Pharmacist or Pharmacy Technician - Which Career is Right for You?
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians frequently operate side by side. But despite their similarities — both positions carry out similar tasks — there are notable differences between the two career fields.
Both career fields are in demand in all settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and mail-order pharmacies. They can also work in specialized geriatric, oncology, or ambulatory care areas.
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians: what’s the difference?
Prescription labeling, packaging, and inventory management are vital tasks performed by pharmacy technicians. They also interact with consumers and take payments. The responsibilities of a pharmacy technician may also include other tasks, depending on the employer.
As the pharmacy’s manager, the pharmacist ensures the safe and efficient supply of drugs. Their duties can include giving immunizations, interacting with physicians and insurance providers, and verifying that prescriptions have no interactions that could be harmful.
What does a pharmacy technician do?
Here are a few of the specific tasks that a pharmacy technician might handle:
- Preparing and Dispensing Medications: This includes counting pills, measuring medications, and packaging and labeling prescriptions.
- Maintaining Medication And Inventory Records: This includes keeping track of the medications in stock, ordering new supplies as needed, and monitoring expiration dates.
- Processing Prescription And Insurance Information: This includes receiving and entering prescription information into a computer system, verifying insurance coverage, and processing payments.
- Communicating With Healthcare Professionals: This includes answering questions from patients and other healthcare professionals, and providing information on medication usage and side effects.
- Assisting Pharmacists: This includes helping pharmacists with preparing compounds, mixing medications, and preparing intravenous solutions.
- Providing Customer Service: This includes answering questions and addressing patient concerns, providing information on medication usage and side effects, and helping to resolve any problems or complaints.
- Keeping Up To Date With New Developments And Regulations: This includes staying up-to-date about the new medications, regulations, and laws in the pharmacy and healthcare industry.
What Does a pharmacist do?
Here are a few of the responsibilities that a pharmacist might handle:
- Reviewing Prescription Orders: Pharmacists are responsible for reviewing them to ensure they are complete and accurate. They also check for potential drug interactions or allergies and ensure that the medication’s dosage and frequency are appropriate.
- Dispensing Medication: Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medication to patients. They ensure that the medication is packaged and labeled correctly and provide instructions on how to take it.
- Providing Medication Counseling: Pharmacists are responsible for providing medication counseling to patients. They explain the medication’s side effects and potential risks and advise on how to take it properly.
- Monitoring Medication Therapy: Pharmacists are responsible for monitoring medication therapy to ensure that the medication is working as intended and that there are no adverse effects. They also adjust the dosage or frequency of the medication as needed.
- Communicating With Healthcare Professionals: Pharmacists are responsible for communicating with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and nurses, to ensure that the patient’s medication therapy is appropriate and effective.
- Managing The Pharmacy: Pharmacists are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the pharmacy. This includes supervising pharmacy technicians and other staff, maintaining inventory, and ordering new supplies.
- Staying Current With New Medications And Treatments: Pharmacists are responsible for staying current with new medications and treatments, and they need to be familiar with the latest developments in the field, new drugs, and new treatments.
- Compliance: Pharmacists are responsible for compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, including HIPAA, OSHA, and DEA regulations.
How can I become a pharmacy technician?
Education and training requirements for pharmacy technicians can vary depending on the state you plan to work in and the certifying body you choose. However, pharmacy technicians are generally required to earn a high school diploma or GED, complete a pharmacy technician training program, pass a certification exam, and complete on-the-job training and continuing education.
How can I become a pharmacist?
Pharmacists require more education and training than pharmacy technicians. They generally must complete the following steps:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Pharmacy s
- Licensure
- Residency
In addition to the above requirements, many pharmacists must also complete ongoing education in order to maintain their license. Continuing education for a pharmacist often includes the latest trends in the pharmaceutical space, alongside any new advancements in medication management or patient care.
Pharmacy technician vs. pharmacist - which career is right for you?
It’s important to consider your priorities when choosing between a pharmacist or pharmacy technician career. Here are a few specifics on both professions:
Job outlook and salary of a pharmacy technician
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in May 2021 was $36,740. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and type of employer. For example, pharmacy technicians working in hospitals earn more than those working in retail pharmacies.
The BLS projects that the employment of pharmacy technicians will grow 5% through 2031. This growth is driven by an aging population, increased demand for prescription medications, and the need for more pharmacy technicians to help fill prescriptions and perform other tasks.
Job outlook and salary of a pharmacist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for pharmacists in May 2021 was $128,570.However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and type of employer. For example, pharmacists working in hospitals earn more than those working in retail pharmacies.
The BLS projects that the employment of pharmacists is projected to grow 2% through 2031. This growth is driven by an aging population, increased demand for prescription medications, and the need for more pharmacists to provide patient care services.
If you’re interested in working in a pharmacy and want to be a part of the healthcare team but do not want to spend as much time in school, then a career as a pharmacy technician may be a good fit for you. A pharmacist career may be better if you are interested in a more advanced role with more responsibilities and growth opportunities.
Pharmacies are an essential part of the healthcare system, and they hire pharmacy technicians to help with the day-to-day operations of the pharmacy. The demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to increase as the healthcare system continues to evolve and more people have access to healthcare services.
Get started today
If you are looking for an entry-level pharmacy career, consider Health Tech Academy’s Pharmacy Technician Bootcamp and get the knowledge and skills you need to land a job in 16 weeks. Then, schedule your free strategy sessions with our team to learn about next steps.
