Pharmacy Technicians
Tasks Include:
- Receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate.
- Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs.
- Answer telephones, responding to questions or requests.
- Assist customers by answering simple questions, locating items, or referring them to the pharmacist for medication information.
- Price and file prescriptions that have been filled.
- Clean and help maintain equipment or work areas and sterilize glassware, according to prescribed methods.
- Establish or maintain patient profiles, including lists of medications taken by individual patients.
- Order, label, and count stock of medications, chemicals, or supplies and enter inventory data into computer.
- Mix pharmaceutical preparations, according to written prescriptions.
- Operate cash registers to accept payment from customers.
- Prepack bulk medicines, fill bottles with prescribed medications, and type and affix labels.
more »
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Projections Quick View:
Virginia: +21.4%
National: +5.0%
Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
Job Zone:
Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Income Range:
Moderately High ($36,000 - $49,999)
Median Earnings:
National
$37,790.00
State
$37,440.00
Regional
Pharmacy Technicians
Description
Career Cluster: | Health Science |
Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Pharmacy Technicians
Education
Required Level of Education
- Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) = 41.97%
- High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) = 35.73%
- Some College Courses = 14.63%
- Bachelor's Degree = 3.84%
- Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 3.83%
Related Work Experience
- None = 38.71%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 15.17%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 12.88%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 10.93%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 8.09%
- Up to and including 1 month = 7.97%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 6.25%
On-Site or In-Plant Training
- Up to and including 1 month = 31.16%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 26.84%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 14.74%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 10.68%
- None = 8.61%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 7.97%
On-the-Job Training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 44.52%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 20.11%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 12.39%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 11.50%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 11.48%
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Pharmacy Technicians
Tasks
Core Tasks Include:
- Receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate.
- Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs.
- Answer telephones, responding to questions or requests.
- Assist customers by answering simple questions, locating items, or referring them to the pharmacist for medication information.
- Price and file prescriptions that have been filled.
- Clean and help maintain equipment or work areas and sterilize glassware, according to prescribed methods.
- Establish or maintain patient profiles, including lists of medications taken by individual patients.
- Order, label, and count stock of medications, chemicals, or supplies and enter inventory data into computer.
- Mix pharmaceutical preparations, according to written prescriptions.
- Operate cash registers to accept payment from customers.
- Prepack bulk medicines, fill bottles with prescribed medications, and type and affix labels.
- Receive and store incoming supplies, verify quantities against invoices, check for outdated medications in current inventory, and inform supervisors of stock needs and shortages.
- Enter prescription information into computer databases.
Supplemental Tasks Include:
- Transfer medication from vials to the appropriate number of sterile, disposable syringes, using aseptic techniques.
- Supply and monitor robotic machines that dispense medicine into containers and label the containers.
- Prepare and process medical insurance claim forms and records.
- Compute charges for medication or equipment dispensed to hospital patients and enter data in computer.
- Deliver medications or pharmaceutical supplies to patients, nursing stations, or surgery.
- Price stock and mark items for sale.
- Maintain and merchandise home healthcare products or services.
