Pharmacy Technicians: An Indispensable Role in Healthcare

Most of us have been in this situation. You wake up in the morning to find that the cough you or a loved one had at bedtime became much worse overnight. Now you must rearrange your day for an appointment with the doctor, which may also include a visit to the pharmacy. Even though this may not be the day you were planning to have, you’ll meet healthcare professionals at every step who are dedicated to getting you and your family back to health. One of those healthcare heroes is a pharmacy technician.

What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?

Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists. While most patients interact with them when dropping off and paying for their prescriptions, the role of a pharmacy technician includes far more than what you see at the cash register. Their extensive duties may include:

• Receiving prescriptions
• Entering patient information
• Preparing and dispensing medication
• Communicating with doctors’ offices concerning refills
• Using the latest pharmacy technology and software
• Processing insurance claims
• Maintaining pharmacy inventory
• Building relationships with patients
• Making a difference!

Where Do Pharmacy Technicians Work?

Retail pharmacies are a common place of employment, but there are many other options. Wherever people are in need of medication, there is a need for pharmacy technicians. Hospitals, assisted living communities, compounding pharmacies, nuclear pharmacies, and insurance companies all hire pharmacy technicians to assist patients and keep their operations running smoothly. Becoming a pharmacy technician can also be the first step to pursing other in-demand healthcare careers such as registered pharmacists and registered nurses.

What is the Job Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians?

The future is bright for those in this vital healthcare career. According to Glassdoor, pharmacy technicians enjoy a 16.9% four-year pay increase and are among the top 10 occupations where employees can expect fast-paced salaries.

The CPE Difference

At the College of Professional Education (CPE), our Pharmacy Technician Certificate is taught by registered pharmacists who have over 100 years of combined experience. Approved by the American Pharmacists Association, our three-month course will prepare you to begin working in the field and sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE®).

Our Graduates are Successful  

Our Pharmacy Technician Certificate graduates have distinguished themselves in many areas of the pharmaceutical industry. Positions held by our graduates include:

• Insurance company liaison
• Medical compounding specialist
• Medication technician
• Pharmacy software program director
• Pharmacy software installation trainer

Is a Career as a Pharmacy Technician Right for You?

If you have an eye for detail, enjoy helping people, and are looking for a healthcare career with many job opportunities and room for advancement in both position and pay, a career as a pharmacy technician is an excellent choice. Here’s what a few of our graduates have to say about their jobs and our Pharmacy Technician Certificate course:

“The teaching staff was wonderful and the opportunity to be taught by pharmacists with real life experiences was a great asset. Enrolling in Kennesaw State’s (CPE) Pharmacy Technician Certificate course was one of the best decisions that I have made. Thank you for helping me change my life!” Opalmarie Ader

“People need [pharmacy] techs. I can prepare their medication and give them the best price, but also add a personal touch to my work. We know how expensive prescriptions can be. I work with customers to find the best solution and make them smile in the process.” Daniel Evans

“Just being associated with this university, I knew I would have one step ahead of the rest of the pharmacy technicians in Georgia.” Tykeria Lewis

“I like helping people and the responsibility associated with medicinal care. Medicine has been around for thousands of years. I will always be employed [with] an education in medicine.” Tina Tevis