Logan Reid
Pharmacy technicians are an essential part of the healthcare team, acting as a link between patients and pharmacists. They work in a hospital or community pharmacy setting under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Hospital pharmacy technicians work closely with pharmacists to mix medication compounds, deliver medicines to hospital units, organise drugs, and keep patients safe. To become a pharmacy technician, you need at least a high school degree or equivalent with on-the-job training, but many also complete a postsecondary education program such as a certificate program or an associate’s degree. Some states require certification, such as passing the PTCE, and some employers may also require national certification. There are various training programs available, including paid apprenticeship programs, that can help prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and provide real-world experience in a variety of pharmacy environments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Job Role | Assist pharmacists in the safe and accurate preparation and dispensing of medications |
| Work Environment | Hospital or community pharmacy setting |
| Education Requirements | High school degree or equivalent with on-the-job training, certificate program, associate's degree, or completion of a Pharmacy Technician Training Program |
| Certification | Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) |
| Salary | $40,300 per year or $19.37 per hour on average for pharmacy technicians; hospital pharmacy technicians earn higher salaries, averaging about $60,320 per year or $29 per hour |
| Work Schedule | Flexible scheduling options |
| Job Outlook | Opportunities expected to increase by 6% between 2022 and 2032 |
| Job Security | Good |
| Benefits | Great benefits |
| Duties | Mixing medication compounds, delivering medicines to hospital units, organizing different drugs, keeping patients safe, creating clear labels, responding to emergencies, tracking high-risk medications |
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What You'll Learn
Education and training
To become a hospital pharmacy technician, you'll need a mix of education and training. While requirements vary by state, most pharmacy technicians need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, and some on-the-job training.
High school students interested in this career path should take science courses like chemistry and biology. Many aspiring pharmacy technicians also choose to complete a post-secondary education program, such as a certificate program or an associate's degree. Certificate programs can be completed in as little as nine months and are often available online. They prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), which is required in some states. Associate's degree programs, on the other hand, typically take around two years to complete and often include internships or externships.
In addition to state registration, many employers may require pharmacy technicians to obtain national certification. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) offers the PTCE, which grants recognition to individuals who have attained the necessary level of knowledge and skills across pharmacy settings. Initial certification requires passing the PTCE ($129) and earning the CPhT designation.
Some hospitals offer paid technician trainee programs that provide classroom education and hands-on training. For example, the University Hospitals Pharmacy Technician Training Program in Cleveland, Ohio, is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and prepares students for national certification and state licensing in Ohio. Trainees rotate through hospital, retail, mail order, and specialty pharmacy settings. Similarly, University Health offers a training program that prepares students for the PTCE and includes paid employment as registered pharmacy technician trainees.
Mayo Clinic also offers a 20-week Pharmacy Technician Program in Minnesota, Florida, Arizona, and Wisconsin, which prepares students for a career as a pharmacy technician.
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Certification and licensing
Certification requirements for pharmacy technicians vary depending on the state in which they practice. Some states require certification, while others simply regulate the profession through exams, continuing education, and background checks. To become a certified pharmacy technician, one must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This certification grants recognition to individuals who have attained the necessary level of knowledge, skill, and/or experience across pharmacy settings. The PTCE costs $129 to take.
Some employers may require pharmacy technicians to obtain national certification. To become nationally certified and licensed in the state of Ohio, for example, one can enrol in the University Hospitals Pharmacy Technician Training Program, which is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). This program offers hands-on training, classroom education, and career support at no cost to the trainee. Trainees are paid hourly during classroom instruction and clinical rotations.
Mayo Clinic offers a 20-week Pharmacy Technician Program in Rochester, Minnesota; Jacksonville, Florida; Phoenix, Arizona; and throughout Wisconsin. This program prepares students for a career as a pharmacy technician and can help them obtain their certification. There are also certificate programs available online, which can be completed in as little as nine months. These programs help prepare students for the PTCE and may include a hands-on learning component where students train in a pharmacy.
An associate's degree program, which typically takes two years to complete, can also help prepare students for the PTCE, often including internship or externship experiences. Additionally, some hospitals may offer their own training programs. For example, University Health offers a training program that provides comprehensive training to prepare students for the PTCE and produce job-ready pharmacy technicians.
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Daily tasks and responsibilities
The daily tasks and responsibilities of a hospital pharmacy technician vary depending on their level of education, work experience, and the state in which they practice. Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists, who are responsible for ensuring the safety of all medications dispensed.