- Restock intravenous (IV) supplies and add measured drugs or nutrients to IV solutions under sterile conditions to prepare IV packs for various uses, such as chemotherapy medication.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Pharmacy Technicians
Tools and Technology
Tools Include:
- Microscope slides (Agar slides)
- Steam autoclaves or sterilizers (Autoclaves)
- Sterile or aseptic processing or filling machines (Automatic bottle filling machines)
- Filling or sealing auger dose machines (Automatic unit dose strip packaging machines)
- Laboratory mills (Benchtop colloid mills)
- Laboratory blenders or emulsifiers (Blending/agitating machines)
- Gas burners (Bunsen burners)
- Cash registers
- Benchtop centrifuges (Centrifuges)
- Laboratory mills (Colloid mills)
- Laser printers (Computer laser printers)
- Sterile or aseptic processing or filling machines (Computer-based dispensing equipment)
- Desktop computers
- Laboratory balances (Double-beam balances)
- Laboratory balances (Equal-arm balances)
- Vacuum blood collection tubes or containers (Evacuated blood collection containers)
- Pharmaceutical filters or ultra filters (Filtering devices)
- Laboratory washing machines (Flask washers)
- Laboratory graduated cylinders (Graduated cylinders)
- Laboratory mills (Grinding and shearing colloid mills)
- Fume hoods or cupboards (Horizontal and vertical flow hoods)
- Forced air or mechanical convection general purpose incubators (Incubators)
- Intravenous tubing with catheter administration kits (Intravenous IV supplies)
- Compact disc CD or labeling printers (Label printers)
- Laboratory vacuum pumps
- Laminar flow cabinets or stations (Laminar flow hoods)
- Notebook computers
- Personal computers
- Petri plates or dishes (Petri dishes)
- Point of sale POS terminal (Point of sale POS computer terminals)
- Medication or pill dispensers or accessories (Robotic dispensing systems)
- Sterile or aseptic processing or filling machines (Semiautomatic sterile solution transferring devices)
- Laboratory balances (Single-beam balances)
- Hydrometers (Specific gravity testing equipment)
- Dry heat or hot air sterilizers (Sterilizing equipment)
- Medical syringes without needles (Syringes)
- Tablet counters (Tablet counting machines)
- Multipurpose or general test tubes (Test tubes)
- Laboratory balances (Torsion balances)
- Laboratory blenders or emulsifiers (Total Parenteral Nutrition TPN compounders)
- Filling or sealing auger dose machines (Tube filling and crimping machines)
- Laboratory balances (Unequal-arm balances)
- Bi distillation units (Water distillation equipment)
Technologies Include:
- Accounting software
- Billing and reimbursement software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Database software
- Drug compatibility software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Pharmacy management software
- Inventory management software
- Cardinal Health Pyxis CII Safe
- Inventory management software
- Label making software
- Label-making software
- Medical software
- Compounder software
- Patient record maintenance software
- Pharmaceutical software
- Prescription processing software
- Point of sale POS software
- Point of sale POS software
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Pharmacy Technicians
Special Requirements
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
As of February 2004, pharmacy technicians in Virginia must be registered with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. To do this pharmacy technicians must pass an exam given by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or complete a training program approved by The Virginia Board of Pharmacy and pass an exam.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Must have received a high school diploma, a GED, or the foreign equivalent by the application receipt deadline and have never been convicted of a felony to sit for the PTCB Examination.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Because Pharmacy Technicians deal with controlled substances, they must undergo background checks
EXAM:
In order to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT):
Pharmacy technicians must pass the national PTCE. (Pharmacist Technician Certification Exam)
Once a pharmacy technician has passed the exam, he or she may use the designation of CPhT.
CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR RECERTIFICATION:
To continue to hold certification, a CPhT is required to obtain twenty hours of continuing education for recertification within two years of original certification or previous recertification. For more information regarding certification please visit the PTCB web site (www.ptcb.org).
RENEWAL:
Renewal of Certification is required every two years.
A. Pharmacy technician registrations expire on December 31 and shall be renewed annually prior to that date by the submission of a renewal fee and renewal form. A pharmacy technician newly registered on or after July 1 shall not be required to renew that registration until December 31 of the following year.
B. A pharmacy technician who fails to renew his registration by the expiration date may renew his registration at any time within one year of its expiration by submission of the renewal fee and late fee, renewal form, and proof of required continuing education.
During the two-year certification period, a CPhT must earn twenty hours of pharmacy - related continuing education; one of the twenty hours must be in pharmacy law.
Approximately sixty days before the recertification date, PTCB will mail a recertification packet to the candidate’s mailing address on file. For more information on recertification visit www.ptcb.org and download a copy of PTCB’s Recertification Requirements and Guidelines.
