Are you struggling to choose a career path that feels right for you? Whether it’s your first job or a career change you’re looking for, this can be one of the hardest decisions you make. Your career choice will affect your lifestyle, financial stability, and happiness.
If you’re looking for a rewarding career with a clear path to success, consider becoming a pharmacy technician. There are countless positive reasons to become a pharmacy tech. You can enjoy job security and financial security and feel good knowing you’re helping others.
If your interest is piqued, and you want to learn more, you’re in the right place. We know it can be daunting to enter a career path without much knowledge of that career. Read on for our top 7 reasons for pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician.
1. The Job Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians is Promising
Before you invest in any education or preparation, you want to be sure there’s a market for your chosen job. Luckily, choosing a job in the healthcare field is a great bet. The expected growth in employment for healthcare professionals from 2016 to 2026 is 18 percent.
For pharmacy techs, in particular, the projected growth rate is 12 percent, which is still faster than the average. Once you are ready to become a pharmacy tech, it should be easy to find work. Plus, while many jobs in the healthcare industry need years of education and training, becoming a pharmacy tech does not.
2. You Don’t Need Years of Costly Education and Training
Becoming a pharmacy technician is a great choice if you want to avoid a mountain of student loan debt. Many schools offer affordable programs that you can complete in one year. Pharmacy tech online schools are also popular, and online education is great for convenience.
Most programs also include hands-on training, so you won’t be stuck in front of a book or computer. With a year of comprehensive education and training, you can feel confident and comfortable when you begin your career. Some employers even offer on-the-job training, so your learning won’t stop once you complete the necessary education.
3. Enjoy Quality Work-Life Balance
Once you begin working as a pharmacy tech, your work schedule will be flexible, too. If you work at a 24-hour pharmacy, for example, you may have the option of night or weekend shifts. This is great for people who have to care for children during the day, or who have other obligations.
Pharmacy techs can work full or part-time, so you can truly create a schedule that works for you. All this makes it easy to maintain your personal life and even take time off for travel experiences. Pharmacy technicians rarely stress about their work-life balance.
4. There are Many Work Opportunities
Along with flexible schedules, there’s also flexibility in where you work. While most people think pharmacy techs work only in retail stores like CVS or Duane Reade, that isn’t the case. You can work in a hospital, nursing home, or anywhere else that has a pharmacy.
And if you ever need to move, finding a new job won’t be difficult. Like people all across the country need doctors and nurses, they also need access to a pharmacy. Whether you live in the suburbs, a city, or even a more rural area, you should be able to find a stable position as a pharmacy tech.
5. Being a Pharmacy Tech is a Continual Learning Experience
We mentioned that you don’t have to spend years and thousands of dollars in school to become a pharmacy technician. But that doesn’t make the learning any less valuable. In fact, your learning will continue even after you’re through with your education and initial training.
As a pharmacy tech, you’ll know the names of countless drugs and the ailments and illness they can treat. As new drugs and new studies come out, you’ll always be learning more. You won’t have to worry about how to keep your brain active when you’re a pharmacy tech.
6. There’s Always Room for Career Growth
As a pharmacy technician, you will earn respect as an educated professional. You can feel challenged and fulfilled every day on the job. But if you ever want to grow your career further, there are plenty of growth opportunities.
You can stand out for your hard work and earn a more senior or leadership position on your team. Or, you may choose to go back to school and pursue a career as a pharmacist. It isn’t unusual for a pharmacy tech to work while continuing their education to become a pharmacist.
7. Pharmacy Technicians Help Others and Make a Difference
You don’t have to be a brain surgeon or surgical nurse to have a fulfilling healthcare career. Being a pharmacy technician also provides the opportunity to help others and make a positive impact. You’ll be working as part of an entire team whose goal is to help people feel better and live healthier lives.
Every day, you’ll be helping people access the medicines they need for their health and wellness. And when you interact with the customers who come to your pharmacy, you’re sure to see how grateful they are for your service. There may be tough days, but you will always know you’re making a positive impact.
Take the Next Steps to Becoming a Pharmacy Tech
Still looking to learn more about what it takes to become a pharmacy tech? You can contact a pharmacy tech school to learn more, or talk to someone you know in the field. Once you’re ready to pursue your education and training, there are other things to consider, too.
For example, if you’re planning to complete an online program, you should learn about how online courses have been changing. You want to feel prepared and confident when you start your journey. Even on the days it feels challenging, remember that you’re pursuing a great career, and the work will be well worth it.
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