of a high school diploma to work as a pharmacy technician. 

Even if you live in these states, though, it's still a good idea to complete a training course. Many employers look more favorably upon applicants who have completed a training course and passed a licensing exam. 

Complete an Internship

After you've completed your training course (assuming you live in a state where it's required), you'll need to complete an internship. During your internship, you'll work in a pharmacy and learn the ropes of filling prescriptions and dealing with customers. Your internship might be paid or unpaid.

Pass a Licensing Exam

When you're internship is finished, you'll need to sit for a licensing exam. Not all states require licensing, but obtaining a license does make you a more valuable asset to pharmacies no matter which state you live in. The licensing exam takes about two hours to complete and consists of 90 multiple choice questions.

Keep Your License Current

Once you've passed your licensing exam, it's valid for two years. Every two years, you have to sit for a relicensing exam and complete 20 hours of continuing education classes.

Tips for Getting Hired for Pharmacy Technician Jobs

In theory, the process of becoming a pharmacy technician is pretty simple. Getting hired can be a bit challenging, though. This is especially true depending on your location. 

If you're having a hard time finding a pharmacy technician job, these tips can help you with your search and increase your chances of getting hired:

• Check to see if the pharmacy where you did your internship is hiring
• Talk to your classmates from your training course to see if they've had any success finding jobs
• Join and get familiar with a business social networking site to connect with business owners who might be hiring in the future
• Check online job boards regularly to look for openings in your area
• Follow up regularly with people you meet who work in the industry via email or on social media

This last tip is especially important. It will help people to keep you in mind when their pharmacy is looking to hire new technicians, and they'll be more likely to recommend you as a result.

Learn About New Pharmacy Technician Jobs Today

As you can see, pharmacy technician jobs are a viable option for folks who want to work in healthcare but aren't interested in traditional healthcare positions.

Now that you know more about what a pharmacy technician does and what the job market looks like for them, do you think it's a good position for you? 

Once you've finished your training and are ready to start looking for pharmacy technician jobs, be sure to join APSense right away.

APSense is a business social network that allows professionals to come together and share information about their businesses. It will also allow you to connect with other professionals who may be looking to hire a great pharmacy technician.