LATE RENEWAL/ REINSTATEMENT:
- A pharmacy technician who fails to renew his registration for more than one year following expiration and who wishes to reinstate such registration shall submit an application for reinstatement, pay the current renewal fee and a reinstatement fee, and submit documentation showing compliance with continuing education requirements.
- A person who fails to reinstate a pharmacy technician registration within five years of expiration, shall not be eligible for reinstatement and shall repeat an approved training program and repeat and pass the examination, or hold current PTCB certification, before applying to be re - registered.
Required Fees:
Initial Application Fees:
Pharmacy technician registration $25
Approval of a pharmacy technician training program $150
Approval of a continuing education program $100
Renewal Fees: (Annual)
Pharmacy technician registration $25
Late Fees:
The following late fees shall be paid in addition to the current renewal fee to renew an expired license within one year of the expiration date. In addition, engaging in activities requiring a license, permit, or registration after the expiration date of such license, permit, or registration shall be grounds for disciplinary action by the board.
Pharmacy technician registration $10
Reinstatement Fees:
Any person or entity attempting to renew a license, permit, or registration more than one year after the expiration date shall submit an application for reinstatement with any required fees.
Pharmacy technician registration $35
Pharmacy technician registration after revocation or suspension $125
Miscellaneous fees:
1.Duplicate wall certificate $25
2.Returned check $25
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet28)
Pharmacy Technicians
Knowledge
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
89.75 | Customer and Personal Service | Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
71.25 | Medicine and Dentistry | Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures. |
70.50 | Mathematics | Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
68.75 | English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
67.75 | Computers and Electronics | Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
62.25 | Law and Government | Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process. |
57.75 | Administrative | Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology. |
56.00 | Production and Processing | Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Pharmacy Technicians
Skills
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
75.00 | Active Listening | Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
68.75 | Reading Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
68.75 | Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
56.25 | Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
53.00 | Service Orientation | Actively looking for ways to help people. |
53.00 | Active Learning | Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
53.00 | Monitoring | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
53.00 | Social Perceptiveness | Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. |
53.00 | Complex Problem Solving | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
53.00 | Judgment and Decision Making | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
50.00 | Writing | Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
50.00 | Mathematics | Using mathematics to solve problems. |
50.00 | Coordination | Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. |
50.00 | Time Management | Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Pharmacy Technicians
Abilities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
75.00 | Oral Comprehension | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
75.00 | Written Comprehension | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
75.00 | Oral Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
75.00 | Near Vision | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
72.00 | Speech Recognition | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. |
68.75 | Problem Sensitivity | The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. |
68.75 | Information Ordering | The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
65.50 | Category Flexibility | The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. |
59.50 | Speech Clarity | The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. |
53.00 | Written Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. |
53.00 | Deductive Reasoning | The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
53.00 | Number Facility | The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly. |
53.00 | Finger Dexterity | The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects. |
53.00 | Perceptual Speed | The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object. |
50.00 | Inductive Reasoning | The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). |
50.00 | Selective Attention | The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. |
50.00 | Time Sharing | The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources). |
50.00 | Arm-Hand Steadiness | The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position. |
50.00 | Manual Dexterity | The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Pharmacy Technicians
Work Activities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
82.00 | Getting Information | Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
79.25 | Working with Computers | Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
77.50 | Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards | Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
77.25 | Processing Information | Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
76.25 | Documenting/Recording Information | Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
74.00 | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships | Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
73.25 | Performing for or Working Directly with the Public | Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
72.75 | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings | Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
71.25 | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates | Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
71.00 | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events | Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
66.75 | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge | Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
66.50 | Training and Teaching Others | Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
66.00 | Making Decisions and Solving Problems | Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
66.00 | Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work | Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
65.75 | Analyzing Data or Information | Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
65.25 | Assisting and Caring for Others | Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. |
65.25 | Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others | Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