Hospital pharmacy technicians are responsible for filling and packaging prescriptions, and working with pharmacists and other healthcare providers to treat patients with a wide range of illnesses or medical conditions. They may also handle tasks such as delivering medications to different hospital areas, such as nurses' stations, operating rooms, or emergency departments. They also ensure that crash carts are adequately supplied and manage the inventory in dispensing machines. This includes managing stock, putting medications back on the shelves, and refilling them if needed.
Technicians also prepare medications, including liquids and powders for intravenous mixing and compounding. They process prescriptions, create labels, and maintain and sterilize equipment to avoid the spread of infection. They also oversee pharmacy quality and safety, ensuring that all medicines include the proper drugs and that patients receive the correct prescriptions.
In addition to these clinical duties, hospital pharmacy technicians also complete administrative tasks, such as processing insurance claims and managing inventory. They may also train new technicians and serve as a medication history technician, meeting with patients or patient representatives to compile an accurate list of their current medications.
Hospital pharmacy technicians must have strong customer service skills, as they spend much of their time interacting with patients and other healthcare professionals. They also need good organizational skills to balance their various responsibilities and provide efficient service.
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Salary and benefits
According to Stepful.com, the average salary for pharmacy techs is $40,300 per year or $19.37 per hour. However, hospital pharmacy technicians earn significantly higher wages, with an average annual salary of $60,320 or $29 per hour. This discrepancy may be due to the more advanced training and certifications required for hospital positions.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a slightly lower median salary for hospital pharmacy technicians of $38,270 per year. This figure includes state, local, and private hospitals. In contrast, pharmacy technicians working in retail pharmacies and drugstores earn a median salary of $35,940 per year, according to the BLS.
In addition to higher salaries, hospital pharmacy technicians often enjoy excellent benefits. These benefits can include paid time off, good job security, flexible scheduling options, and opportunities for career advancement. The job outlook for pharmacy technicians is also positive, with a projected 6% increase in opportunities between 2022 and 2032.
For those interested in becoming a hospital pharmacy technician, there are training programs available that offer hands-on experience and classroom education. Some programs, like the University Hospitals Pharmacy Technician Training Program in Cleveland, Ohio, are paid apprenticeships that provide an hourly wage during classroom instruction and clinical rotations. These programs can help individuals obtain the necessary certifications and qualifications to succeed in this rewarding career path.
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Career progression
To become a hospital pharmacy technician, you must first obtain a high school degree or equivalent, and some on-the-job training. Many aspiring pharmacy technicians also complete a postsecondary education program, such as a certificate program or an associate's degree. Certificate programs can be completed in as little as nine months, and they prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). An associate's degree, on the other hand, usually takes around two years to complete and often includes internships or externships.
Once you have completed your education, you can pursue certification. While some states do not require certification, others mandate that pharmacy technicians pass the PTCE to practice. This exam costs $129 and grants successful candidates recognition as certified pharmacy technicians (CPhT).
After becoming a certified pharmacy technician, you can explore career advancement opportunities. With additional training, education, and experience, you can aspire to managerial roles in retail pharmacies, become pharmaceutical representatives, or even pursue a path to becoming a licensed pharmacist.
To enhance your career prospects, you can also consider enrolling in a Pharmacy Technician Trainee Program. These programs offer hands-on training, classroom education, and career support. Some examples include the University Hospitals Pharmacy Technician Training Program in Cleveland, Ohio, and the Mayo Clinic's Pharmacy Technician Program offered in Minnesota, Florida, Arizona, and Wisconsin. These programs can provide you with the qualifications and experience needed to become nationally certified and licensed in specific states.
Additionally, gaining experience in different pharmacy settings can boost your career progression. Hospital pharmacy technicians often require more training and advanced certifications compared to those working in retail pharmacies. Building a network within the hospital and meeting people in other departments can also increase your chances of career advancement.
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Frequently asked questions
You need at least a high school degree or equivalent, and some on-the-job training. Many people also complete a postsecondary education program, such as a certificate program or an associate's degree. You may also need to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) to get your CPhT designation.
Pharmacy technicians act as a link between patients and pharmacists. They work with many different healthcare professionals and assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medication. They also handle inventory management, customer service, and insurance processing. Hospital pharmacy technicians often have to create compounds for intravenous use or to be given through a feeding tube. They may also respond to emergencies.
Hospital pharmacy technicians earn higher salaries than pharmacy technicians in other settings, averaging about $60,320 per year, or $29 per hour. They also enjoy great benefits, good job security, and flexible scheduling options.
