Career Spotlight – Pharmacy Technology

You could say that employment prospects for pharmacy technicians are some of the ‘healthiest’ in the health care industry. Employment of pharmacy techs is expected to grow by 32% from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations.* What does a pharmacy technician do? Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medication in retail pharmacies and hospitals; they also provide customer service, and perform administrative duties. Technicians that work in hospitals are likely to prepare a greater variety of medications, including intravenous medications, than those working in retail. Why is pharmacy technology a growing career field? New medications come on the market almost every day; and the fact that our population is getting older means that the number of people depending on prescription meds will increase over the coming years. And that is potentially good news for those considering pharmacy technology as a career. Where could I work as a pharmacy tech? The majority ofjob opportunities are in retail pharmacies, and since some facilities are open 24/7, pharmacy technicians often have demanding schedules that may include nights, weekends, and/or holidays. Employment opportunities also exist in hospital pharmacies, assisted living facilities, with pharmaceutical manufacturers or insurance companies. What kind of education should I have? The Carrington College Pharmacy Technology program, available at our Mesa, AZ, Phoenix, AZ, Tucson, AZ, Boise, ID, Albuquerque, NM, Portland, OR, and Spokane, WA campuses, combines a mix of formal classroom instruction and hands-on training in a mock pharmacy setting. Students also gain practical, valuable, real-world work experience during a clinical externship in a real world pharmacy environment. Does a pharmacy technician need to be certified? Although certification is not necessary in all states, some states and employers do require it; and those with the CPhT credential report higher earnings and more promotion opportunities than their non-certified colleagues.** Our comprehensive curriculum prepares you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE), administered by Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This is the credential required to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).^ Where can I find out more about this career and the program? If you or someone you know would like to learn more about joining this growing health care field, talk to a Carrington College Enrollment Services Representative at 1.877.206.2106. You can also find out more at carrington.edu/cc/programs/pharmacy-technology or by using the Live Chat feature on our website.   For comprehensive consumer information, visit www.carrington.edu/degrees/pharmacy-technician/ * Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook (2012-13 Ed.). ¹ ** According to a survey conducted by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board: PTCB Website ^ Carrington College prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.   Program availability varies by location. ¹ http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos325.htm