61.50 | Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others | Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others. |
57.25 | Communicating with People Outside the Organization | Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
55.25 | Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials | Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
55.25 | Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others | Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
55.00 | Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information | Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
54.50 | Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People | Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
53.00 | Coaching and Developing Others | Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
50.75 | Scheduling Work and Activities | Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
49.75 | Monitoring and Controlling Resources | Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money. |
49.50 | Handling and Moving Objects | Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Pharmacy Technicians
Work Styles
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
91.00 | Attention to Detail | Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
87.00 | Integrity | Job requires being honest and ethical. |
84.75 | Dependability | Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
84.25 | Cooperation | Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
84.25 | Self-Control | Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
82.00 | Stress Tolerance | Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. |
80.25 | Initiative | Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
79.50 | Concern for Others | Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
75.50 | Analytical Thinking | Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
75.25 | Adaptability/Flexibility | Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
74.50 | Persistence | Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
71.75 | Achievement/Effort | Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
70.00 | Leadership | Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. |
66.25 | Social Orientation | Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job. |
64.50 | Independence | Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. |
55.25 | Innovation | Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Pharmacy Technicians
Work Values
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
72.17 | Relationships | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. |
66.67 | Support | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Pharmacy Technicians
Work Context
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
100.00 | Telephone | How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? |
99.60 | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? |
98.60 | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? |
96.80 | Contact With Others | How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? |
93.20 | Electronic Mail | How often do you use electronic mail in this job? |
91.20 | Face-to-Face Discussions | How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? |
90.80 | Spend Time Standing | How much does this job require standing? |
89.00 | Work With Work Group or Team | How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? |
87.80 | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? |
86.00 | Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People | How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements? |
85.20 | Time Pressure | How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? |
81.40 | Physical Proximity | To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? |
81.20 | Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | How much does this job require making repetitive motions? |
80.20 | Consequence of Error | How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable? |
79.80 | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? |
77.20 | Frequency of Decision Making | How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? |
76.60 | Spend Time Walking and Running | How much does this job require walking and running? |
75.80 | Coordinate or Lead Others | How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? |
75.00 | Deal With External Customers | How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job? |
73.40 | Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? |
72.60 | Frequency of Conflict Situations | How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job? |
70.20 | Structured versus Unstructured Work | To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? |
68.00 | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety | How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? |
67.80 | Responsibility for Outcomes and Results | How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers? |
67.80 | Exposed to Disease or Infections | How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections? |
65.60 | Freedom to Make Decisions | How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? |
61.20 | Exposed to Contaminants | How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)? |
61.00 | Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable | How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable? |
59.00 | Level of Competition | To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures? |
57.80 | Letters and Memos | How often does the job require written letters and memos? |
53.60 | Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body | How much does this job require bending or twisting your body? |
50.40 | Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets? |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Pharmacy Technicians
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Overall Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
- Examples
- These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Pharmacy Technicians
Earnings Benefits*
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
---|---|---|---|
United States | $29,640.00 | $37,790.00 | $45,710.00 |
Virginia | $29,340.00 | $37,440.00 | $43,620.00 |
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
Alexandria/Arlington | $35,308.89 | $44,372.35 | $48,907.20 |
Bay Consortium | $32,603.76 | $39,665.12 | $44,975.68 |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | $32,011.85 | $38,804.26 | $42,838.58 |
Central VA/Region2000 | $31,085.57 | $37,652.64 | $40,947.59 |
Crater Area | $32,797.95 | $38,686.92 | $42,628.82 |
Greater Peninsula | $31,464.60 | $38,674.46 | $43,348.46 |
Hampton Roads | $31,703.44 | $38,795.95 | $42,694.24 |
New River/Mt. Rogers | $29,136.43 | $36,190.52 | $39,779.35 |
Northern Virginia | $35,616.26 | $44,440.89 | $49,432.65 |
Piedmont Workforce | $33,707.62 | $39,527.01 | $44,673.50 |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | $30,014.94 | $38,069.05 | $41,252.89 |
Southwestern Virginia | $28,443.79 | $33,786.54 | $37,826.06 |
West Piedmont | $29,651.49 | $35,803.18 | $38,689.00 |
Western Virginia | $31,970.32 | $38,221.70 | $42,351.56 |
* Earnings Calculations:
Regional Earnings:
Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.
