These days, it’s hard to ignore the media’s reports of the need for workers in the healthcare sector. As the population ages, and medical science extends life expectancies like never before, the healthcare sector faces incredible demands over the next few years. Fortunately, there are more than enough people ready, willing and able to seize this opportunity and launch successful careers by enrolling in medical technical schools. If you’re ready to begin the next chapter of your professional life, here are a few reasons why a career as a pharmacy technician could be a great fit:
Excellent prospects
If you’re thinking about studying to be a pharmacy technician at technical training schools, you could be looking at a bright future. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to increase by 32% through 2020 – much faster than the 14% average for all occupations. In today’s uncertain economy, job security and available positions are serious business for many Americans, and pharmacy technician is one position that could prove to be pretty attractive in years to come.
Competitive salary
Sure, it’s great to know that pharmacy technicians are in demand, but that doesn’t pay the bills, does it? Fortunately, pharmacy techs earn a competitive salary. Data from PayScale indicates that, on average, these professionals earn between $17,004 and $34,944 per year.
If you end up working on an hourly basis, you could earn an overtime rate as high as $24 per hour in some areas. Typical hourly rates for pharmacy technicians range from around $8 to about $15.
Rewarding work
People rely on pharmacies to effectively manage the medications they need to feel healthy. If you end up working as a pharmacy technician when you finish up at technical schools, you can help people feel better every day.
Working as a pharmacy tech isn’t just labeling pill bottles or handing out prescriptions. Many of these professionals choose to undergo extensive on-the-job training to help people cope with the symptoms of everyday ailments such as allergies, hay fever, coughs and sneezes and much more. If you’ve ever gotten advice from a pharmacy technician that saved you a trip to the doctor’s office – and the resulting copay – you know how important this kind of work can be.
Freedom and flexibility
Unlike some careers in healthcare, pharmacy technicians aren’t just limited to looking for work in big cities. From chain pharmacies to working in the dispensary of a local hospital, there are plenty of places you can look for work once you’ve finished up your pharmacy technician certificate at medical technical schools. In some hospitals, pharmacy techs help nurses prepare intravenous drips and other specialized methods of administering drugs, and others even do rounds in the wards, making sure patients take their medication at the correct time.
Can you think of any other reasons to become a pharmacy technician? Share them with us in the comment space below.