National and State Earnings:
Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Pharmacy Technicians
Employment Projections
Current | Projected | % Change | |
---|---|---|---|
United States | 447,300 | 469,700 | +5.0% |
Virginia | 9,671 | 11,744 | +21.4% |
Region | Current* | Projected | % Change |
Alexandria/Arlington | 298 | 348 | +16.8% |
Bay Consortium | 471 | 636 | +35.0% |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | 1,642 | 1,869 | +13.8% |
Central VA/Region2000 | 355 | 388 | +9.3% |
Crater Area | 149 | 158 | +6.0% |
Greater Peninsula | 598 | 723 | +20.9% |
Hampton Roads | 1,642 | 1,863 | +13.5% |
New River/Mt. Rogers | 558 | 679 | +21.7% |
Northern Virginia | 1,983 | 2,406 | +21.3% |
Piedmont Workforce | 565 | 660 | +16.8% |
Shenandoah Valley | 542 | 668 | +23.2% |
South Central | 167 | 216 | +29.3% |
Southwestern Virginia | 257 | 353 | +37.4% |
West Piedmont | 133 | 180 | +35.3% |
Western Virginia | 730 | 775 | +6.2% |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Pharmacy Technicians
Related Occupations
Related Occupations
The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:- Pharmacy Aides
- Medical Assistants
- Phlebotomists
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
- Medical Equipment Preparers
- Surgical Technologists
- Nursing Assistants
- Opticians, Dispensing
- Pharmacists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Medical Records Specialists
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
- Emergency Medical Technicians
- Anesthesiologist Assistants
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
- Surgical Assistants
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
- Dental Assistants
Careers in Therapeutic Services Pathway:
- Acupuncturists
- Acute Care Nurses
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
- Allergists and Immunologists
- Anesthesiologist Assistants
- Anesthesiologists
- Art Therapists
- Athletic Trainers
- Audiologists
- Cardiologists
- Chiropractors
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Critical Care Nurses
- Dental Assistants
- Dental Hygienists
- Dentists, All Other Specialists
- Dentists, General
- Dermatologists
- Dietetic Technicians
- Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Exercise Physiologists
- Family Medicine Physicians
- General Internal Medicine Physicians
- Genetic Counselors
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other
- Hearing Aid Specialists
- Home Health Aides
- Hospitalists
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
- Medical Assistants
- Midwives
- Music Therapists
- Naturopathic Physicians
- Neurologists
- Nurse Anesthetists
- Nurse Midwives
- Nurse Practitioners
- Nursing Assistants
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- Occupational Therapists
- Occupational Therapy Aides
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
- Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
- Opticians, Dispensing
- Optometrists
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- Orthodontists
- Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
- Orthoptists
- Orthotists and Prosthetists
- Pediatric Surgeons
- Pediatricians, General
- Pharmacists
- Pharmacy Technicians
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
- Physical Therapist Aides
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Physical Therapists
- Physician Assistants
- Physicians, All Other
- Physicians, Pathologists
- Podiatrists
- Preventive Medicine Physicians
- Prosthodontists
- Psychiatric Aides
- Psychiatric Technicians
- Psychiatrists
- Radiation Therapists
- Radiologists
- Recreational Therapists
- Registered Nurses
- Respiratory Therapists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Sports Medicine Physicians
- Surgeons, All Other
- Surgical Technologists
- Therapists, All Other
- Urologists
- Veterinarians
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Pharmacy Technicians
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Overview
Occupations
The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet28)
Pharmacy Technicians
Military Training
The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:
- Pharmacy
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center. (Using onet28)
Pharmacy Technicians
Proficiency Ratings
These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Pharmacy Technicians
Titles
- Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
- Drug Coordinator
- IV Certified Pharmacy Technician
- Pharmaceutical Care Associate
- Pharmacist Assistant
- Pharmacist Technician
- Pharmacy Laboratory Technician
- Pharmacy Technician
- Pharmacy Technologist
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Pharmacy Technicians
Related Schools
- American National University
- Chester Career College
- Stratford University
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)